Head of Architecture

Head of Architecture Overview

As the Head of Architecture at Rightmove, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the technology strategy that supports our mission to empower individuals in their property journeys. Your leadership will guide the evolution of our technology estate, ensuring it is scalable and well-designed, while also embracing the transformative potential of AI.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive architecture strategy that aligns with the company’s broader business objectives.
• Collaborate closely with the software engineering teams to ensure the architecture strategy is well understood and facilitate quick, effective architectural decisions across more than 40 teams.
• Lead and nurture a team of seven architects, providing guidance and support on design matters throughout the organization.
• Work in partnership with the data and analytics department to ensure that the architecture of the data platform is consistent with the overall platform architecture.
• Oversee a diverse technology landscape that includes both in-house software and third-party applications to create a unified ecosystem.
• Collaborate with technology and product leaders to ensure that architectural decisions are aligned with business goals.
• Influence total cost of ownership (TCO) by ensuring that architectural choices are made in a manner that is both efficient and cost-effective.

Requirements

• Proven experience in leading architecture initiatives at scale, with a focus on the complexity and impact of projects rather than just team size.
• Strong understanding of modern distributed architectures, including containerization and event-driven systems, along with the ability to balance availability and consistency.
• Capability to establish a clear architectural vision in a dynamic, high-traffic environment that is transitioning towards AI integration.
• Experience in managing and developing architecture or engineering teams effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, with a history of aligning technical and business priorities across engineering, product, and senior leadership teams.
• Demonstrated ability to foster inclusive and collaborative engineering cultures through mentoring and team design.

Benefits

• Access to a cash plan for dental, optical, and physiotherapy treatments.
• Private medical insurance, pension plan, and life insurance.
• Employee assistance program and 27 days of annual leave, plus two paid volunteering days each year.
• Options for holiday buy schemes and a contributory stakeholder pension.
• Life assurance coverage at four times the basic salary for nominated beneficiaries.
• Competitive salary package and paid leave for maternity, paternity, adoption, and fertility.
• Travel loans, a bike-to-work scheme, and rental deposit loans.
• Opportunities for charitable contributions through payroll giving and donation matching.
• Access to various deals and discounts on travel, electronics, fashion, gym memberships, and cinema tickets.

This position is based in London and operates on a hybrid working model, requiring a minimum of two days in the office each week.

Degree Requirement: Not Specified

Visa Sponsorship May be