Principal Architect

Job description

The opportunity We are looking for a Principal Architect to join KordaMentha's growing Data & AI capability. This is a rare opportunity to help shape an emerging advisory practice and influence how organisations leverage data, AI and modern cloud technologies to solve complex business challenges. Working alongside senior client stakeholders, you will combine strategic advisory, architecture leadership and deep technical expertise to design and deliver modern data and AI solutions that create lasting business value. We are open to a team member based in either Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane. In this role you will: Help shape and grow KordaMentha's Data & AI capability through new services, thought leadership and client engagements. Design and lead modern cloud data platforms spanning data, analytics and AI workloads. Advise CIOs, CDOs and CFOs on technology, data and AI decisions, balancing business outcomes, risk and long-term value. Create reusable reference architectures, standards and design patterns that improve delivery quality and consistency. Lead architecture reviews, technical due diligence and platform assessments, embedding privacy, security and regulatory considerations. Facilitate discovery and problem-framing workshops, translating business priorities into pragmatic architecture decisions. Mentor architects and consultants, helping develop capability across the practice. Work across multi-cloud and modern data platforms including but not limited to Microsoft, Anthropic and Databricks. What we are looking for We are seeking a proven architecture leader who combines deep technical expertise with strong advisory and consulting skills. You are equally comfortable engaging executive stakeholders on strategic priorities as you are leading architecture decisions on complex data and AI initiatives. You bring a pragmatic, business-first mindset and understand that successful technology outcomes require more than technical excellence. You can balance commercial considerations, stakeholder needs and architectural integrity to help clients make confident decisions. You will bring: Demonstrated experience leading data architecture, cloud platform, data engineering or AI transformation engagements. Deep expertise across modern cloud, data and AI technologies, with the ability to design practical, scalable solutions that solve complex client challenges. A proven track record as a trusted technical advisor to senior stakeholders, including CIOs, CTOs, CDOs and executive leadership teams. Experience translating business objectives into technology strategy, architecture roadmaps and investment priorities. Expertise leading architecture reviews, technical assessments, discovery workshops and technology due diligence engagements. Strong knowledge of modern data platforms, cloud architectures, analytics and AI ecosystems. Experience establishing architecture standards, governance frameworks and delivery patterns that drive quality and consistency. Experience designing and estimating data and AI programs of work, including data operating models, organisational design and ways of working. A track record of mentoring technical teams and contributing to capability growth, thought leadership and market-facing propositions. Strong collaboration skills, working alongside clients, technology partners and multidisciplinary teams to deliver lasting business outcomes. Preferred, but not essential: Experience advising clients across government, financial services, resources and energy, retail or healthcare sectors. Relevant cloud, data, architecture or AI certifications (e.g. Microsoft Azure, Databricks, AWS, Google Cloud or TOGAF). Join KordaMentha — Build your future, shape ours We don’t just hire talent; we invest in it - with support that accelerates your success in every way Why join us? Professional development: Expert mentorship, tailored training via KordaMentha Business School, study support, and our Accelerate program for Analysts to Associate Directors — build your brand, expand your network, and gain strategic insights from senior leaders Flexibility: We champion work/life integration with options that fit your lifestyle. Career growth: Merit-based promotions, secondments, and opportunities to work alongside senior leaders on impactful projects. Leave that works for you: Buy extra leave and access volunteer, generous parental leave and career break options. Culture & connection: Social events, cultural celebrations, and our bi-ennial black-tie ball. Family support: Flexible parental leave, return-to-work support through our partner GracePapers, and resources for every stage of family life. Health & wellbeing: Inclusive wellness initiatives and confidential and industry leading EAP for you and your family. This isn’t just a job — it’s a place where your ambitions are nurtured, your wellbeing is valued, and your contributions celebrated. Ready to shape your future with us? How to apply: Please submit your resume via our online portal. Recruitment and Search Firms: While your interest is appreciated, KordaMentha does not take responsibility or accept charges for unsolicited approaches. Recruitment and Search Firms: While your interest is appreciated, KordaMentha does not take responsibility or accept charges for unsolicited approaches. For more than 20 years, KordaMentha has supported businesses through some of their most complex matters and opportunities. Founder owned and led; we are an advisory firm that helps corporations, financiers, lawyers, private investors and government clients to grow, protect and recover value. That’s what we do, but it’s how we do this that makes us who we are. Proudly independent, strategically local, and with a bias for action to get things done, we focus on doing what is right by our clients, our people, and the wider community. Our track record shows that we help navigate the best path forward in challenging times, and do so across cities, regions and territories. In the most stressful or demanding environments, we continue to drive change where it really counts.