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Technology that powers global performance

Global IT at A&O Shearman is driving the technology that underpins a leading international law firm. Our strategy is centered on creating a connected, forward‑looking environment where secure, high‑performing platforms enable people to work seamlessly across our global network. We combine deep technical expertise with a sharp focus on business outcomes - ensuring technology is not just reliable, but a true enabler of growth and innovation. From cloud and infrastructure to data and security, we are continuously evolving our technology landscape to meet the demands of a fast‑paced, global business. It’s an environment where ideas are valued, standards are high, and impact is tangible.

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Job ID: 11452BR
Location: Belfast, United Kingdom
Job family: Business teams
Practice area: Information technology
Job type: Permanent
Working arrangement: Hybrid

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Architect to join our Enterprise Architecture and Technology Platforms team, based in A&O Shearman’s Belfast office.

What you will do

This is a senior architecture role with the opportunity to help shape the technology that enables our people to access knowledge, manage documents, collaborate and work more effectively across a global firm.

Working across our knowledge and productivity technology landscape, you will help define the architecture and future direction of key platforms, working closely with technology teams, business stakeholders and strategic suppliers. You will bring together expertise across areas such as Microsoft 365, document and content management, knowledge systems, enterprise search, integrations, and emerging AI capabilities. You will play a key role in ensuring these platforms are secure, scalable and well integrated, while helping us evolve our technology landscape to take advantage of new capabilities and ways of working.

Define and evolve the architecture and technology roadmap for our knowledge and productivity platforms.
Design secure, scalable, and integrated solutions across Microsoft 365, document and content management, knowledge and search platforms.
Provide architectural leadership for new technology initiatives, upgrades and platform transformation.
Work with business and technology stakeholders to translate requirements into practical, sustainable technology solutions.
Shape integration approaches across cloud, SaaS and enterprise platforms, including APIs and identity services.
Partner with Information Security, Enterprise Architecture and other technology teams to ensure solutions meet the firm's architecture, security and governance standards.
Explore how AI and emerging technologies can enhance knowledge, collaboration and productivity across the firm.
Provide technical direction and guidance to engineering and delivery teams.
Work with strategic technology partners and suppliers, helping to influence product roadmaps and ensure solutions continue to meet the firm's needs.
Contribute to wider architecture standards, principles and continuous improvement across our technology environment.

What you will have

Experience working in complex enterprise technology environments, with experience in solution, platform or enterprise architecture.
Strong experience designing and evolving enterprise platforms, with the ability to create target-state architecture and technology roadmaps.
Experience across one or more areas such as Microsoft 365, SharePoint, document management, content services, knowledge management, or enterprise search.
A good understanding of modern integration approaches, including APIs, cloud/SaaS platforms, identity and security.
Experience working with business and technology stakeholders to understand complex requirements and translate them into effective technical solutions.
Strong understanding of architecture governance, information security, and technology risk.
An interest in emerging technologies, including Microsoft Copilot and AI-enabled productivity and knowledge solutions.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain complex technical subjects clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
Experience within a legal or professional services environment would be advantageous, as would exposure to document management platforms such as iManage or NetDocuments.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE - A&O Shearman does not accept unsolicited CVs. For further information, please see our UK Recruitment Agency Policy and our commitment to direct sourcing here.

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The technology you’ll work with

In global IT, you’ll be supported by a modern, enterprise‑grade technology ecosystem designed to enable performance, security and innovation. Our environment brings together best‑in‑class platforms, cloud infrastructure and specialist tools that underpin a leading global law firm. From collaboration and knowledge sharing to advanced security and data capabilities, we ensure our teams have what they need to deliver at pace. Alongside access to the latest technologies, you’ll benefit from strong technical communities, structured learning and ongoing investment in our IT landscape - empowering you to build expertise and drive meaningful impact.

Cloud and infrastructure

Azure
VMware

Workplace and collaboration

Microsoft 365
Teams
SharePoint
OneDrive

Document and knowledge management

iManage
Knowledge platforms

Security and identity

Microsoft Defender
Entra ID (Azure AD)
DLP tools

Service management

ServiceNow
ITIL frameworks

Data and analytics

Power BI
Azure Data Services

Automation and development

Power Platform
PowerShell
Azure DevOps

Legal technology

Relativity
Practice and matter management systems

Built to excel

In global IT, excellence is built through a combination of technical expertise, curiosity and a drive to continuously improve. Our strongest performers bring a pragmatic, solutions‑focused mindset and take ownership of delivering high‑quality outcomes. They collaborate effectively across teams, adapt quickly to change and stay focused under pressure. With a clear understanding of how technology enables the business, they balance innovation with reliability. Above all, they are committed to raising standards - contributing ideas, refining approaches and consistently delivering impact in a fast‑moving, high‑performance environment.

Technically credible
Solution focused
Accountable
Collaborative
Resilient
Innovation minded

Why us?

As a leading global law firm, we rely on our global IT function to keep us at the forefront - enabling our people with secure, innovative and high‑performing technology.

Our IT teams play a critical role in ensuring the business runs seamlessly and adapts to change. You’ll work in a collaborative, international environment where your expertise has real impact, supporting lawyers and business teams across the firm.

We offer a high‑performance, partnership culture built on trust, continuous improvement and innovation. With strong investment in development and clear opportunities to grow, you’ll be empowered to bring new ideas and shape how we operate.

Shaping your career

You can build a career here with clear expectations, regular development conversations, and ongoing access to training. We tailor development to your role and strengths, helping you build leadership, management, and business skills to reach your potential.

You’ll benefit from a wide range of learning via our platform, supported by regular check-ins through our compass approach to align priorities and development goals.

We support internal progression, including moves that aid growth. Many colleagues explore varied roles, secondments, or international opportunities - so being proactive, owning your development, and sharing your goals is key to making the most of these possibilities.

Your journey, our commitment

We believe recruitment should feel clear, respectful and genuinely engaging at every stage. Our approach is built around open communication, meaningful conversations and giving you a true sense of who we are - how we work, what we value and where you could fit. We ask for professionalism and openness in return. It’s a partnership, grounded in trust and transparency, designed to help you make confident, informed decisions about your career while enabling us to get to know you at your best.

EXPLORE OUR CANDIDATE CHARTER

Benefits

Our range of benefits is designed to meet your changing needs, providing support for physical, mental and financial well-being. We regularly review our reward and benefits programs to ensure they remain relevant and competitive. We believe it’s important for our people to share in the success of the firm and be recognized for their contributions. We do that through a range of salary, discretionary bonus plans and market-competitive benefits.

Our benefits packages vary by location but are guided by the same global principles:

Health and wellness

Access to check-ups, insurance cover, extra support when needed, and well-being platforms.

Remuneration and rewards

We recognize contribution to client work, or business teamwork, as well as to the firm and the community. We share the financial success of the firm in a fair and transparent manner.

Financial benefits

We look to provide financial peace of mind, which can include insurances, assurances, and saving for retirement (market-dependent.)

Family and lifestyle

We aim to support you in managing your demands and commitments effectively alongside your working life, as well as providing perks and discounts to assist with travel, fun and well-being.

Learning and development

We invest in your performance and progression by giving you access to top-quality training and development through an ongoing blend of structured and informal learning opportunities.

Social impact

With us, you’re encouraged to volunteer your time and skills, whether you’re a lawyer or business professional, junior or senior. You’re free to choose a cause that matters to you, or to support our chosen global charity.