Job Description

At Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, our ambition is to help you achieve your goals.

Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why many are incredibly longstanding. And we enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 100 years.



We are where you need us to be. We are in the world's largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs. Our international footprint is extensive and committed.




We are at our best tackling complexity and navigating change. We work alongside you on demanding contentious matters, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.




We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, ESG, infrastructure and resources. And we're focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world, including technology and digitalisation.



All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition - which is to help you achieve yours.



Your goals. Our ambition.

The Opportunity

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Collaboration

Lead a regional team of architects (including application, data and infrastructure architects), fostering collaboration, mentorship, and technical excellence. Support the Principal Architect in managing the team globally. Support the Regional IT Director with architecture, roadmaps, stakeholder management, influence and participation in the regional Senior Management Team. Contribute to the on-going development and maturity & optimisation of the regional IT department as a member of the senior management team. Partner with business and technology stakeholders to translate requirements into scalable architectural solutions. Drive cross-functional alignment across engineering, security, operations, and business teams. As part of the global leadership of the Enterprise Architecture Team, drive the establishment and implementation of architectural principles and guideless and adoption of emerging technologies.

Infrastructure and Cloud

Globally responsible for the Enterprise Architecture team from an Infrastructure and Cloud perspective. Oversee the design and approach to transition of HSF's global infrastructure, ensuring scalability, security, and performance. Develop architectural future states for cloud, infrastructure, identity and security solutions and work with Product and Service Owners on establishing their delivery pipeline. Ensure compliance with security, regulatory, and operational standards.

Governance & Best Practices

Lead architecture review boards and technical design discussions. Define technology standards, patterns, and reusable frameworks to improve efficiency and consistency.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies to assess their impact on the organization. Drive automation, modernization, and digital transformation initiatives. Advocate for best practices in DevOps and cloud-native architectures. Comply with WHS obligations and responsibilities in accordance with the requirements for this role as set out in legislation and the firms' policies and procedures.

Qualifications, skills and experience

10+ years of experience in enterprise architecture, solution design, or related leadership roles. Proven experience leading technology teams in complex environments. Expertise in cloud computing (AWS, Azure, GCP), microservices, API design, and modern software development practices. Strong understanding of security, data governance, compliance, and regulatory requirements. Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. TOGAF, AWS/Azure/GCP certifications, or equivalent. Experience in legal, financial services, fintech, or high-regulation industries. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a strategic mindset.

Competencies

Personal Leadership

Energises those around them, simplifies complexity and makes quality decisions. Brings perspective and a constructive approach to high pressure situations and directs attention to solutions. Makes sound commercial decisions based on a clear understanding of the business. Acts decisively even on the basis of incomplete information.

Collaborates with others

Develops innovative solutions by valuing diversity of thought, expertise and experience. Brings a positive energy to the way they work and inspires this in others. Draws on internal networks to bring people with the right skills and expertise together to develop solutions.

Builds High Performing Teams

Builds highly engaged teams that are diverse and inclusive and can excel in a range of situations. Creates an environment that encourages personal accountability, and builds the confidence of others by highlighting their strengths and achievements.

Focuses on Clients

Always acts with the firm's clients in mind. Prioritises initiatives that will positively impact the client experience and their business. Develops solutions that balance client needs and the sustainable profitability of the firm. Takes active steps to cultivate and maintain an excellent reputation in the market.

Innovates

Leads and influences change. Seeks out market trends and introduces relevant ideas for competitive advantage. Envisions ways for the firm to differentiate itself and is driven to achieve this.

Achieves results

Makes things happen in a complex environment. Remains focused on long term objectives and broad firm issues.

Team

Information Technology

Working Pattern

Full time

Location

London

Contract type

Permanent Contract

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values--Human, Bold, and Outstanding.