Head of Enterprise Architect

Department Head – Enterprise Architecture

Location: Doha, Qatar

Function: Technology & Operations – Information Technology

Reporting Line: Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly accomplished and forward-thinking Enterprise Architecture leader to drive the strategic direction, governance, and execution of enterprise-wide technology architecture.

This role is pivotal in shaping the bank’s digital transformation agenda , ensuring alignment between business strategy, technology investments, and operational capabilities. The incumbent will lead the development of a holistic enterprise architecture framework spanning applications, data, infrastructure, and security, while enabling innovation, resilience, and regulatory compliance.

As a key member of the technology leadership team, this role will actively influence strategic decision-making, IT investments, and modernization initiatives , ensuring the bank remains competitive in a rapidly evolving financial services landscape.

Key Accountabilities

1. Enterprise Architecture Strategy & Governance

• Define, lead, and continuously evolve the enterprise architecture strategy and roadmap aligned with business goals and digital priorities
• Establish and enforce architecture governance frameworks , standards, policies, and principles across the organization
• Lead architecture review boards to ensure solution adherence, consistency, and long-term sustainability
• Translate business vision into scalable, secure, and future-ready technology blueprints
• Provide strategic advisory to executive leadership on technology direction, risks, and investment prioritization

2. Digital Transformation & Innovation

• Drive enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives , including:
• Cloud adoption and hybrid architecture
• Open banking and API ecosystems
• Microservices and modern application design
• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies such as AI/ML, blockchain, and fintech integrations
• Champion innovation across customer experience, digital channels, and operational efficiency
• Benchmark against industry standards and competitors to ensure technological leadership

3. Applications, Data & Integration Architecture

• Develop and maintain current-state and target-state architecture landscapes
• Oversee application portfolio management , including rationalization and modernization initiatives
• Define and govern enterprise data architecture , ensuring strong data governance, lineage, and quality
• Enable advanced analytics, AI, and regulatory reporting through scalable data platforms
• Lead enterprise integration strategy across API gateways, ESB, middleware, and event-driven systems

4. Infrastructure, Cloud & Security Architecture

• Define and implement cloud and hybrid infrastructure strategies
• Lead infrastructure modernization initiatives (virtualization, containerization, orchestration)
• Ensure architecture supports high availability, scalability, and resilience
• Embed robust cybersecurity, data privacy, and risk controls into architecture design
• Ensure compliance with international standards such as ISO 27001, NIST, PCI DSS

5. Operational Excellence & Performance Management

• Establish enterprise-wide monitoring and performance frameworks
• Define KPIs, SLAs, and metrics for system reliability, availability, and throughput
• Ensure robust disaster recovery, business continuity, and resilience planning
• Promote adoption of DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, and automation to enhance delivery speed and quality
• Provide regular reporting to senior leadership on architecture performance, risks, and opportunities

6. Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Drive collaboration between business, IT, and executive stakeholders
• Evaluate and manage strategic partnerships with technology vendors and solution providers
• Provide architectural oversight for implementation of third-party banking platforms (payments, AML, etc.)
• Influence investment decisions through structured cost, risk, and value assessments

7. Leadership & People Management

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing Enterprise Architecture team
• Set clear performance objectives and drive a culture of accountability and innovation
• Develop team capabilities aligned with emerging technologies and banking trends
• Drive effective collaboration across cross-functional teams and projects
• Ensure readiness for internal and external audits, and timely resolution of findings

Candidate Profile

Experience

• Extensive experience in Enterprise Architecture leadership , preferably within banking or financial services
• Proven track record in delivering large-scale digital transformation programs
• Strong experience across applications, data, infrastructure, and security architecture domains

Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF or equivalent)
• Deep expertise in:
• Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, hybrid)
• API-driven architecture & microservices
• Enterprise data architecture & analytics platforms
• Cybersecurity frameworks and governance
• Experience with modern engineering practices (Agile, DevOps, CI/CD)

Leadership & Behavioral Skills

• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making capability
• Excellent stakeholder management at executive level
• Ability to drive change and influence across large organizations

⚠️ Important Note

We are specifically seeking candidates who bring:

• Proven leadership experience in Enterprise Architecture within banking or financial services
• Strong expertise across cloud, APIs, data, and cybersecurity domains
• A track record of delivering large-scale digital transformation programs
• Demonstrated ability to influence at C-suite level and drive strategic outcomes