What Does an Enterprise Architect Do?
An enterprise architect creates and maintains the strategic IT architecture that supports an organization’s overall goals. This senior-level professional acts as a bridge between business objectives and technology solutions, aligning systems, processes, and infrastructure across departments to ensure they work together efficiently and securely.
Enterprise architects evaluate existing systems, identify areas for modernization, and define blueprints for scalable, future-ready environments. Their role often involves leading enterprise-wide technology initiatives, maintaining compliance with industry standards, and enabling agility through cloud, data, and application architecture frameworks.
Looking to Hire an Enterprise Architect?
Speak with one of our recruiting experts today.
Enterprise Architect Core Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain enterprise architecture frameworks aligned with business objectives
- Evaluate current systems and recommend scalable solutions or modernization paths
- Define integration, data, application, and security standards across business units
- Lead the architecture strategy for digital transformation, cloud migration, or ERP initiatives
- Collaborate with executive stakeholders to translate business goals into technical requirements
- Establish and enforce technology governance models and reference architectures
- Guide solution architects, developers, and infrastructure teams across projects
- Document architectural standards, models, and decision-making processes
- Monitor emerging technologies and recommend adoption strategies where appropriate
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Expertise in enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman)
- Deep understanding of system integration, APIs, SOA, microservices, and cloud platforms
- Familiarity with data architecture, cybersecurity standards, and regulatory compliance (e.g., HIPAA, SOC 2, GDPR)
- Experience with architecture modeling tools (e.g., ArchiMate, Sparx EA, Bizzdesign)
- Strong background in infrastructure, cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP), and application design
Soft skills
- Strategic thinking with the ability to align technology and business vision
- Executive-level communication and influence
- Leadership in cross-functional and matrixed environments
- Analytical decision-making with a future-focused mindset
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or related field required
- Master’s degree or MBA preferred for enterprise leadership roles
Certifications
- TOGAF certification (Foundation and/or Certified)
- Additional certifications, such as AWS/Azure Solutions Architect, ITIL, or PMP, may be preferred depending on the environment
Preferred Qualifications
- 8–10+ years in IT with 3–5 years in architecture leadership roles
- Experience leading cloud transformations, enterprise application redesigns, or large-scale integrations
- Familiarity with Agile, DevOps, and CI/CD practices in enterprise settings
- Experience with ERP, CRM, or other enterprise platform ecosystems
National Average Salary
Enterprise architect salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Enterprise Architect is:
$153,461
Sample Job Description Templates for Enterprise Architects
Cloud Enterprise Architect
Position Overview
The cloud enterprise architect leads the design and implementation of scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud strategies across the organization. This role defines multi-cloud or hybrid environments, migration paths, and architecture standards to support enterprise agility and growth.
Responsibilities
- Define cloud architecture frameworks and reference models (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Guide cloud migration, modernization, and infrastructure automation efforts
- Implement governance, security, and cost optimization policies
- Integrate cloud services with legacy and on-premise systems
- Collaborate with DevOps, security, and application teams on architecture decisions
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and IaaS/PaaS/SaaS models
- Experience with Kubernetes, Terraform, cloud networking, and automation tools
- Knowledge of cloud governance and FinOps principles
Soft skills
- Strategic planning and cross-functional leadership
- Strong documentation and presentation skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field
Certifications
- TOGAF (preferred)
- Cloud certifications: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, or GCP Professional Cloud Architect
Data & Analytics Enterprise Architect
Position Overview
The data & analytics enterprise architect designs the frameworks for enterprise data management, including data governance, warehousing, integration, and analytics enablement. This role ensures data is accessible, secure, and actionable across the organization.
