What’s fuelling Enterprise Architect demand across the UK & EU

After a quieter 12 months, Enterprise Architecture (EA) hiring is showing clear signs of resurgence. From S/4HANA transformation and cloud migration to AI implementation and security modernisation, the stage is set for a new wave of strategic architecture demand.

At Henderson Scott, we’re seeing this first-hand. Conversations with CIOs, programme directors, and architecture leads across the UK and EU have shifted. Where 2024 was marked by stalled budgets and advisory-only mandates, 2025 has brought a more decisive tone: “We’re building again.”

So, what’s changed? And what should hiring leaders and senior architects prepare for throughout H2?

From advisory to action

The biggest shift? Programmes are moving from design to delivery.

In 2023 and early 2024, many large enterprises engaged EA teams in advisory or blueprint phases, scoping cloud strategies, reviewing legacy platforms, and experimenting with AI.

Now, those strategies are becoming reality. Transformation roadmaps are unlocking headcount, and EA sits at the heart of it, balancing business goals with scalable, secure, and cost-efficient technical decisions.

Where the demand is coming from

1. ERP & core platform upgrades
SAP S/4HANA migrations and Salesforce Lightning rollouts are driving architecture demand across finance, supply chain, and customer platforms. EA is essential in ensuring integration, compliance, and continuity.

2. AI & data modernisation
As AI matures from R&D to production, architecture leaders are needed to govern integration, manage LLM workflows, and embed AI responsibly into core business systems. We’re seeing an uptick in roles focused on data architecture, model pipelines, and AI guardrails.

3. Cloud cost optimisation
Cloud isn’t new, but optimisation is. Azure, AWS and multi-cloud environments require EA to work hand-in-hand with FinOps and DevOps to manage spend, performance, and risk at scale.

4. Security-first architecture
EA is becoming more DevSecOps-aligned, especially in industries facing regulatory scrutiny. Security architecture, identity management, and secure application posture are now being built in, not just bolted on.

5. Business capability mapping
With boards pushing for value-led transformation, Business Architects are back in demand, translating strategic intent into executable architecture blueprints.

UK & EU market outlook

Programmes that stalled in 2024, due to budget freezes or global uncertainty, are being revisited in 2025. Hiring will continue to rise through H2, particularly in sectors like financial services, retail, healthtech, and logistics.

What this means for EA talent

For senior architects, particularly those with delivery experience, this is a high-leverage moment.

EA hiring managers are prioritising:

• Architects who can work across business and tech lines
• Those with strong stakeholder management and programme delivery exposure
• Talent with cross-discipline fluency (EA x DevOps x Security)

Remote and hybrid roles remain common, but on-site collaboration is creeping back in, especially for programme-critical EA roles.

What clients should do now

If you’re a CIO, Programme Lead or Head of Architecture, here’s how to get ahead before Q4:

Brief roles early.
We’re seeing increased competition for top architects, and time-to-hire is critical.

Frame the impact.
Candidates want to know how their work supports delivery, not just design.

Balance the spec.
Many EA briefs are too rigid. Consider prioritising delivery mindset and stakeholder fluency over exhaustive tooling checklists.

Secure internal buy-in.
Delays in approvals or budget release continue to cost businesses their first-choice candidates.

As Grant Clements, Consulting Director at Henderson Scott, puts it:

“Good architects have options again. The best way to hire one? Know what you need and act like you mean it.”

Enterprise Architecture is no longer sitting in strategy decks. It’s back where it belongs at the centre of change.

Whether you’re planning a platform upgrade, embedding AI into business processes, or remodelling your cloud estate, the architects who can connect vision with delivery will define the success of your programmes.

Curious about what’s really driving tech hiring in 2025?

Access our Tech Mid-Year Market Update for exclusive recruiter insights, salary trends, and intel across AI, Cloud, Cyber and Infrastructure hiring in the UK, US, and EU.

Need help sourcing senior EA talent or shaping a market-ready brief?

Henderson Scott’s technology consultants are here to guide you with insight. Contact our team for tailored market intelligence, hiring strategy support, and fast access to high-impact architecture professionals across the UK and EU.