Head of Strategy and Architecture - General Qualifications and Vocational Qualifications

Strategy and Technical Architecture - Hybrid role

The role:

This is a newly created role that will support Pearson Schools Qualifications and Workforce Skills Qualifications globally. This is a unique opportunity to join a significant and high-profile technology operation whilst driving transformation for the future and deliver an integrated digital business that supports teaching, learning and assessment and qualifications. You will be a top technical expert, and whilst schools, colleges and training providers are our primary customers, you will also need to develop the technology estate and operations to drive consumer value and support learners globally.

Responsible for:

• Creation of the Strategy and Roadmap for Pearson’s Qualifications Portfolio, including architectural design, data and systems integration, master data architecture, data analysis and workflows etc

• Design (Conceptual, logical, solution etc) and Delivery of Technical Architecture for As-IS and To-Be Qualifications products and services

• Delivery of Pearson’s GQ and VQ regulated and non-regulated Qualifications Portfolio, ensuring exam series run to schedule and quality criteria

• Alignment of the UK and International architecture, roadmap and technology stacks

• Alignment of the Qualifications Portfolio with Consumer Services Portfolio

• Design and technical delivery of new qualifications and innovation pilots

Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

• Experience of proactively seeking opportunities to digitally transform services in a regulated environment

• Experience of shaping and influencing tech and digital strategy in a commercial organisation - setting strategies, patterns, standards, policies, roadmaps and vision statements

• Experience of designing and delivering user-centered solutions to the market at pace

• Experience of designing large-scale transformation of legacy systems and applications

• Experience of designing coherent Service Lines (multi-product and multi-system environments) to improve the user experience

• Lead technical architect and practitioner, inspiring other architects and business analysts to deliver the goals of the organisation

• Knowledge of GQ and VQ qualifications’ customer and user needs

• Knowledge of competitors and the global markets in which Pearson Qualifications Services operate

• Ability to work collaboratively with Qualifications Services leaders and business leaders to co-create solutions to business problems

• Ability to work alongside Finance leaders to build compelling business cases for investment

• Ability to mediate between business leaders, corporate colleagues, suppliers and to communicate confidently senior stakeholders

• Ability to provide technical governance, aligned to wider governance such as enterprise architecture, budget, legal compliance, commercial constraints etc and to provide risk mitigation through assurance mechanisms

• Ability to turn business problems into technical design and decisions, including designing systems characterised by high levels of risk, impact, and business or technical complexity

• Ability to understanding how technology trends and practices in the marketplace can positively impact revenue opportunities

Reports to: Qualifications Services Director

Leadership Capabilities

Strategy and Direction

• Direction and Purpose - Understands how one’s work contributes to Pearson’s vision and purpose.

• Critical Thinking - Uses logic and reasoning to analyze and deeply understand problems. Critically evaluates alternative solutions and conclusions.

• Innovation - Develops or designs new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products to create value.

Performance

• Drive and Execution - Takes responsibility to produce high quality work. Practices effective working strategies such as setting goals and monitoring progress towards goals. Clarifies expectations and seeks out resources needed to accomplish work.

• Collaboration - Develops constructive, cooperative, and trusting relationships with colleagues. Leverages technology to enable effective collaboration when needed, including working within dispersed/virtual teams.

• Communication - Communicates information and ideas clearly so that others understand. Leverages technology to better enable effective communication.

• Resilience - Embraces ambiguity and navigates disruption and change by being willing to let go of the normal way of doing things and pursues new directions with tenacity and persistence. 

Culture

• Cultural competence, Inclusion and Belonging – Promotes safe and inclusive work environment where everyone feels like they belong. 

• Emotional Intelligence - Displays sensitivity to other's needs and feelings, and practices empathy to build relationships. Attends to the various spheres of wellness in one’s life, including emotional as well as community, physical, and financial.

• Coaching and Feedback - Thoughtfully gives and receives feedback, including celebrating the successes of colleagues.

• Active and Continuous Learning - Practices curiosity by intentionally seeking out opportunities for learning and self-development. Adopts effective learning strategies by identifying active and experiential learning opportunities.

What to expect from Pearson

Did you know Pearson is one of the 10 most innovative education companies of 2022?

At Pearson, we add life to a lifetime of learning so everyone can realize the life they imagine. We do this by creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are on a journey to be 100 percent digital to meet the changing needs of the global population by developing a new strategy with ambitious targets. To deliver on our strategic vision, we have five business divisions that are the foundation for the long-term growth of the company: Assessment & Qualifications, Virtual Learning, English Language Learning, Workforce Skills and Higher Education. Alongside these, we have our corporate divisions: Digital & Technology, Finance, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications, Human Resources, Legal, Strategy and Direct to Consumer. Learn more at We are Pearson.

We value the power of an inclusive culture and also a strong sense of belonging. We promote a culture where differences are embraced, opportunities are accessible, consideration and respect are the norm and all individuals are supported in reaching their full potential. Through our talent, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant place to work. People are at the center, and we are committed to building a workplace where talent can learn, grow and thrive.

Pearson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We want a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We strive for a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities.

To learn more about Pearson’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, navigate to: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Pearson.

If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing ppsmhr@pearson.com.

Note that the information you provide will stay confidential and will be stored securely. It will not be seen by those involved in making decisions as part of the recruitment process.

Job: TECHNOLOGY

Organization: Assessment & Qualifications

Schedule: FULL_TIME

Req ID: 10667