Principal IT Architect | Kaihoahoa Mātāmua – Hangarau Mōhiohio

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Job no: 36MGA

Category: IST

• Lead enterprise architecture standards, principles and technology roadmaps
• Influence senior stakeholders across a unique and complex parliamentary environment
• Join a values-led organisation supporting New Zealand’s democracy

Te tīma | The team

Parliament IT provides the digital services, platforms and technology support that help Parliament operate effectively. We work in a unique environment where reliable, secure and customer-centred technology directly supports Members of Parliament, parliamentary agencies, our people and the public.

The team is focused on making it easy to work digitally without compromising security, building sustainable services that anticipate future needs, and organising our people, products and services around those we serve.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As Principal IT Architect, you will own and evolve the Parliamentary Service IT architecture standards and technology town plan. You will provide architectural leadership and assurance across initiatives, investments and major changes, helping ensure our technology landscape is consistent, sustainable, resilient and aligned to the future needs of Parliament.

This is a senior technical leadership role with significant organisational influence. You will work closely with product, service, IT security and delivery leaders to translate strategy into practical roadmaps and target architectures, while supporting senior stakeholders to balance delivery priorities with long-term architectural integrity.

Tō kete | What you will bring to the role

As the Principal Architect, you will lead the development and governance of enterprise-wide architecture standards, principles, patterns and roadmaps, ensuring technology investments align with organisational priorities and long-term strategic goals. You will translate organisational strategy into clear target architectures, technology plans and practical delivery guidance, providing architectural assurance across major initiatives, investments and change programmes. Working closely with senior leaders, vendors and technical teams, you will influence decision-making through sound judgement, trusted advice and clear communication. You will also provide people leadership to a direct report, supporting their development, performance and success, while fostering a collaborative and high-performing architecture practice. A key focus of the role is building architecture capability and maturity across Parliament IT, driving greater consistency, reuse and sustainable value. You will bring experience applying recognised architecture frameworks, such as TOGAF or SFIA-aligned approaches, together with strong conceptual thinking, analytical skills and the ability to connect strategic vision with practical outcomes.

Ka riro i a koe | What you’ll gain

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future technology direction of New Zealand’s Parliament, contributing to work that is both highly visible and deeply meaningful. You will play a key role in a complex, purpose-led environment where technology enables democratic processes and supports the effective functioning of Parliament. The role offers the chance to influence strategic decisions, guide long-term architectural thinking, and drive the maturity of enterprise architecture practices across the organisation. Alongside this, you will be part of a collaborative and supportive team that values service excellence, security, innovation and customer outcomes, providing an environment where your expertise can have a lasting impact.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What’s in it for you?

• We offer a thorough induction, ongoing development and excellent working conditions.
• We offer a range of benefits including study assistance, 5 weeks annual leave and flexible working arrangements.
• Our ever-changing environment allows you to be part of the action at Parliament, including question time, select committees and other key events.

Mō mātou | About us

Parliamentary Service supports New Zealand’s democracy by providing excellent services to Members of Parliament, parliamentary agencies, our stakeholders and the public. Our support services include IT, security, research and information services, finance, HR, travel, catering, and looking after the buildings and grounds of the parliamentary precincts.

We work closely with the Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives, which provides specialist advice on procedure and parliamentary law and secretariat services to the House and its committees.

Our values are Integrity, Manaakitanga, Accountability, Whanaungatanga and Empowerment. These values support our vision to have the best people supporting the best parliament in the world.

The starting salary for this role is $138,954 per annum. Appointments will be based on skills and experience. Please note, the full salary range extends beyond this to allow for tenure progression.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications close at 11:59pm, Thursday 6 August 2026

All applications must be submitted online. If this is not possible, or to arrange a confidential kōrero, please email Sign in to view email.

Note: Please see the attachment for an application information pack.

Note: We will be screening applications as we receive them to move swiftly to interview shortly after the advert closes. You may be asked to complete a pre-interview screen via phone or video.

If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.

The Parliamentary Service appoints on merit and is committed to diversity and inclusion and good employer principles. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and value the experience that your point of difference brings.