Chief Architecture Officer

I’m working on a confidential search for a newly created Chief Architecture Officer position within a large international technology organisation.

This is a senior leadership role focused on creating greater consistency, simplification and strategic direction across a complex global technology estate.

The organisation has grown significantly over time, with different parts of the business developing their own applications, platforms, infrastructure and technology standards. The new CAO will help define a more coherent long-term architecture model across the group.

Key areas of responsibility:

• Define the long-term technology and architecture vision
• Establish architecture governance, standards and decision frameworks
• Simplify and rationalise applications and platforms
• Shape the future cloud, hybrid and on-prem architecture strategy
• Improve resilience, scalability and operational readiness
• Create stronger alignment across technology, engineering, product and business teams
• Reduce duplication and improve reuse across the organisation
• Build and develop the architecture capability over time
• Influence senior stakeholders across a highly matrixed international environment

What we’re looking for:

• Strong technical or engineering foundations
• Experience operating in large, complex international organisations
• Strong understanding of cloud, infrastructure and modern technology platforms
• Experience with application rationalisation and large-scale transformation
• Ability to translate technology strategy into practical delivery
• Strong executive communication and stakeholder management
• Experience influencing teams and leaders outside of direct reporting lines
• A pragmatic architecture leader who is comfortable balancing standardisation with business autonomy

This role could suit someone currently operating as a Chief Architect, Head of Enterprise Architecture, CTO, Deputy CTO, VP Architecture or senior technology leader .

Location: Paris

Scope: International

Package: Executive-level base + bonus