Strategic Architect (Pre-Delivery / Advisory)

Strategic Architect (Pre-Delivery / Advisory)GavinHeath is partnering with a client in Denver, CO looking to add a Strategic Architect (Pre-Delivery / Advisory) to their team. The role is a CONTRACT/CONSULTING position.Position SummaryThe Strategic Architect is a senior-level individual contributor responsible for shaping business and technology initiatives prior to execution. This role partners with executive leadership to define problems, evaluate solution options, and develop decision-ready business cases that enable effective portfolio-level decision-making.This position operates upstream of delivery teams and focuses on strategy, analysis, and executive alignment, not implementation.Work Environment / StructureSenior individual contributor (no direct reports)High visibility with executive leadershipAdvisory-focused, embedded within strategic planning functionsSuccess measured by quality of decision support and clarity of initiatives, not delivery executionResponsibilitiesPartner with senior leadership to translate strategic priorities and ambiguous business challenges into clear problem statements and defined outcomesLead problem framing and demand shaping activities prior to formal project intake or delivery engagementDevelop high-level requirements to evaluate multiple solution options, including architectural, operational, cybersecurity, and regulatory considerationsAnalyze and present trade-offs across cost, risk, speed, and complexity to support informed decision-makingBuild comprehensive business cases including value articulation, assumptions, dependencies, constraints, and success metricsProduce governance-ready documentation and artifacts that meet enterprise intake and approval standardsIdentify and integrate risks and constraints early, including cybersecurity, data protection, regulatory, and architectural considerationsCollaborate with cross-functional stakeholders (architecture, cybersecurity, operations, and SMEs) to validate solution options and assumptionsDevelop and deliver executive-level presentations and materials summarizing recommendations, risks, and decision implicationsEnable faster, higher-quality decisions by ensuring initiatives are well-defined, structured, and aligned before entering deliveryRequired Experience10+ years of experience in one or more of the following:Technology strategyBusiness architectureEnterprise analysisManagement consulting or transformation rolesDemonstrated experience working in early-stage, ambiguous problem spacesProven track record of developing business cases and strategic recommendations in complex, multi-stakeholder environmentsExperience operating within formal governance, portfolio management, or intake processesDirect experience supporting or advising senior executive stakeholders (VP, SVP, or equivalent)Required SkillsStrong analytical and problem-structuring capabilitiesAbility to evaluate multiple solution paths and clearly articulate trade-offsAdvanced communication skills with the ability to influence executive-level stakeholdersAbility to operate independently with minimal direction in high-ambiguity environmentsStrong business acumen with an understanding of how technology enables enterprise strategyPreferred QualificationsBackground in management consulting or strategic advisory rolesExperience in high-growth or rapidly scaling organizationsFamiliarity with enterprise architecture frameworks, cybersecurity principles, and IT governance modelsExperience aligning business strategy with technology roadmaps and investment decisionsGavinHeath is an equal opportunity employer. GavinHeath will extend equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, disability, age, creed, ancestry, genetic information, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.