Chief information architect

at  ING

BACKGROUND

The Chief Information Architect is responsible for the overall design, implementation, and governance of the enterprise’s information architecture. This includes the strategic oversight of data models, information flows, and the technology stack that supports business processes. This role ensures that the enterprise information architecture aligns with business goals and supports digital transformation efforts.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in enterprise data management, architecture frameworks, and IT infrastructure. You are a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of how technology can drive business innovation and efficiency.

REQUIREMENTS

Experience/profile

• Proven experience (10+ years) in a senior technical leadership role with a focus on information architecture, enterprise architecture, and data management
• Proven experience in leading information architecture initiatives in large, complex organizations
• Strong background in data modeling, information flow design, and database architecture
• Extensive knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Archimate) and methodologies
• Familiarity with data governance tools and technologies (e.g., Collibra, Informatica, Snowflake)
• Hands-on experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., Google, Azure), data lakes, and big data solutions
• Proficiency in relational databases, NoSQL databases, and data integration technologies
• Solid understanding of emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, IoT, and how they impact data architectures

Education

• Bachelor or Master of Computer Science / Information Management/System or equivalent
• Certifications: Relevant certifications in enterprise architecture (e.g., TOGAF), data management (e.g., CDMP), and cloud technologies are a plus

Competencies and Skills

• Leadership: Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization
• Problem-Solving: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex technical challenges
• Strategic Vision: Strong understanding of how information architecture supports business strategy and capable of developing long-term, scalable solutions that align with evolving technology trends and business demands
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Effective at working with diverse teams, including business units, external vendors, and senior leadership and skilled in facilitating productive discussions and managing conflicting priorities
• Communication & Presentation: Excellent communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences and strong writing and presentation skills for executive and board-level reports
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex systems and data environments to derive strategic insights and architecture solutions and skilled in translating business needs into technical specifications
• Risk Management: Expertise in identifying potential risks related to information security, data privacy, and system integration, with a proactive approach to mitigating those risks
• Change Management: Experience in managing organizational change, especially in the context of digital transformation and new technology implementations and the ability to guide teams through the transition while maintaining productivity 113
• Innovation & Creativity: Ability to innovate within the enterprise architecture landscape, finding creative solutions to meet complex business and technical challenges and willingness to explore new technologies and methods to enhance data architecture

ABOUT US

With 60,000 employees and operations in approximately 40 countries, there is no shortage of opportunities for people with initiative who want to help people take a step ahead in life and in business. Do you want to work at the cutting edge of what’s possible and at the same time ensure you work with integrity and hold the customer’s interests at heart? Do you want to be surrounded by progressive, inspiring, diverse, and supportive colleagues? Then there is no better place to invest your talents than at ING. Join us. Apply today.

The Chief Information Architect is responsible for:

• Strategic Leadership: Lead the development and implementation of the enterprise information architecture, ensuring it aligns with the company’s long-term business goals and IT strategy
• Data Governance: Develop and oversee data governance policies and procedures to ensure data accuracy, accessibility, and security across the organization together with the CDMO organization
• Information Management: Design and maintain an information architecture that supports optimal data flow, storage, and integration across various systems and applications
• Enterprise Architecture Alignment: Collaborate with enterprise architects, data engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure the alignment of information architecture with enterprise architecture and business objectives
• Technology Roadmap: Define and drive the information architecture technology roadmap, ensuring that the organization’s information infrastructure can support new technologies such as AI, machine learning, and big data analytics
• Data Integration: Lead the integration of data across various platforms, ensuring seamless information flow between legacy systems and modern technologies
• Security & Compliance: Ensure that all information architecture components comply with security, privacy, and regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR, NIS2, etc.)
• Collaboration: Work closely with business units, IT leaders, and external vendors to understand their needs and ensure the architecture is scalable, sustainable, and adaptable to changing business demands
• Innovation & Research: Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to guide the continuous improvement of the enterprise information architecture