Lead Enterprise Architect (Applications) - FTC 12 months

Location: Royston or London Hub, UK

The Lead Enterprise Architect is accountable for shaping the global application strategy to support long-term transformation and enterprise-wide IT cost optimisation. This role leads the development of a global application roadmap, working in close collaboration with Solution Architects and Platform Leads, to ensure that individual platform roadmaps are strategically aligned to the global application vision. This alignment enables coherence across domains, maximises reuse and interoperability, and ensures that application investments deliver measurable business outcomes. 

Note: This is a fixed-term contract role available for 12 months

Principal accountabilities 

Strategic Leadership & Application Portfolio Management 

• Lead the development and execution of a global application strategy and roadmap that aligns with Johnson Matthey’s transformation objectives and enterprise-wide IT cost optimisation targets. 

• Drive the application rationalisation strategy by applying structured portfolio assessment techniques such as TIME analysis (Tolerate, Invest, Migrate, Eliminate) to evaluate the value, relevance, and future fit of applications across the estate. 

• Maintain a comprehensive, portfolio-level view of enterprise applications, identifying overlaps, gaps, and opportunities for consolidation, innovation, and simplification. 

Architecture Governance & Design Authority 

• Create and maintain conceptual designs and architecture artefacts (e.g. As-Is Portfolio views, Strategic Roadmaps, Target & Reference Architectures; HLD/Context Canvases) to support the Architecture governance process. 

• Lead the analysis and evolution of the application portfolio. 

• Represent architecture in governance forums including Architecture Review Boards, ESG Meetings, and Business / Platform(s) steering meetings. 

Platform Strategy Alignment 

• Work closely with Solution Architects and Platform Leads to align individual platform strategies with the global application roadmap. 

• Ensure coherence across domains, maximise reuse and interoperability, and promote tech simplicity through strategic alignment. 

• Guide platform evolution to support business agility, innovation, and long-term sustainability. 

Risk Management & Compliance 

• Ensure solutions are compliant with JM’s technical governance, data security, and regulatory requirements. 

• Conduct structured analysis of technical risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure reliability and resilience. 

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication 

• Act as a trusted advisor to Business IT Directors, Platform leads, and senior stakeholders on application architecture decisions. 

• Facilitate technical discussions with Solution Architects, Engineering teams to ensure feasibility, scalability, and alignment with strategic priorities. 

• Communicate architectural concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. 

Innovation 

• Drives the notion of reusable architecture assets and looks for opportunities to collaborate and reuse components by communicating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. 

• Experience in applying Design Thinking and Lean Startup principles to drive innovation

Qualifications:

• Extensive experience in defining and tracking architecture KPIs (e.g., application rationalisation metrics, TCO reduction, time-to-market, business agility) 
• Significant industry and IT experience, IT Security knowledge Considerable experience in leading cross-functional teams.
• Experience leading on significant programmes and projects 
• Senior Stakeholder management experience 
• Technical knowledge in a range of Infrastructure, Applications, System integration and a desire to extend their technical capabilities  
• Ability to build consensus on proposed technical solutions across a wide range of technologies.
• Previous experience as an IT architect in a large multi-national organization
• Previous experience using IT architecture frameworks such as TOGAF and ArchiMate 

What we offer:

We make sure salaries are fair, competitive and aligned to individual roles, experience and responsibilities. We are also supportive of hybrid and flexible working and where applicable, offer life, medical and other benefits that support our employees’ financial and physical wellbeing, such as:

• Retirement savings
• Share plans
• Saving accounts
• House saving funds
• Life and disability insurance
• Commuter allowances and loans
• Medical plans / health assessments
• Fitness discounts

Ready to make a meaningful impact on your career and the environment? Join us and help shape a sustainable future while advancing your career!

At JM, inclusivity is central to our values. We create an environment where everyone can thrive, embracing diverse perspectives to tackle challenges and ensure all colleagues feel valued and connected.

For any queries or accessibility requirements, please contact [email protected]. We will work with you to make suitable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All conversations are confidential, and your feedback is welcome to help us provide an accessible and positive recruitment experience.

To submit your application, please click the "Apply" button online.

All applications are carefully considered and your details will be stored on our secure Application Management System. This is used throughout Johnson Matthey for the selection of suitable candidates for our vacancies as they arise. Johnson Matthey respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information.

For more information about how your personal data is used please view our privacy notice:  Johnson Matthey Privacy Notice. By applying for this role and creating an account you are agreeing to the notice.

Johnson Matthey Plc is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief.