At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead solution architecture for innovative API projects and drive strategic technology direction.
- Company: Join Lloyds Banking Group, a leader in transforming financial technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, flexible working, and 30 days holiday.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey impacting millions while championing innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in Solution Architecture and deep knowledge of API ecosystems required.
The predicted salary is between 92701 - 109060 £ per year.
LOCATION(S): Edinburgh
SALARY: £92,701 - £109,060
HOURS: Full-time - 35 hours per week
WORKING PATTERN: Our work style is hybrid, which involves spending at least two days per week, or 40% of our time, at our Edinburgh office site. Colleagues with disabilities can be supported with workplace adjustments including hybrid working expectations in line with our Flexibility Works policy.
About this opportunity
At Lloyds Banking Group, we're helping Britain prosper by transforming the way technology enables our customers, colleagues, and businesses. Through strategic investment in cloud platforms, modern engineering, automation, and digital services, we're creating scalable, secure, and resilient technology platforms that power some of the UK's most critical financial journeys.
The API & Digital Services Platform is a strategic engineering capability within Lloyds Banking Group, enabling the creation, management, discovery, governance, and consumption of APIs at enterprise scale. Within the platform, the API Lab is responsible for delivering the strategic API ecosystem that supports thousands of engineers across the Group. The Lab enables teams to design, build, publish, secure, discover, consume, and operate APIs consistently and safely, while accelerating innovation and reducing duplication.
The API Lab is responsible for four strategic product domains:
- API Gateway - Enterprise API runtime and management capabilities across on-premises and cloud environments.
- API Marketplace - The Group's strategic platform for API discovery, onboarding, subscription, and reuse.
- API Conformance Suite - Automated API governance, standards validation, compliance, quality engineering, and policy enforcement capabilities.
- API Enablement Platform - Developer self-service, engineering automation, Internal Developer Platform (IDP), and API lifecycle acceleration capabilities.
Together, these capabilities support the API Lab's long-term vision of delivering a scalable, secure, resilient, highly automated, and developer-centric API ecosystem that accelerates innovation while maintaining strong governance, security, and operational excellence.
What you'll be doing
- Define and own solution architecture across the API Lab portfolio.
- Develop strategic architecture roadmaps aligned with business priorities and enterprise technology strategy.
- Drive architectural consistency across multiple products, teams, and engineering domains.
- Influence platform-wide decisions that impact thousands of developers across the Group.
- Shape long-term investment priorities and technology direction.
- Promote modern engineering practices and cloud-native design principles.
- Partner with Product Owners and Engineering Leads to align strategy, architecture, and delivery.
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders across the organisation.
- Champion innovation while ensuring solutions remain secure, resilient, supportable, and compliant.
Why join us?
We're transforming at pace. Investing billions in our people, data and tech to change the way we meet the needs of our 28 million customers. We're growing, and we'd love you to be part of the journey.
What we're looking for?
- Significant experience in Solution Architecture within large-scale enterprise environments.
- Proven track record delivering complex platform and digital transformation initiatives.
- Experience defining architecture strategy across multiple products and technology domains.
- Deep expertise in enterprise API ecosystems.
- Strong understanding of API operating models, governance, and lifecycle management.
- Experience influencing senior business and technology stakeholders.
- Strong knowledge of Architecture & Design (e.g. TOGAF, Domain-Driven Design).
- Strong knowledge and practical experience of:
- GCP
- Harness
- Apigee
- KONG
- Developer Portal
- API Ecosystem Security
- SRE
We know that great talent comes from many backgrounds. Whilst this job advert may reference specific years of experience, we recognise that skills are developed in many ways, so if you have relevant, transferable experience, we encourage you to apply.
This is a place for you. Our ambition is to be the leading UK business for diversity, equity and inclusion supporting our customers, colleagues and communities and we're committed to creating an environment in which everyone can thrive, learn and develop.
We also offer a wide-ranging benefits package, which includes:
- A generous pension contribution of up to 15%
- An annual performance-related bonus
- Share schemes including free shares
- Benefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shopping
- 30 days' holiday, with bank holidays on top
- A range of wellbeing initiatives and generous parental leave policies
Ready for a career where you'll learn and thrive? Apply today and find out more.
Senior Solution Architect (API Lab) employer: LLOYDS BANKING GROUP
Lloyds Banking Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. With the flexibility of remote working and opportunities for career advancement within the Economic Crime Prevention function, employees can thrive in a supportive environment while contributing to meaningful compliance efforts. The company's commitment to diversity and inclusion further enhances its appeal, making it a rewarding place to build a career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Solution Architect (API Lab)
✨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.
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Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like LLOYDS BANKING GROUP. 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 Senior Solution Architect (API Lab)
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 LLOYDS BANKING GROUP.
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 LLOYDS BANKING GROUP'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 LLOYDS BANKING GROUP
✨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 LLOYDS BANKING GROUP.
✨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 LLOYDS BANKING GROUP 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 LLOYDS BANKING GROUP 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.
