Head of Architecture and Engineering Operations

Our client, a global AI and data-driven company, are hiring a Head of Architecture and Engineering Operations to join their growing team in Dublin, Ireland. The successful candidate will shape how architecture and engineering operate across the organisation by defining the architecture operating model, setting engineering standards and leading the systems that enable teams to build and deliver at scale across cloud and AI-driven platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead a globally distributed architecture team across multiple regions, setting clear governance structures, decision rights and architecture forums.

• Define architecture principles, standards, reference architectures, and decision frameworks, and mature the Architecture Review Board into a trusted, pragmatic governance function.

• Own and maintain the Technology Radar, guiding technology adoption, standardisation, experimentation and retirement across the organisation.

• Shape developer experience by improving tooling, golden paths, reusable patterns, AI-assisted engineering, documentation and delivery processes that increase speed and quality.

• Drive FinOps practices to improve cost transparency and optimisation across cloud and tooling spend, working closely with Finance and engineering teams to embed accountability and efficiency into delivery.

• Publish and drive adoption of engineering standards and reference architectures across the organisation.

• Establish and evolve cloud architecture patterns across AWS, Azure and Google Cloud.

• Align technical strategy with product and business roadmaps to ensure consistent delivery of outcomes.

• Support client-facing solution architecture, including strategic pursuits, solution design and technical leadership.

• Remain hands-on with key architectural decisions and complex design reviews to maintain technical credibility.

Skillset

• At least 10 years of experience in engineering, cloud, platform, or architecture leadership roles.

• A minimum of 5 years in senior or principal architecture positions.

• Proven experience leading globally distributed teams.

• Strong expertise in cloud architecture across AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.

• Experience designing and operating enterprise-scale platforms, APIs, data systems, and AI-enabled solutions.

• Demonstrated experience in architecture governance or technical design authority roles.

• Track record of improving developer experience at scale through tools, processes, and platforms.

• Familiarity with AI-assisted engineering tools and modern development practices.

• Experience with FinOps, cloud cost optimisation, or financial management of technology spend.

• Strong client-facing experience, including pre-sales solution architecture and stakeholder engagement.

Benefits

• Salary: €130k – €149k

• 15% Bonus.

• Private healthcare, life assurance and income protection.

• Strong pension scheme.

** Please Note** Candidates must already be eligible to work in the Republic of Ireland.