Hybrid work environment
5-year fixed term contract
Newly created technology leadership position that offers a unique opportunity to shape technology strategy, planning, and architecture for the RBA
Drive strategy, architecture, and innovation that impacts the nation’s financial future.
The Reserve Bank of Australia is seeking a Chief Architect for a 5 Year Fixed Term contract, to lead technology strategy, planning, and architecture; and shape the RBA’s technology landscape and architecture governance to deliver our strategic objectives, balancing speed with quality, and ensuring technology choices are aligned with scalability, security, resilience, interoperability, and financial sustainability.
This senior management role reports to the Head of Technology Strategy, Risk and Performance
About the Role
As Chief Architect, you will:
Define and lead the technical strategy, architectural vision, and governance model for the Bank.
Create a values-driven culture that fosters engagement and achievement.
Provide strategic leadership and share accountability for delivering outcomes that meet current and future organisational needs.
Set technology strategy and architectural vision, partnering with business and IT teams to drive technology modernisation and platform transformation in a complex stakeholder environment
Lead a team of 40 professionals including enterprise, domain and solution architects and IT planning and performance specialists
Lead cost-benefit analysis and strategic business case development in support of technology-enabled business strategies and plans
Ensure strategic performance management in IT is effective, from strategy definition through to objectives setting, cascading, measurement, and continuous improvement.
Drive improved management of technology diversity, standardisation and simplification – leveraging best practices for technology debt management, balancing technology cost levers, and maximising cost optimisation strategies.
Drive continuous improvement of technology governance frameworks, gaining buy-in, and embedding practices and process changes across the organisation.
What You’ll Bring
Typically, 15+ years of experience in technology and architecture, with at least 5+ years technical leadership and people management roles in similar size organisations.
Background in financial services, critical infrastructure operations, or large government agencies preferred.
Australian citizenship and eligibility for NV1 security clearance.
Experience with distributed systems and cloud platforms (Azure, AWS) as well as on-premise architectures. Strong understanding of site reliability engineering principles and requirements for continuous availability (24x7 99.995%) systems.
Experience with investment decision frameworks, demand management processes, and portfolio planning. Strong understanding of how performance, costs, resources risk and value intersect to enable strategic investment and capability implementation.
Exceptional leadership and communication skills — able to educate, influence, and inspire at all levels including up to C-suite. Familiarity with requirements for board papers and executive briefings (such as ministerial briefings) considered favourably.
Demonstrated negotiation and resolution management skills.
Customer and consulting service mindset.
Demonstrated commercial experience and familiarity with IT supplier management best practice. Familiarity with requirements for public sector procurement considered favourably.
Demonstrated experienced as a people leader of large teams (40+), coaching managers and motivating teams.
Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience.
Why the RBA?
The Reserve Bank of Australia plays a vital role in supporting the nation’s economy through monetary policy, financial market operations, and issuing Australia’s banknotes. We operate critical infrastructure for the payments system and contribute to the welfare of all Australians.
Our culture values integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We encourage diverse perspectives, intelligent inquiry, and respect, while promoting the public interest. At the RBA, you’ll have opportunities to grow your skills and make a meaningful impact on Australia’s financial future.
The Reserve Bank of Australia is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion through key initiatives. We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse background, those living with a disability and from the LGBTQ+ community. We are committed to making the recruitment process fair and equitable for all our candidates.
Application Close :
February 08, 2026.