Enterprise Architect

About Ashurst

Ashurst is a leading progressive global law firm with a rich history spanning more than 200 years. We are proud of our history and are future-focused, having expanded into new technologies through our NewLaw division, Ashurst Advance, and our consulting arm. Our in-depth understanding of our clients and commitment to providing excellent standards of service have seen us become a trusted adviser to local and global corporates, financial institutions and governments in all areas of commercial law. To find out more please visit www.ashurst.com .

Department/Role overview

Working within the Enterprise Architecture team, the purpose of the role is to drive Enterprise Architecture maturity. Your responsibilities will include (but are not limited to) architecture maturity, design, documentation and dependency mapping.

You will assist to facilitate the implementation of the Ashurst LLP business strategy, projects and programmes of work. An understanding of the business, data, application, security, cloud, technology and digital architectures is required. This role reports to the Head of Enterprise Architecture.

Main responsibilities

Ashurst is transforming its target operating model and the way it delivers essential business services in support of the employee and client lifecycles - making it easier to do business with and (and within) Ashurst.

We are seeking a talented Enterprise Architect to join our team and contribute to the implementation of innovative solutions for implementation of our firm strategy. The ideal candidate will have experience in a similar role, preferably leading a team. You will also have a strong background in solutions architecture working across all domains. You will collaborate with clients both technical and business orientated to define requirements, create architectural designs, and oversee the successful implementation of solutions. You will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between business needs and technology solutions.

If you want to join a global collaborative team with experience in all domains, have the opportunity to make an impact and contribute towards Ashurst's architecture maturity whilst having some fun? This is the team for you.

• Translating business strategies and objectives into an operating model
• Assessing current capabilities and identifying required changes in capabilities to achieve objectives
• Describing the interrelationships between people, organisation, service, process, data, information, technology and the external environment
• Creating, iterating, and maintaining architectural models and views embodying the key principles that describe the organisation's future state, and that enable its evolution
• Implementing Enterprise Architecture working practices to support and enable iterative/agile working
• Interpreting business goals and drivers
• Documenting and communicating constraints, standards and guiding principles necessary to define, assure and govern the required evolution
• Using architectural models and processes to facilitate changes in the organisation's structure, business processes, information or data, business systems and infrastructure
• Describing where and why the enterprise will benefit from cloud-based services.
• Work with the domain architects to ensure that contextual and conceptual architectures are realised
• Act as a trusted advisor/contribute to the creation of policies, standards, baselines, guidelines and procedures
• Ensure that IT Architecture is recognised as a valuable asset to Ashurst LLP

Risk and Control: Ensure that all activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with our regulatory requirements and internal policies.

Essential skills and experience

•  TOGAF® or Archimate® qualified
•  Critical thinking and problem solving skills
•  Ability to act as a consultant to other departments
•  Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal including active listening
•  Ability to identify and analyse alternative approaches to dealing with issues and problems
•  Use of different leadership styles to positively influence others
•  Demonstrate commitment to the firm's values
•  Empower others by collaborating on joint ideas and encourages others to view change as a positive process
•  Ability to influence and persuade others outside your direct control
•  Exhibit confidence in dealing with various levels of the organisation both within Ashurst IT and the business units, including executive management levels
•  Consultation, working with the business from idea initialisation to implementation
•  Project and programme delivery and governance including documentation
•  Have the ability to work on projects/solutions in multiple domains
•  Promote an environment that encourages collaboration, team working and innovation both within the Architecture Team and across IT and other Ashurst LLP teams
•  Stay abreast of developments in appropriate technologies/services and participate in the investigation/assessment of the suitability of these to Ashurst's environment and business needs

Knowledge and experience:

•  Knowledge of Enterprise Architecture frameworks (TOGAF or other) and experience/understanding of modelling within an Enterprise Architecture tool. Ideally OrbusInfinity (this can be taught)
•  Understanding of business, data, applications, technology and security architectures
•  Demonstrate good experience in the IT/Financial/Legal industries
•  A broad understanding of the latest developments in technologies, industry specific issues, competitor and vendor activity and initiatives

Background checks

In order to comply with regulatory and client requirements, Ashurst will undertake appropriate vetting of staff. When applicants accept a job offer, Ashurst, alongside a specialist provider, will undertake professional verification and background checks. These checks are only undertaken with consent, and in accordance with our legal and regulatory obligations.