Why choose us?
Choosing to work for SMS means choosing to make a difference. We are changing how businesses and consumers use energy for the better, helping achieve a greener, sustainable, and more affordable energy system for everyone. Through our range of innovative energy solutions, we are delivering the future of smart energy – working closely with private and public sector partners we are playing a critical role in transforming and decarbonising the UK economy by 2050. 
What's in it for you?
- 25 personal holiday days per year (with additional 8 public holidays) increasing to 30 personal days after 5 years of service (includes options to buy and sell)
- Hybrid working options.
- Enhanced Maternity and Adoption leave.
- 24/7 free and confidential employee assistance service.
- Medicash health plan offers a wide variety of benefits from cashback on everyday healthcare treatments like optical, dental and physio treatments. Discounted gym memberships and free 24/7 online GP.
- Access to our Share Incentive Plan which allows you to become a shareholder in a tax-efficient way and benefit from the success of the company
- Life Insurance (4 x annual salary)
- Pension matching scheme
- Developing our people is important to us - we support and encourage development by offering internal and external accredited courses, secondments and study support.
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What's the role?
At SMS we are developing technology and data platforms that serve the needs of our customers across the breadth of the UK – all focussed on the decarbonisation of our energy systems.
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Head of Architecture, with the potential to move into a CTO role over the next few years. We are looking for a technically strong hands-on leader with a background of working collaboratively with the engineering team, wider business, product teams and third parties, somebody who is keen to keep their skills current, while at the same time be front and centre in shaping the technology strategy and putting in place the lightweight processes needed to demonstrate and maintain control.
Working conditions - Remote or hybrid working options are available. Monday to Friday office hours.
Key responsibilities:
- With substantial experience in IT and business and exposure to various technical environments, you will communicate in a persuasive and convincing manner across SMS to audiences at all levels.
- Heading up the Enterprise Architecture team you will engage at a strategic level, influencing policy, and setting direction for technical and business change.
- Having a deep understanding of the industry and the implications of emerging technologies for the wider business environment, you will inspire the organisation and influence developments critical to organisational success.
- You will direct the creation and review of an enterprise capability strategy to support the strategic requirements of SMS.
- Demonstrating the ability to manage multiple teams across sites you will have excellent communication skills.
- Providing definitive and expert advice you will promote the sharing of specialist knowledge throughout the organisation.
Business skills
- Firstly, you’ll need considerable experience in the architecture, design and delivery of technology platforms and of setting up an architecture team from scratch
- You’ll need to be committed to keeping your skills and knowledge current, and be keen to get your ‘hands on the tools’ from time to time – but also recognise the need for process and to invest in building and developing the architecture team
- You’ll have a deep understanding of the tech industry and the implications of emerging technologies for the wider business environment, you will inspire the organisation and influence developments critical to organisational success.
- You’ll need to have great communication and interpersonal skills, taking people with you, explaining technical concepts to non-technical folks.
To be considered for this role, we would love you to have:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Business Administration, or other related field or equivalent work experience (preferred but not essential)
- Substantial experience in IT and business/industry work experience
- Broad range of exposure to various technical environments and business segments
- Experience in working with a broad range of diverse and complicated business units
Desirable memberships
- The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF)
- DAMA's Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP)
- Data Governance and Stewardship Professional (DGSP)
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