At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and prototype innovative solutions across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments.
- Company: Prestigious global financial services group with a hands-on architecture function.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a small team of architects and make a significant impact across the business.
- Why this job: Influence real projects and tackle exciting challenges in a transforming organisation.
- Qualifications: Engineering background with coding experience in languages like C#, Python, or Java.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.
We're hiring for a prestigious global financial services group who are building out a genuinely hands‑on architecture function. You'll be designing, prototyping and pressure‑testing solutions across a technology estate that spans cloud, on‑premises and hybrid, and you'll be doing it in a regulated environment where the decisions matter.
What you'll actually be doing
- You'll own solution architecture designs end to end: from working through business requirements with stakeholders, to producing architecture blueprints, to getting hands‑on with proof‑of‑concept builds and prototyping.
- You'll perform threat modelling, write and maintain architecture guidelines and patterns, and act as the technical conscience for project teams delivering across the estate, from cloud platforms and APIs through to identity systems, network infrastructure and core business applications.
- The threat landscape here is moving fast, including AI, large language models and autonomous agent frameworks, so you'll be expected to keep pace and bring practical thinking to how the firm adopts and secures emerging technology, not just theoretical awareness of it.
What we're looking for
- A genuine engineering or development background: you've written code, built systems, and understand how software actually gets delivered, not just how it's diagrammed.
- At least one programming language you're comfortable in (C#, Python, Java, Go, Rust, or similar); you don't need all of them.
- Solid grounding in at least two of: technical/infrastructure architecture, network management, application development, middleware, database management, cloud development.
- Comfort working across cloud, on‑prem and hybrid environments.
- A modern, efficient approach: you use AI tools to move faster on things like architecture diagrams and documentation, rather than doing everything the slow, manual way.
- Experience producing solution designs, architecture blueprints and patterns that other people can actually pick up and use.
- The confidence to present and defend your thinking to both technical teams and senior stakeholders.
- Financial services experience is a bonus, not a requirement. We'd rather hire someone with strong hands‑on engineering and architecture instincts and get them up to speed on the sector than hire sector experience with no technical depth behind it.
Why this role
You'll be one of a small number of architects working across every part of the business, with real variety in what lands on your desk and real influence over how it gets built. The firm is mid‑transformation, so there's no shortage of interesting problems, and the architecture function has direct backing to fix how solution design gets done, not just document it after the fact.
Solutions Architect employer: ARC IT Recruitment
Join a leading trading and investment firm in the heart of London's West End, where innovation meets excellence. As a Senior Software Engineer, you'll thrive in a collaborative work culture that prioritises technical mastery and personal growth, with the opportunity to lead a dedicated team while remaining hands-on in your craft. Enjoy a flexible 4-day work week, competitive benefits, and a commitment to best practices that empower you to make impactful contributions to the business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Solutions Architect
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like ARC IT Recruitment. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Solutions Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to ARC IT Recruitment.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on ARC IT Recruitment's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ARC IT Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with ARC IT Recruitment.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at ARC IT Recruitment will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former ARC IT Recruitment employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
