Strategy and Architecture Lead

Conexus has partnered with leading FMCG manufacturer. We are seeking a highly experienced Strategy & Architecture Lead to drive business transformation and optimize operational efficiency through innovative technology solutions. This role is integral to shaping the enterprise's IT strategy and aligning it with business goals. The individual will lead initiatives aimed at improving revenue growth, managing risks, and optimizing costs, while overseeing the architecture design and governance framework.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership:
  • Develop and implement enterprise-wide IT strategies that align with business objectives.
  • Establish frameworks, metrics, and governance to guide decision-making and measure success.
  • Partner with business leaders to ensure strategic priorities and investments are aligned with IT capabilities.
• Enterprise Architecture:
  • Lead the development and governance of enterprise architecture, ensuring alignment with the company's business strategy.
  • Drive innovation through the adoption of new and emerging technologies, leveraging them to improve the business model and operational efficiency.
  • Manage the Enterprise Architecture (EA) practice, acting as an internal consultancy to provide strategic insights and recommendations.
• Innovation & Technology:
  • Identify and evaluate disruptive technologies and trends that can drive business transformation.
  • Run experiments to explore new products, services, and solutions, ensuring successful integration into ongoing operations.
• Business & IT Alignment:
  • Act as the bridge between IT and business functions, ensuring that technology supports business outcomes.
  • Conduct analysis to identify gaps in the current IT environment and recommend improvement solutions.
  • Collaborate with project teams to ensure enterprise architecture standards are met and optimized for agility and time to market.
• Vendor & Partnership Management:
  • Own and manage strategic vendor relationships, ensuring long-term partnerships that deliver financial and strategic value.
  • Drive continuous improvement in collaboration with key service providers.
• Governance & Compliance:
  • Oversee IT governance models, policies, and methodologies to ensure adherence to best practices.
  • Review IT costs and structures, ensuring transparency and alignment with business goals.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in enterprise architecture, IT strategy, or a similar leadership role within a large, complex organization.
• Strong understanding of business models, operational processes, and the application of technology to drive transformation.
• Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to manage cross-functional teams and drive change.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and IT governance.

Willing to consider candidates across Central and Eastern Europe, as well as the UK and the Netherlands.

This is a key leadership role with significant influence on the organization's strategic direction. If you're ready to shape the future of IT within a dynamic industry, we'd love to hear from you.