Enterprise Architect

Enterprise Architect - Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich or Norwich
PQE: Term Type: PermanentWorking Hours: Reports to: Department: Business Systems  Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning 160 years, we have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals based in Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: Real Estate, Corporate Services, Dispute Resolution and Private Client.
We are defined by our Next Level Law proposition. Next Level Law is also applied to our people. RollOnFriday recently ranked us as the 5th best law firm to work at in 2024.
With our ambition to succeed, comes a strong desire to make a positive contribution to the communities we serve, and we are committed to delivering the objectives set out in our ESG strategy. Diversity plays an integral part in all that we do, with female partners comprising 40% of our partnership.
The Business Systems team ensures that core business applications and data platforms are reliable, scalable, and aligned with the firm’s objectives. Acting as the link between business needs and technology delivery, the team drives digital transformation, optimises processes, and supports a culture of innovation.
The  Enterprise Architect will play a pivotal role in our digital transformation, designing and implementing flexible, scalable solutions that support the firm’s growth and strategic objectives. Working closely with lawyers, clients, internal technical teams and third-party suppliers, the role will deliver cutting edge technology solutions that modernise legacy estates, reduce technical debt and enable outstanding client and colleague experiences.
Proven experience as an  Enterprise Architect (or Solutions Architect) in a digital and/or professional services environment, ideally within legal.
Strong grounding in  software engineering and system architecture , including cloud (Microsoft Azure), data management and integration patterns.
Proficiency with relevant  programming languages, frameworks and APIs , and familiarity with DevSecOps practices (CI/CD, IaC, automation).
Experience working in  agile, product led teams (cross functional delivery, iterative value, metrics).
A strong focus on  user experience and measurable  digital transformation outcomes.
A  clear communicator who can translate complex concepts into simple, business relevant language.
Comfortable working with a broad range of stakeholders, including technical teams and legal practitioners.
Curious, analytical and solutions focused , balancing pragmatism with long term architectural integrity.
Passionate about upskilling colleagues and enabling transformation at all levels.
Enthusiastic about digital innovation and continuous improvement.
Experience with  legal practice management systems ,  document management systems and  workflow automation .
Knowledge of  Microsoft Fabric ,  data analytics and  Business Intelligence .
Agile frameworks such as  Scrum and  SAFe .
TOGAF ,  Microsoft Certified: Solution Design: Develop and design innovative technology solutions that address technical debt, modernise legacy systems, and create new digital products and services across both internal and client-facing initiatives.
Strategy: Help set and deliver the firm's technology strategy, aligning solutions with business goals and long-term vision.
Assist lawyers in making the most of technology to enhance their practice and deliver world-class legal services.
Deliver solutions that provide a competitive advantage, shaping the future of the firm and the wider legal industry.
Technical Leadership: Provide technical leadership and guidance throughout the project lifecycle, from concept to implementation, ensuring best practices and standards are followed.
Ensure seamless integration of new solutions with existing systems and platforms, maintaining data integrity and security.
At Birketts, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth. Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core benefits:
~25 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays (rising with service up to a maximum of 30 days).
~ Long Service holiday award – 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service
~ Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed)
~ Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee)
~ Staff Profit Share and Individual Performance Bonus Scheme
~ Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share)
~ Life Assurance - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
~ Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
~ Subsidised gym membership
~ Electric car scheme
~ Agile/Hybrid Working Policy
~ Dress for your Day Policy

Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible, agile, and part-time roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.
Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation.
We pride ourselves on being an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, valuing the right mix of talent, skills, and potential.