Principal Architect

Collada is a boutique architecture partner. We exist to support leaders in uplifting and delivering architecture capability, typically in highly transformational contexts. We have been engaged by an organisation to help them establish and mature their architecture practice. You will be engaged as an associate for Collada, alongside the rest of the team that we are building.

Our client has a relatively small architecture practice at present, however over the coming months they are looking to engage a number of architects to support them in growing and uplifting it's capabilites.

Like most organisations, this client can see the potential in AI, and there is demand coming from the business to start utilising AI in their day-to-day activities. Rather than allow the business to go in their own direction, this client is looking to engage an architect who can provide them with guidance on what would be best suited.

In this context they are primarily looking at the platform side of AI, not data, so this would be suitable for someone who has a strong application background who has more recently been involved in AI initiatives.

This role will initially be about understanding the current landscape and capabilities, then working closely with the business to discover where they think AI could be best utilised. This role sits across the contextual, conceptual and logical layers of architecture.

Down the line there will likely be an ability to design and implement cutting-edge AI and machine learning solutions, but intially this is more about understanding the business and educating the stakeholders on the capability. They need to walk before they can run.

You will need to sell the vision of AI to the business, build business cases, deliver POC's and then deliver AI initiatives. They are not looking for a perfectionist, they want someone who can move at pace and isn't afraid of making mistakes. Essentially someone with a fail-fast mentality. There is strong demand for this role from the business, they see that AI can make a major positive impact on their organisation and how they engage with customers. This role is critical in making AI a reality for them.

Job Title:Principal AI Architect

Location: Auckland CBD

Hourly Rate:$150ph - 160ph + GST

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess and understand the current technology landscape to identify opportunities for AI adoption across the organisation.
• Engage with business stakeholders to discover potential AI use cases and educate them on capabilities and limitations.
• Shape and communicate the AI vision, building compelling business cases that demonstrate value and feasibility.
• Lead proof-of-concept initiatives to validate ideas quickly and iterate based on feedback, fostering a fail-fast culture.
• Define architectural approaches for AI platforms and solutions, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and existing technology strategies.
• Collaborate across contextual, conceptual, and logical architecture layers to integrate AI into the broader enterprise architecture.
• Champion ethical and responsible AI practices, embedding principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability in all initiatives.
• Stay ahead of emerging AI trends and technologies, advising on opportunities that deliver tangible business outcomes.
• Influence and inspire stakeholders, creating momentum for AI adoption and guiding the organisation through its AI maturity journey.

Required Experience:

• Proven experience in architecting and delivering AI initiatives, ideally within enterprise environments.
• Strong background in application architecture, with recent exposure to AI platforms and technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with business stakeholders, translate requirements into actionable solutions, and influence decision-making.
• Experience in developing business cases and leading proof-of-concept projects to validate emerging technologies.
• Familiarity with enterprise architecture principles and the ability to operate across contextual, conceptual, and logical layers.
• Track record of driving technology adoption and guiding organisations through change in highly transformational contexts.
• Understanding of ethical AI practices and governance considerations.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, iterative environments, with a "fail-fast" mindset.

A Collada Associate will be:

• Comfortable in dealing with ambiguity
• Front footed. You will need to take the initiative and make things happen
• Collaborative, share your knowledge and experience with others. It is how ideas grow and improve.
• Build excellent stakeholder relationships
• Ability to communicate concisely, in both written and verbal forms.
• Easy going, and someone who others warm to quickly