Head of Architecture - Software Solutions

As Head of Architecture, you will lead Utilus’s architecture team through a period of technological evolution and growth. This role combines deep technical expertise with strong leadership and a passion for shaping the future of software engineering in the AI era.

You will be responsible for defining Utilus’s architectural vision, building and mentoring a high-performing team of architects, ensuring that their systems are secure, scalable, and future-ready, and maintaining architectural alignment across several concurrent engagements. You will also play a central role in guiding their transition toward AI-enhanced engineering practices.

You know that perfect is the enemy of good: they build systems that operate in the real world, where cost, proven technology and availability of engineers are hard boundaries. At Utilus, the architecture function supports the solution that is most cost effective and most fit for purpose, not the most technologically advanced. They build and operate systems that process billions of transactions a year at 99.99% availability, so do not worry about there not being enough challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

Architectural Leadership:

• Define and own the Utilus architectural vision and strategy across projects and domains.
• Ensure architectural consistency, scalability, and resilience across client systems.
• Establish and maintain standards, principles, and guidelines for system design and integration.
• Oversee the design of mission-critical, real-time, and always-on systems.

Building and Leading the Architecture Team:

• Build, organize, and lead a team of skilled software architects.
• Provide mentorship, career development, and growth opportunities to team members.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Promote strong cross-functional collaboration with engineering, delivery, and client teams.

Driving the AI Shift:

• Champion the strategic use of AI and LLM-based tools in architecture and engineering workflows.
• Identify opportunities to enhance design, development, and decision-making through AI.
• Guide teams in adopting AI-driven best practices for software design and system optimization.
• Stay at the forefront of technological trends and translate them into actionable architecture strategies.

Partnership and Influence:

• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, helping them navigate complex technical decisions.
• Partner with the Head of Delivery and other senior leaders to evolve technical operating models.
• Represent Utilus’s technical thought leadership externally at events and in the market.

Utilus Way of Working:

• Own and evolve the Utilus Way of Working from an architectural perspective, ensuring consistency across projects.
• Align architecture practices with Utilus’s delivery principles and operational standards.
• Ensure architects and teams apply the Utilus Way of Working effectively in all client engagements, adapting it to new technologies and project contexts.

• Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in software architecture, including experience leading architecture teams or programs.
• Proven track record designing and delivering large-scale, mission-critical systems.
• Strong understanding of system design patterns, cloud architectures, APIs, data pipelines, and security.
• Experience guiding teams through major technology shifts (e.g., AI adoption, cloud modernization).
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Alignment with Utilus’s mission to enable the green energy transition through technology.
• Experience in the energy domain is a plus.

Utilus is a fast-growing and highly ambitious software delivery company. They design, build, manage, and operate scalable and complex software projects at the heart of their clients' primary business, including Tennet, Greenchoice, Dura Vermeer, and Nederlandse Loterij.

They are deeply embedded in the green energy sector, building real-time systems that manage thousands of energy-producing assets in the field, supporting their clients to drive the transition to a more sustainable world. They believe in the universal truth that true transformation is only attainable if clients are prepared to "Do the work". That’s why at Utilus, they help their clients to "Do the work" by developing an approach to improve and renew essential IT, all while keeping the client's business running smoothly.

They take an honest and constructive approach, their two core values, to renewing and enhancing essential IT systems.

What they offer:

• Leadership Impact: Shape the technical direction of Utilus and lead the next evolution of their architecture practice.
• Purposeful Work: Contribute to projects that enable a sustainable, green energy future.
• Growth Environment: Work alongside brilliant engineers and leaders who value curiosity and innovation.
• Flexibility: Hybrid work environment in Amsterdam.
• Compensation: Competitive salary.