Lead Enterprise Architect

About Sand

Sand Technologies is a fast-growing enterprise AI company that solves real-world problems for large blue-chip companies and governments worldwide.

We’re pioneers of meaningful AI: our solutions go far beyond chatbots. We are using data and AI to solve the world’s biggest issues in telecommunications, sustainable water management, energy, healthcare, climate change, smart cities, and other areas that have a real impact on the world. For example, our AI systems help to manage the water supply for the entire city of London. We created the AI algorithms that enabled the 7th largest telecommunications company in the world to plan its network in 300 cities in record time. And we built a digital healthcare system that enables 30m people in a country to get world-class healthcare despite a shortage of doctors.

We’ve grown our revenues by over 500% in the last 12 months while winning prestigious scientific and industry awards for our cutting-edge technology. We’re underpinned by over 300 engineers and scientists working across Africa, Europe, the UK and the US.

About the role

The Lead Enterprise Architect for the Utilities industry is responsible for providing strategic direction for development and implementation of business and IT architecture. This role involves setting the strategies of the Utilities Industry Vertical, working with the data science and AI service line in developing products and solutions, looking at various evolving architectures and working closely with the clients to provide strategic direction. It is also expected that the individual will create a team of strong architects billable across multiple client engagements. 

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the transformation of the Utilities industry by leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and customer service. The Individual will be expected to build and lead a strong team of Architects.

Specific Responsibilities

1. Strategic IT Architecture Design:

• Develop and guide the team in enterprise architecture that aligns with the business strategy and drives digital transformation in Utility services.
• Lead presales and solution engagements.

• Oversee the design, integration, and implementation of technology solutions across the enterprise, with a focus on Utility-specific systems (e.g., SCADA, asset management, smart grids, IoT).
• Lead /guide  cross-functional teams to implement large-scale system integrations and digital transformation initiatives.

• Define and enforce architecture governance standards, including security, data management, and compliance with industry regulations (e.g., NERC CIP, FERC, ISO).
• Conduct regular assessments of existing systems to ensure alignment with both current and future business needs and compliance requirements.

• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and tools to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer experience.
• Manage relationships with technology vendors, ensuring the selection of cost-effective and scalable solutions.

• Partner with executive leadership, business units heads, CIO.
• Provide architectural guidance to program  teams.

• Identify technology risks, vulnerabilities, and opportunities within the architecture to mitigate operational disruptions and improve service reliability.

• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends (e.g., renewable energy integration, smart grids, AI, blockchain) to guide innovation and transformation within the Utility industry.
• Lead and mentor teams in adopting best practices in technology innovation, agile methodologies, and system optimization.

Requirements - Essential

• 20+ years in enterprise architecture or IT architecture roles, with at least 3 years of experience in the Utilities sector.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman).
• In-depth understanding of Utility-specific technologies and systems (SCADA, IoT, smart grids, asset management, etc.).
• Experience with cloud computing, digital transformation, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Experience  in security, data management, and compliance with industry regulations.
• Occasional travel may be required for site visits or vendor management.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities to influence senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving and strategic thinking skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a complex, fast-paced environment.

Requirements - Preferable

• Certification in TOGAF, Zachman, or similar enterprise architecture frameworks or practical experience in client environment
• Knowledge of Utility industry regulations, standards, and operational processes.

Person Attributes

• Courage: Willingness to speak up, challenge the status quo, and embrace new challenges.
• Humility: Openness to learning, seeking help when needed, and a focus on serving others.
• Adventure: A passion for setting ambitious goals, tackling difficult tasks, and finding joy in the journey.
• Initiative: Proactive problem-solving, a sense of ownership, and a willingness to go above and beyond.
• Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks, persevere through challenges, and emerge stronger.

Due to the considerable amount of virtual work and interaction with colleagues and customers in different physical locations internationally, it is essential that the successful applicant has the drive and ethic to succeed in working in small teams physically but in larger efforts virtually. Self-drive to communicate constantly using web collaboration and video conferencing is essential.

This is a remote role based in the mainland US.