Responsibilities
- Define enterprise-wide data models, taxonomies, and lineage standards
- Architect solutions for data warehouses, lakes, and analytics platforms
- Support data governance, quality, and compliance efforts (e.g., GDPR, CCPA)
- Collaborate with BI, ML/AI, and business intelligence teams
- Guide tool selection and platform architecture (e.g., Snowflake, Databricks)
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with data modeling, ETL, and integration platforms
- Deep knowledge of SQL, data warehouse architecture, and metadata management
- Familiarity with cloud-native analytics platforms and data privacy frameworks
Soft skills
- Analytical thinking and business alignment skills
- Ability to influence cross-functional data owners and executives
Education
- Bachelor’s or master’s in data science, information systems, or related field
Certifications
- TOGAF or DAMA-DMBOK certification preferred
- Vendor-specific credentials (Snowflake, Azure Data Engineer, etc.) are a plus
Security-Focused Enterprise Architect
Position Overview
The security enterprise architect develops and enforces enterprise-level security frameworks to protect systems, data, and infrastructure. This role works cross-functionally to implement secure-by-design strategies that comply with internal and external standards.
Responsibilities
- Architect security frameworks using Zero Trust, NIST, and ISO 27001 models
- Define IAM, network segmentation, encryption, and monitoring standards
- Guide integration of security tools (SIEM, CASB, EDR) into enterprise architecture
- Align with compliance mandates (HIPAA, SOC 2, PCI, etc.)
- Evaluate emerging threats and technology to reduce enterprise risk
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with security architecture, identity management, and encryption
- Familiarity with compliance and risk management frameworks
- Strong background in cloud security and access controls
Soft skills
- Risk assessment and mitigation strategy communication
- Executive reporting and security advocacy across departments
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or IT security
Certifications
- TOGAF or SABSA (preferred)
- CISSP, CISM, or CISA required/preferred depending on the organization
Digital Transformation Architect
Position Overview
The digital transformation architect drives enterprise modernization by designing integrated systems, platforms, and processes that support innovation and agility. This role leads cloud, application, and workflow modernization initiatives aligned with organizational goals.
Responsibilities
- Assess current state and define target digital architecture
- Lead transformation programs across cloud, DevOps, and legacy systems
- Align technology roadmaps with strategic business outcomes
- Oversee platform integration, automation, and modernization efforts
- Establish architecture governance to support agility and change management
Requirements
Hard skills
- Broad knowledge of enterprise systems, ERP/CRM, cloud platforms, and integration
- Experience with Agile/SAFe, DevOps, and CI/CD enablement
- Familiarity with process mapping and digital innovation frameworks
Soft skills
- Strategic advisory and stakeholder engagement
- Change management leadership and cross-functional collaboration
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, information systems, or related field
Certifications
- TOGAF
- Prosci Change Management or PMP (preferred)
ERP/CRM Enterprise Architect
Position Overview
The ERP/CRM enterprise architect designs the ecosystem that supports core business functions, including finance, HR, sales, and customer engagement. This role ensures that systems like SAP, Oracle, or Salesforce are scalable, integrated, and aligned with organizational workflows.
Responsibilities
- Architect enterprise solutions around ERP and CRM platforms
- Define integration patterns across systems, data flows, and user access
- Support upgrades, module deployments, and third-party integrations
- Align architecture with business rules, compliance, and user needs
- Provide governance for customization, scalability, and vendor alignment
Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep knowledge of ERP/CRM platforms (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, Workday)
- Experience with API integrations, middleware, and process orchestration
- Understanding of business operations and functional modules
Soft skills
- Process improvement and business acumen
- Cross-functional communication with finance, HR, and IT leaders
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in MIS, business, or engineering
Certifications
- TOGAF
- Platform-specific credentials (e.g., Salesforce Architect, SAP Certified Application Associate)
Business Process Enterprise Architect
Position Overview
The business process enterprise architect designs and improves end-to-end business workflows across the organization, enabling operational efficiency through technology alignment and process modeling.
Responsibilities
- Map current state and target business processes using BPMN tools
- Collaborate with IT to align applications and automation to process needs
- Define governance and standards for process modeling and optimization
- Analyze performance metrics and recommend process reengineering strategies
- Bridge business goals and enterprise system requirements
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with process modeling tools (e.g., ARIS, Signavio, Visio)
- Understanding of workflow automation, ERP/CRM platforms, and analytics integration
- Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma, BPM, or workflow frameworks
Soft skills
- Strong facilitation, interviewing, and analytical capabilities
- Stakeholder alignment and documentation clarity
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business process management, operations, or information systems
Certifications
- TOGAF
- Six Sigma or BPM certification preferred