A leading European airline group is seeking a Principal Enterprise Architect to define and lead the enterprise architecture strategy across critical Operations and Backoffice domains.
This is a highly strategic role responsible for shaping the long-term technology landscape supporting areas such as airport operations, crew management, maintenance (MRO), operations control, finance, and HR platforms. The position acts as a senior architectural authority and trusted advisor to business and technology leadership, driving modernization initiatives, cloud adoption, and scalable platform strategies that support both operational resilience and long-term digital transformation.
Key Responsibilities
* Define and drive the enterprise architecture strategy for Operations and Backoffice domains.
* Establish multi-year architectural roadmaps aligned with business priorities and technology strategy.
* Provide strategic architecture leadership for major transformation initiatives (modernization, cloud adoption, platform evolution).
* Advise senior stakeholders and leadership on technology decisions, architecture standards, and long-term platform strategy.
* Evaluate technologies, platforms, and vendors ensuring alignment with scalability, resilience, security, and governance standards.
* Promote solutions that enable automation, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision making.
* Lead architecture governance and mentor other architects across the organization.
Experience & Skills
Required
* At least 10+ years of experience in Enterprise Architecture or senior Solution Architecture roles in complex organizations.
* Proven experience in strategic architecture roles, influencing technology direction and major transformation programs.
* Strong background in enterprise platform architecture, modernization, and cloud migration initiatives.
* Deep knowledge of modern integration patterns (APIs, event-driven architectures, microservices).
* Experience designing secure, scalable, and resilient enterprise platforms.
* Understanding of airline operations systems and/or corporate platforms (ERP, HR, MRO, scheduling, airport systems).
Key competencies
* Strategic thinking and strong decision-making capability
* Ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive alignment
* Excellent communication across technical and business audiences
* Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills
Compensation & Benefits
* Performance Bonus: 30–60% of base salary depending on individual and business performance
* Private Health Insurance: Cigna (100% covered for the employee, discounted family coverage available)
* Pension Plan: 7% employer contribution (option to receive via payroll)
* Life & Accident Insurance
* 23 vacation days
* Additional tech holidays: December 24 & 31 + Easter Monday
* Staff Travel benefits (flight discounts across the airline group)
* Hybrid work model: 2 days remote per week (office based in Madrid)
* Flexible benefits: transport, childcare and restaurant plan
* Employee share plan with tax advantages
* Internal learning program: SkillUp (technical and leadership development)
* Working hours: 37.5 hours per week