Lead Enterprise Architect

JOB SUMMARY: The Lead Enterprise Architect plays a vital role in shaping the architectural vision and strategy for the organization. This position is pivotal in establishing guiding principles, standards, reference architectures, and a technology roadmap that aligns with the enterprise's goals. The Lead Enterprise Architect will analyze market trends and leverage cross-functional expertise to create a forward-looking technology roadmap. In this role, you will collaborate across various segments of the organization to foster innovative ideas, guide Domain, Platform, and Solution Architects, and ensure consistent design and delivery throughout. The ideal candidate will have the skills to identify emerging technologies, develop proofs of concept, and communicate insights that enhance the enterprise architecture landscape. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Evaluate existing IT systems and services, research new technologies, and develop architecture blueprints that facilitate business and IT objectives. Maintain comprehensive reference models covering functional, data, application, and infrastructure architectures. Implement architecture management processes and governance structures (e.g., Architecture Review Board). Effectively communicate strategic business drivers for architecture to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Encourage adherence to common modeling and design practices. Promote the reuse of ideas and established patterns across the enterprise. Create and share reusable enterprise architecture resources. Identify and recommend enhancements to current systems architecture to streamline operations. Act as an intermediary among Domain, Platform, and Solution Architects to ensure a unified architecture strategy. Champion standardization in architectural designs for consistency and quality. Additional responsibilities include: Defining and managing innovative processes, supporting the development of minimum viable products to demonstrate value. Ensuring that new technology ideas align with established architectural standards. Managing Enterprise Architecture tools and knowledge repositories. Documenting standards for Domain, Platform, and Solution Architects to support their inquiries into proposed solutions. Overseeing product requirement documents, user experience evaluations, design, and code reviews for compliance with architectural standards. Driving the Technology Innovation Review process. Consulting on emerging technologies and enterprise architecture practices as needed. Managing the application portfolio and identifying necessary upgrades and training needs. Facilitating the Architecture Community of Practice to share insights and best practices. Collaborating with teams and stakeholders to gather requirements essential for the overall enterprise architecture. EDUCATION DESCRIPTION: Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, or Engineering from an accredited institution is required. EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 12 years in IT, with at least 7 years in enterprise architecture. Extensive experience in enterprise architecture best practices, guiding principles, and standards. Proficient in facilitating cross-functional collaboration across areas like data, infrastructure, security, and applications. Experience using Enterprise Architecture tools (e.g., LeanIX, Apptio). Familiarity with cloud platforms and their strengths/weaknesses. TOGAF certification with practical experience is essential. Commitment to compliance with laws and ethical standards is mandatory. Understanding of the electric and gas utility industry or similar regulated environments is a plus. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must possess the ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal forms. Able to operate a personal computer and office equipment. WORKING CONDITIONS: Participation in CenterPoint Energy's Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) is required. Availability for occasional mandatory overtime or rotating shifts may be necessary. Capability to thrive in a fast-paced working environment. CORE COMPETENCIES: Agile Methodology Application Portfolio Management Architectural Design Artificial Intelligence Business Architecture Business Process Analysis Cloud Solutions Cross-Functional Collaboration Data Strategy Decision Making Emerging Technologies Enterprise Architecture Governance Innovation Technology Roadmap Development Software Development Solution Architecture Strategic Planning / Technology Investment Thought Leadership TOGAF Certification Application Architecture Data Architecture Infrastructure Architecture Network Architecture Security Architecture Architectural Review Board / Architecture Leadership Board Management