Head of Application Architecture

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The Head of Application Architecture will lead the strategic direction and governance of Ibec's application landscape, with a primary focus on the selection, integration, and optimisation of third-party vendor packages. This role will ensure the seamless delivery of business solutions, enhance data integrity and information flow, and minimise application sprawl through the adoption of common processes and robust architectural standards.

As a Senior Manager within Ibec, this role includes working with colleagues in the implementation of Ibec’s strategic and organisation development initiatives to support the delivery of Ibec’s strategy.

Closing date for applications will be 15th October at 5pm

ABOUT THE ROLE
Lead the Design Authority

Chair the Design Authority to define and govern application design principles, architectural standards, and the selection criteria for vendor packages and SaaS solutions.

Drive the strategic selection and implementation of vendor packages, ensuring they align with business needs and the long-term application roadmap.

Integration and Data Optimisation

Define and oversee application and data integration standards, ensuring that disparate vendor packages and SaaS solutions communicate effectively to enhance information flow, data integrity, and reusability.

Application Sprawl Minimisation

Actively manage the application portfolio, identifying opportunities for consolidation, reuse, and retirement of redundant or underutilised vendor packages to minimise sprawl and reduce operational complexity.

Provide expert architectural guidance to business and technical teams on how to best configure and integrate new vendor packages into the existing ecosystem.

Innovation and Improvement

Identify and evaluate new technologies and features within the existing vendor landscape (SaaS, Cloud, Microsoft) and emerging technologies like AI to drive continuous improvement.

Leadership and Development

Lead and motivate a team of professionals to achieve strategic technology objectives and activity targets

Manage individual and team performance, offering coaching and support as needed.

Act as a role model for team members.

Support individual and team development.

Ensure that teams are trained, understand and comply with Ibec governance

Ibec Strategy Delivery

Play a key role in Ibec's strategic delivery as a senior manager

Collaborate with various teams across the organisation on critical business requirements

Engage collaboratively in initiatives and projects

ABOUT YOU

Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in IT, with a significant portion of that time spent in a leadership or architectural capacity focused on the selection, integration, and management of vendor packages and SaaS solutions.

Minimum 5 years of proven experience in an application or Enterprise Architecture role.

Technical Skills Required:
SaaS and Vendor Integration Expertise

Deep understanding of enterprise integration patterns, APIs, and the architectural principles required to successfully integrate multiple vendor packages and SaaS solutions.

Proven experience in leading a design authority or similar governance body to define and enforce technical standards, particularly for vendor and package selection.

Business Acumen

Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills with the ability to translate business needs into effective, standards-based technology solutions using third-party packages.

Problem-Solving

Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities, with a focus on resolving architectural challenges related to vendor package interoperability.

Technical Acumen

A solid understanding of the principles of modern cloud-native architectures (SaaS, Cloud, Microsoft) and emerging technologies like AI.

Experience Required:

Hold a primary degree in a relevant discipline; additional postgraduate/professional qualifications are advantageous.

Strong leadership, strategic and communication capabilities.

Exceptional strategic relationship management skills, both internal and external.

Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate a highly professional team.

Innovative thinking and problem-solving ability.

Strong commercial insight and acumen.

Resilience and commitment to achieving objectives.

Ibec core competencies:

Bias towards action

Collaborative – work together as ‘one Ibec’.

Dynamic – approach initiatives with careful planning, energy, drive, and resilience.

Decisive – make clear, well-informed decisions.

Member and Customer Focus

Agile and Adaptive – embrace change and be adaptive to members’ needs and in ambitious situations.

Creative and Innovative – not afraid of dynamic thinking in finding solutions.

Curious and Critical Thinking – open minded and proactive in gathering data in developing opinions.

Drive and Personal Leadership

Ambitious – driven and can take responsible risks.

Accountable – committed to highest standards and takes ownership of actions.

Continuous Improvement – proactive on personal and professional development

Ibec is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for potential and existing employees with a disability. Should you wish to request a reasonable accommodation please email Kenny at Kenneth.kelly@ibec.ie

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Information Technology

Industries

Government Relations Services, Professional Training and Coaching, and Professional Services

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