Key Responsibilities :

- Define, govern and steer IT and application architecture roadmaps in alignment with reference and enterprise architecture.

- Design secure, scalable and cost-effective solutions across applications, infrastructure, data and security.

- Assess architectural options and recommend fit-for-purpose solutions using cost-benefit, SWOT and other structured analysis.

- Translate complex business and technology challenges into simplified, practical architecture solutions.

- Architect secure solutions and identify/manage security vulnerabilities, with knowledge of OAuth, ISAM and OpenID.

- Balance short-term business needs with long-term technology strategy when making architectural decisions.

- Collaborate with business, technology, security and infrastructure stakeholders to build consensus and secure buy-in.

- Present architecture proposals, roadmaps and recommendations to senior management and business stakeholders.

- Ensure architectural decisions follow defined standards, principles and governance frameworks.

- Contribute to integration architecture involving J2EE, ERP packages and custom-developed applications.

- Evaluate emerging technologies, including Cloud, and recommend their adoption where appropriate.

- Navigate complex organizational environments and work effectively across multiple teams and stakeholders.

Required Experience & Skills :

- 14+ years of experience in IT, including 3+ years in Application/Solution Architecture.

- Strong knowledge of IT systems, applications, security, data and infrastructure.

- Strong analytical, conceptual and out-of-the-box problem-solving skills.

- Excellent strategic, business and technology understanding.

- Strong communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills.

- Experience working with senior management and business stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications :

- Experience with TOGAF or other architecture methodologies.

- Knowledge of ArchiMate, UML-based architecture tools and MEGA.

- Good understanding of Cloud technologies.

- Experience with European organizations, particularly in the retail sector, is an advantage.

- Experience in J2EE, ERP integrations/packages and custom application development is an advantage.