Principal Enterprise Architect

We're looking for a Principal Enterprise Architect who can provide enterprise-wide architectural leadership, shape our future technology landscape, and help deliver our vision of becoming a truly digital organisation. As our Principal Enterprise Architect, you'll sit at the heart of strategic decision-making, shaping how business strategy, digital services, data, applications and technology come together to deliver real organisational value.
This is far more than a technical architecture role. You'll be a trusted adviser to senior leaders, helping translate strategic ambitions into practical, achievable outcomes while ensuring our technology investments are secure, sustainable, integrated and aligned with our long-term goals.
You'll lead the development of enterprise architecture principles, standards, capability models and future-state roadmaps, providing governance and assurance across major programmes, projects and technology investments. You'll also play a vital role in driving innovation, modernising legacy systems, reducing complexity and enabling smarter ways of working.
What You'll Be Doing:
Defining and maturing PCH's enterprise architecture function, governance and standards
Developing enterprise-wide architecture roadmaps aligned to organisational strategy and transformation priorities
Providing strategic architectural leadership across business, data, application, security, integration and technology domains
Advising senior stakeholders on technology investment decisions and future operating models
Supporting large-scale transformation programmes and digital innovation initiatives
Driving simplification, integration and modernisation across our technology estate
Providing assurance that programmes, projects and procurements align with strategic objectives and deliver value for money
Shaping the future of cloud services, AI, automation, cyber security, digital workplace technologies and data platforms
Building strong relationships across the organisation and influencing decision-making at senior levels

We're seeking a strategic leader who can see the bigger picture while maintaining a clear focus on delivery.
You'll have significant experience operating as an Enterprise Architect, Principal Architect or equivalent senior architecture professional, with a proven track record of influencing senior stakeholders and turning organisational strategy into practical, successful outcomes.
You'll bring:
Extensive experience developing enterprise architecture frameworks, standards, governance and roadmaps
Strong knowledge across business, data, application, integration, security and technology architecture
Experience providing assurance across complex programmes, technology investments and procurements
Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing and facilitation skills
The ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
Strategic and systems-thinking capabilities, connecting people, process, information and technology to achieve business outcomes
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the confidence to challenge constructively and influence decision-making
Degree-level qualifications or equivalent professional experience, alongside ongoing professional development
Professional certifications such as TOGAF, ArchiMate, Microsoft Azure, cloud, security or data architecture certifications would be advantageous.

Are you an experienced Enterprise Architect ready to step into a role where your strategic thinking, leadership and vision will directly influence the future of a growing organisation?
At Plymouth Community Homes, we're on an ambitious transformation journey. With over 16,000 homes and services supporting more than 35,000 people across Plymouth, we're investing in our future and using technology, data and innovation to drive better outcomes for our residents and colleagues.

Why Join Plymouth Community Homes?
This is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation with ambitious growth plans, a new long-term strategy and a genuine appetite for innovation and digital transformation.
At PCH, you'll have the freedom to shape enterprise architecture at a strategic level while continuing to develop your own professional expertise and leadership capability.
What we can offer you:
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
Flexi-time opportunities
Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
25 days annual leave, rising to 30 days, plus Bank Holidays
Holiday trading scheme
Free onsite gym and changing facilities
Employee Assistance Programme, including free counselling support
Annual flu vaccination
Cycle to Work scheme
Three volunteering days per year through our Make a Difference programme
Modern technology and equipment to support agile working
Career development opportunities within a forward-thinking organisation