Head of Data and AI Architecture

I've partnered with a leading organisation in the media and entertainment sector, who are seeking an accomplished Head of Data and AI Architecture to guide the strategic direction, cloud maturity, and long-term evolution of its enterprise data and AI landscape. This role sits at the core of a major uplift program. It requires a leader who can balance strategy, delivery oversight and people management while shaping a modern, cloud-native architecture function. The position reports to an engaged and highly supportive technology leader and oversees a team of three architects, including a dedicated AI Architect. The Role The Head of Data and AI Architecture is responsible for developing the future-state architecture across data platforms, analytics ecosystems and AI capabilities. The role sets standards, patterns and frameworks that improve performance, scalability and delivery speed. It drives architectural decisions that support audience insights, content distribution and digital product innovation. Stakeholder alignment is central. The position partners closely with senior technology and business leaders to ensure architecture enables both strategic goals and operational outcomes. The work spans strategy, project-level oversight and direct leadership of specialist architects. Key Responsibilities Architecture Strategy Define and maintain the enterprise-wide architecture vision for data, analytics and AI. Develop future-state models that support cloud scale, modern engineering practices and AI enablement. Establish reusable standards and patterns that lift architectural fitness and delivery efficiency. Cloud and AI Platforms Provide architectural leadership across large cloud environments covering data lakes, data warehouses, ML platforms and advanced analytics. Guide the adoption of emerging AI capabilities and ensure alignment with enterprise governance. Stakeholder Leadership Engage senior leaders across product, data, digital and technology. Translate architectural direction into clear business impact. Influence decision-making at both strategic and delivery levels. Team Leadership Lead and develop a team of three architects. Foster a culture built on clarity, innovation, technical excellence and collaboration. Work closely with an engaged manager who values empowerment and strategic thinking. Experience Required Significant experience leading architecture across data, analytics and AI in cloud-centric environments. Background in media, entertainment or comparable content-driven sectors. Strong capability in enterprise architecture, cloud data platforms and modern AI ecosystems. Proven leadership of architects or technical specialists. Demonstrated ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and influence strategic outcomes. Experience balancing long-term architecture vision with project-level delivery requirements. Why This Role High visibility across a major transformation agenda. Direct influence on how data, cloud and AI capabilities evolve at scale. Leadership of a specialist architecture function with room to innovate. Supportive, forward-thinking manager committed to career development. Opportunity to shape the architectural foundations of a national media organisation. Apply Now Ideal for a senior architecture leader looking to shape an organisation's data and AI future and take ownership of a function where strategy, leadership and innovation intersect. Applications are now open. Click Apply Today to connect with Chipo R , Senior Data Science & AI Recruitment Consultant at Talenza. Applications are reviewed as they are received. Shortlisting closes 28/11 . To ensure transparency. Every application will be carefully reviewed; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. For queries, please email Chipo R at . #J-18808-Ljbffr