The Role:
The Head of Architecture & Design will have the opportunity to shape the enterprise data and technology strategy that powers the next stage of Canopius’ growth. They will define and lead strategic architecture across Canopius, working closely with business teams and technical delivery functions. They will be responsible for ensuring that enterprise architecture supports scalable delivery, future growth, and alignment with business priorities, and their leadership will be instrumental in ensuring Canopius pursues the appropriate technology direction to deliver on its ambitious growth and scalability targets.
Responsibilities will include:
Define and govern the architecture strategy, standards and frameworks to ensure scalability, security, maintainability and alignment with business strategy.
Provide thought leadership and accountability for enterprise solution designs, translating business needs into target-state architectures.
Cultivate effective relationships with business stakeholders informing on architectural processes and outcomes, ensuring that architecture is viewed as an enabler, not a constraint.
Outline transition strategy between current and target state architecture, ensuring consistency and reuse across business functions and regions where possible.
Drive and embed architecture governance frameworks to guide decision-making, technology adoption, and prioritisation across the business. Lead architecture review and design authority forums.
Develop strategic partnerships with software vendors, industry bodies, and research organisations to ensure Canopius’ architecture remains at the forefront of industry best practice.
Champion innovation by evaluating emerging technologies and trends, recommending adoption where they align with business needs.
Collaborate with risk, compliance, and operational teams to ensure that architectural solutions effectively manage and mitigate business and technology risks. Ensure architected solutions conform with relevant regulatory and security standards.
Develop and mentor team members, building capability and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing
Further Relevant Skills and Experience
Proven track record in leading enterprise architecture and design teams.
Deep understanding of architecture frameworks, experience with cloud platforms, APIs, data integration, legacy modernisation and emerging technologies (i.e., AI/Machine Learning) to architect scalable solutions that advance business objectives.
Confident and influential communicator who can drive alignment across the organisation, ensuring Architecture & Design is viewed as a trusted business partner and enabler.
Demonstrated ability to balance strategic vision with practical execution, ensuring architectural solutions are both innovative and achievable within existing constraints.
Experience building strong stakeholder relationships, influencing decision-making and securing buy-in and investment from diverse business and technical audiences.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex technical challenges and devise effective, sustainable solutions.
Excellent understanding of industry best practices and the regulatory landscape, ensuring all solutions adhere to compliance requirements while supporting business agility.