Enterprise Architect – IT Governance

About the Role
NISH Tech BV is looking for an experienced Enterprise Architect to support the implementation and operationalization of a federated IT Target Operating Model within a complex, multi-entity organization in the energy sector. The role combines enterprise architecture, governance, stakeholder alignment and hands-on execution, with a strong focus on turning an approved operating model into practical working practices and measurable results. You will lead the development and continuous improvement of the architecture governance framework, establish Architecture Review Board practices, clarify decision rights and escalation paths, and embed architecture into portfolio, delivery, security, data, technology and vendor processes. You will work closely with architects, business, product, engineering, infrastructure, security and delivery stakeholders, while coaching architecture teams and building shared ownership across the organization.

Key Responsibilities
• Translate the approved Target Operating Model into concrete architecture working practices and an implementation backlog.
• Define milestones, dependencies, risks, decision points and suitable pilots to drive execution.
• Lead the definition and continuous improvement of the architecture governance framework.
• Establish principles, standards, policies, reference architectures and golden scenarios.
• Define and operationalize clear Architecture Review Board (ARB) decision workflows.
• Clarify mandates, interactions, decision rights, handovers and escalation paths across architecture roles.
• Establish or refine Group and Local Architecture Review Board practices and facilitate governance sessions.
• Implement review triggers, delegated decision routing, Architecture Decision Records (ADRs), waivers and exception management.
• Ensure architecture alignment with digital platform guardrails and translate them into practical guidance for delivery teams.
• Embed architecture into portfolio and funding, demand intake, project and product delivery, security, risk, data, integration and technology selection processes.
• Establish a proportionate architecture engagement model based on criticality, complexity, risk and cross-entity impact.
• Define a minimum viable architecture artefact set with clear ownership, approval routes, versioning and review triggers.
• Coach architecture roles, establish an Architecture Community and facilitate focused working groups.
• Define KPIs covering adoption, decision effectiveness, delivery enablement, reuse, compliance, risk and stakeholder value.
• Drive alignment across teams, resolve ambiguity and ensure agreed architecture decisions are implemented. Required Skills Mandatory Skills
• 10+ years of experience in an Enterprise Architecture role.
• Proven experience with architecture governance in federated, multi-entity or similarly complex environments.
• Experience facilitating Architecture Review Boards (ARBs) and producing decision-ready documentation with traceability.
• Hands-on experience implementing delegated decision rights, ADRs, waivers, compliance reviews and architecture service models.
• Strong strategic thinking combined with a pragmatic, hands-on and results-oriented approach.
• Strong facilitation and stakeholder-management capabilities.
• Ability to align senior management, architects, business, product, engineering, infrastructure and delivery teams.
• Ability to create structure in ambiguous environments and maintain momentum through implementation.
• Solid knowledge of IT processes and recognized approaches including ITIL, TOGAF, ArchiMate and Domain-Driven Design.
• Ability to articulate an architecture vision, build trust and create shared ownership around complex decisions.
• Fluency in English. Nice-to-Have Skills
• Hands-on experience designing and delivering IT solutions in an agile environment.
• Knowledge or experience in the Energy and Utilities sector.
• Knowledge of French, Dutch or German. Experience
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in Enterprise Architecture.
• Demonstrable experience implementing architecture governance frameworks within complex organizations.
• Proven experience with federated or multi-entity architecture governance and Architecture Review Boards.
• Experience turning a Target Operating Model into operational governance and practical working practices. Languages
• English: Fluent – mandatory.
• French, Dutch or German: Nice to have. Location & Work Model
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Location:
Brussels, Belgium.
• Work regime: Full-time.
• On-site presence: 2 days per week on average.
• Activities may be split between locations in Brussels and Berlin.
• Travel to Germany may be required; associated travel costs are covered.
• Candidates requiring a Belgian work permit must hold a valid permit and residence authorization allowing them to work in Belgium. About NISH Tech BV NISH Tech BV is a technology and recruitment partner connecting skilled IT professionals with challenging projects across Belgium and Europe. We focus on creating strong matches between professionals and organizations by combining market expertise, technical understanding and a personal approach. Our goal is to support both clients and consultants in building long-term, successful partnerships through quality, transparency and professional guidance. Application Interested candidates are invited to send their CV to: jobs@nishtech.eu