Head of Architecture - Payments
Head of Architecture - Payments

Head of Architecture - Payments

Full-Time 130000 - 130000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Client Server

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the architecture of innovative payment solutions for impactful financial tech.
  • Company: Dynamic scale-up focused on Tech for Good, transforming money transfer for communities in need.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary up to £130k, pension, life assurance, and tax-free childcare.
  • Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for career growth in a diverse environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference by enabling easier money transfers to those who need it most.
  • Qualifications: Experience in architecting payments or banking platforms with strong cloud-native skills.

The predicted salary is between 130000 - 130000 £ per year.

Opportunity to progress your career working on a financial Tech for Good product in an impactful Head of Architecture role at a scale‑up software house. The platform enables easier money transfer to people in emerging economies, disaster and war zones that do not have access to a bank account; enabling relatives, charities, the UN and UNICEF to get money to remote communities where it is needed most using sophisticated technology.

Your role: You’ll provide technical and domain expertise, driving the modernisation and re‑architecture of the FX, Payments and Core banking platforms and driving the adoption of Agentic AI development. As the Head of Architecture you will collaborate with Team Leads across the business to support them with technical architecture and design on large, complex, cloud‑based distributed systems, ensuring best practice and a cohesive structure. The tech stack is based on modern Java and AWS, using TDD and DevOps practices such as CI/CD; you’ll seek to modernise this, designing and implementing the architecture needed to support an agentic, AI‑enabled Target Operating Model, including autonomy layers, orchestration patterns and human‑in‑the‑loop principles.

Location / WFH: There’s a hybrid model, you’ll join colleagues in the London, City office three days a week with flexibility to work from home the other two.

About you:

  • You have experience of architecting and leading the modernisation of Payments, FX or Core Banking platforms.
  • You are experienced with designing software architecture for complex, large‑scale distributed systems using modern cloud‑native architecture.
  • You have a strong understanding of agentic AI development tools and how to implement them and drive change within the business.
  • You have a strong knowledge of microservices architecture, API design, enterprise integration patterns, AWS cloud architecture.
  • You have a good understanding of modern software development practices e.g. TDD, CI/CD, DevOps, SecOps, SRE.
  • You’re collaborative with excellent communication, stakeholder management and technical leadership skills.

What’s in it for you: As Head of Architecture you will earn a competitive package including: Salary to £130k, Pension, Life Assurance and Income Protection, Tax free childcare, 2x charity volunteer days per year, Impactful role at a growing Tech for Good scale‑up.

At Client Server we believe in a diverse workplace that allows people to play to their strengths and continually learn. We're an equal opportunities employer whose people come from all walks of life and will never discriminate based on race, colour, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. The clients we work with share our values.

Head of Architecture - Payments employer: Client Server

Join a forward-thinking scale-up that is dedicated to making a positive impact through technology. As the Head of Architecture, you will thrive in a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and innovation, while enjoying a competitive salary and benefits package. With a hybrid working model in the heart of London, you'll have the flexibility to balance your professional and personal life while contributing to meaningful projects that support communities in need.
Client Server

Contact Detail:

Client Server Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Architecture - Payments

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in fintech or have experience with payments and architecture. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren’t even advertised yet.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or attend industry events, don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge about modernising payment systems and AI development. It’ll make you stand out as a thought leader in the field.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s tech stack. Familiarise yourself with their use of Java, AWS, and DevOps practices. Being able to discuss how you can contribute to their architecture will definitely impress them!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Architecture - Payments

Java
AWS
Agentic AI Development
Payments Architecture
FX Platforms
Core Banking Systems
Cloud-Native Architecture
Microservices Architecture
API Design
Enterprise Integration Patterns
TDD (Test-Driven Development)
CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment)
DevOps
Stakeholder Management
Technical Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Architecture role. Highlight your experience with Payments, FX, and Core Banking platforms, and don’t forget to showcase your skills in modern cloud-native architecture and agentic AI development.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about Tech for Good and how your background aligns with our mission. Be sure to mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your technical leadership.

Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be clear about your expertise in Java, AWS, and modern software development practices like TDD and CI/CD. We want to see how you’ve applied these skills in real-world scenarios, so don’t hold back!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Client Server

✨Know Your Tech Stack

Make sure you’re well-versed in the tech stack mentioned in the job description, especially Java and AWS. Brush up on your knowledge of microservices architecture and cloud-native solutions, as these will likely come up during technical discussions.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Architecture, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and collaborate. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven architectural changes in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and stakeholder management experience.

✨Understand the Business Impact

This role is about more than just technology; it’s about making a difference. Familiarise yourself with the company’s mission to support financial inclusion in emerging economies. Be ready to discuss how your architectural decisions can drive positive change in this context.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about challenges you've faced in modernising payments or banking platforms and how you approached them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

Head of Architecture - Payments
Client Server

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