The purpose of this role is to create solution architectures for systems and platforms ensuring all relevant options are explored for time, cost and compliance to the company’s standards, policies and practices whilst meeting the business’ requirements. The role will oversee the work of other architects and delivery of the solution for clients both internal and external, shepherding it through the relevant governance.

Merkle Australia | Location: Melbourne or Sydney | Permanent | Full time | R1086127

Who are we

dentsu is a network designed for what’s next, helping clients predict and plan for disruptive future opportunities and create new paths to growth in the sustainable economy through five global leadership brands; Carat, Dentsu Creative, dentsu X, iProspect and Merkle, each with deep specialisms.

Operating in over 145 markets worldwide with more than 46,000 dedicated specialists and partnering with 95 of the top 100 global advertisers our collective vision is to be at the forefront of people-centred transformations that shape society.

Merkle are a team of dreamers, doers, and deliverers. Our collaborative and agile ways of working mean you’ll develop versatile skills and be exposed to new and exciting thinking. Combine that with a pioneering spirit aimed at making a positive impact on brands, society & each other – and you’ll soon realise why we’re at the forefront of the digital economy.

What you’ll be doing

As Executive Technical Director at Merkle Australia, your daily responsibilities are anchored in strategic partnership and advisory across a broad technology and stakeholder landscape. You’ll work closely with clients, particularly at the executive level, to shape and guide technology strategies that span e-commerce, martech, CRM, CMS, data, cloud architecture, and security. This advisory role extends to supplier partners and internal teams, including presales, architecture and solutioning, and the Merkle AU leadership team, ensuring alignment between business goals and technical execution. You’ll play a pivotal role in translating complex business needs into integrated, forward-looking technology roadmaps that drive measurable outcomes and long-term client value.

In parallel, you’ll lead the development and operational management of the Solutioning & Architecture practice, with full P&L accountability. This includes building and mentoring a high-performing team, driving revenue growth, and embedding a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. A key part of your role is to define and uphold architectural excellence across all engagements—establishing governance frameworks, setting quality standards, and ensuring consistency in solution design and delivery. You’ll be responsible for embedding best practices across teams and clients, ensuring that every solution delivered reflects Merkle’s commitment to technical leadership, scalability, and strategic impact.

Core responsibilities

• Partner with Senior Client Leaders (C Suite) through strategic consulting/advisory and translating business goals into technology outcomes to resolve pain points or support growth plans.
• Lead the creation of technology roadmaps and establish the standards for architectural quality across projects.
• Oversee and actively participate in pre-sales solutioning, aligning architecture solutions with customer need and business objectives to deliver commercial outcomes.
• Build capability and nurture a high-performing team of specialists in solutioning and architecture.
• Establish and maintain architectural governance frameworks and ensure adherence to best practices.
• Develop and execute digital transformation strategies aligned with Merkle Australia's business goals and offerings, e.g. AI and emerging technologies, into service offerings.
• Being an industry Thought Leader and fostering strong relationships with key partners such as Salesforce, AWS, Adobe, and Google.
• Lead complex project and programme engagements, ensuring successful delivery of enterprise-scale solutions and any risks/issues/changes are managed accordingly.
• Own the P&L for the Solutioning and Architecture practice, driving revenue growth and profitability.

A bit about you

• A strategic and visionary technology leader with deep expertise in enterprise architecture, digital transformation, and emerging technologies.
• Demonstrated commercial acumen with a proven track record of influencing C-suite stakeholders and aligning technology strategies with business growth objectives.
• Experienced in scaling and managing high-performing technology practices, with full P&L accountability and a focus on operational excellence and profitability.
• Adept at building and leading cross-functional teams across solutioning, architecture, and delivery, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Deep technical knowledge across digital experience platforms including CRM, Martech, eCommerce, CMS, and SaaS ecosystems, with a strong understanding of integration and cloud-native architectures.
• Skilled in architectural frameworks (e.g. TOGAF), cloud platforms (especially AWS), and modern integration technologies, with a focus on scalable, secure, and future-ready solutions.
• Proven ability to establish and uphold architectural governance, setting standards of excellence across teams and engagements to ensure consistency and quality in solution delivery.
• Strong partnership management experience, with the ability to cultivate and grow strategic relationships with enterprise technology vendors and delivery partners.
• A confident and persuasive communicator, capable of leading workshops, presenting complex solutions to senior stakeholders, and driving alignment across business and technical teams.
• An industry thought leader with a passion for mentoring talent, contributing to industry discourse, and driving innovation through the adoption of AI and other emerging technologies.

What’s in it for you

• Real flexibility to work when and where you feel most productive with our ‘Be the Best You’ policy which includes a $250 contribution to your home office set up
• The opportunity to give back with dedicated volunteer leave and our whole-company event, One Day for Change
• 5 weeks annual leave after 2 years of service and 3 whole company Wellness days off per year for you to switch off and take your day, your way
• Career Development and Learning & Development opportunities, including access to our global online dentsu University

This role is critical to establish, grow, and embed a strong architectural capability within Merkle that will oversee and ensure the quality of solutions provided by architects during delivery of all solutions for internal and external clients, including establishing a common approach and standards.

Become a champion for meaningful progress:

Our diverse and inclusive culture enables our employees to bring their whole selves to work and be proud of doing so. For us, this is the foundation for great innovation which, in turn, generates better outcomes for our people, partners and communities. This is why we encourage applications from people with disabilities, and of all ages, nationalities, backgrounds and cultures.

If you want to belong to a one global network where opportunities are limitless – we look forward to welcoming you.