Senior IT Architect & CISO

We are looking for an experienced IT & Security Architect to join our client's growing IT environment. This is a key technical position in which you will shape the future IT architecture, strengthen cybersecurity and ensure that new technologies and applications integrate into a secure, scalable and future-proof ecosystem.

Working closely with the CIO, internal IT specialists and external technology partners, you will combine strategic architectural thinking with hands-on technical expertise. You will operate autonomously, influence technical decisions and guide colleagues without taking on formal people management responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Define, develop and maintain the overall IT architecture and technology roadmap, ensuring consistency across projects, applications and infrastructure.
• Design and oversee Microsoft Azure and cloud architectures, ensuring scalability, resilience, security and cost efficiency.
• Modernise and progressively expose legacy core systems through APIs, integrations and modern application architectures.
• Ensure the seamless integration of applications, infrastructure and data environments following business expansion or organisational changes.
• Establish and maintain information security policies, risk management frameworks and IT governance, supporting compliance with regulations such as DORA.
• Evaluate technology solutions, architecture proposals and external suppliers to ensure alignment with architectural and security standards.
• Act as the internal technical reference for Microsoft technologies, Azure and cloud platforms, providing guidance and coaching to developers and IT colleagues.
• Support the adoption of AI solutions and AI-assisted software development, ensuring appropriate security, governance and responsible implementation.
• Contribute hands-on to technical analysis, architecture design, troubleshooting and implementation when required.
  
  
  

Your Profile

• Extensive experience as an IT Architect, Enterprise Architect, Solution Architect or Cloud Architect.
• Proven hands-on expertise with Microsoft Azure, cloud infrastructure and modern architectural principles.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity, information security governance, IT risk management and compliance frameworks.
• Experience designing and integrating enterprise applications, APIs and hybrid IT environments.
• Ability to translate business requirements into practical, secure and sustainable technical solutions.
• Comfortable combining strategic architecture responsibilities with operational and hands-on technical work.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to challenge technical decisions and influence stakeholders without formal authority.
• Experience mentoring technical colleagues and sharing architectural best practices.
• Languages: Professional proficiency in Dutch and English.
  
  
  

Additional assets:

• Experience in financial services, insurance or other regulated industries.
• Familiarity with DORA, ISO 27001 and related regulatory or security frameworks.
• Experience modernising and integrating legacy systems.
• Knowledge of IBM i (AS/400), .NET, Microsoft Fabric or enterprise data platforms.
• Exposure to AI technologies, AI governance or AI-driven development practices.
• Relevant certifications such as Azure Solutions Architect Expert, CISSP, CISM or ISO 27001.
• Knowledge of French.
  
  
  

Working Environment & Opportunities

Our client offers the opportunity to take ownership of enterprise architecture and cybersecurity within a growing, technology-driven organisation.

• Work alongside a compact internal IT team, business stakeholders and external technology partners.
• Report directly to the CIO, with visibility towards executive management.
• Play a central role in an environment combining IBM i-based core applications, Microsoft Azure, cloud integrations, data platforms and customer-facing digital solutions.
• Enjoy a high degree of autonomy and the opportunity to influence long-term technology decisions.
• Benefit from continuous professional development and exposure to cloud, data and AI initiatives.
• Work in a collaborative, people-oriented environment with a hybrid working model and regular on-site collaboration in West Flanders.
  
  
  

Contactperson & Reference

• Reference #: INR28817
• Geert Roete
• geert.roete@i4m.be