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- Tasks: Lead architectural direction and ensure successful delivery of tech programmes in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Leading financial services provider building a tech hub in Manchester.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape enterprise-level solutions and drive architectural excellence in a global organisation.
- Qualifications: Expertise in SAFe/Agile design and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with a focus on innovation and best practices.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our client is a leading specialist financial services provider currently building a technology hub in Manchester. They are seeking an experienced IT Systems Architect to provide technical leadership and architectural direction across key technology programmes.
The IT Systems Architect holds overall technical authority for one or more programmes or Agile Release Trains, ensuring technical alignment, architectural governance, and successful delivery of business and technical outcomes. Working closely with other technology teams, you will ensure that architectural outcomes are within required guardrails, shaping the Architectural Runway, guiding implementation, and championing best-practice architecture across the organisation.
This role requires deep expertise in SAFe/Agile architectural design, with the ability to operate flexibly within both Agile and Waterfall environments.
Key Responsibilities- Develop and continually refine the Architectural Runway, technical vision, and enabler epics for applications, data, and infrastructure.
- Influence programme roadmaps and backlogs, preparing architectural outputs for Program Increment planning.
- Promote and embed a scaled agility mindset, values, and practices across teams.
- Drive measurable delivery velocity, best-practice adoption, and effective implementation of new designs.
- Guide Developers, Engineers, BAs, BRDs, and Project Managers to ensure architectural alignment and technical coherence.
- Collaborate with Technical and Enterprise Architects to ensure adherence to technical standards, frameworks, and methodologies.
- Define and support requirements for system stability, technology upgrades, and pipeline improvements.
- Enforce technical guardrails through effective design governance.
- Expert knowledge of enterprise workflow systems, distributed architecture, and communication architectures.
- Senior-level understanding of SDLC, architectural methodologies, and multi-platform environments.
- Strong experience with web-based, service-based, and enterprise application architectures.
- Proven ability to manage code quality and ensure high technical standards.
- Deep understanding of SAFe/Agile, Waterfall delivery, and incremental architectural enablement.
- Excellent communication, coaching, negotiation, and stakeholder-management skills.
- Experience defining architectural roadmaps.
- Strong technical delivery experience, including architectural methodologies (e.g., TOGAF).
- Architecture experience across platforms such as Java, .NET, Python, cloud environments, and tiered architectures.
- Experience with insurance or finance-based products preferred.
- Preferred certifications: ARCH, ASE, SDP.
- Experience with Jira, Confluence, and LucidSpark would be beneficial.
This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned IT Systems Architect to play a pivotal role in shaping enterprise-level solutions, driving architectural excellence, and contributing to the continued success of a global insurance organisation.
IT Systems Architect - Based Manchester (Hybrid) employer: PSD Technology Contracts Ltd.
Contact Detail:
PSD Technology Contracts Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Systems Architect - Based Manchester (Hybrid)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even local tech events in Manchester. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your architectural designs and projects. This gives potential employers a tangible look at what you can do, especially in areas like SAFe/Agile methodologies.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its tech stack thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around enterprise workflow systems and distributed architecture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you a better chance of getting noticed by hiring managers.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Systems Architect - Based Manchester (Hybrid)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the IT Systems Architect role. Highlight your experience with SAFe/Agile methodologies and any relevant architectural frameworks you've worked with. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience in financial services if you have it – it’s a big plus for us!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to showcase your technical expertise, especially in areas like distributed architecture and enterprise workflow systems. We love seeing specific examples of how you've driven architectural excellence in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at PSD Technology Contracts Ltd.
✨Know Your Architecture Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of architectural methodologies like TOGAF and SAFe/Agile. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects, especially in financial services or similar environments.
✨Showcase Your Technical Leadership
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in guiding teams and ensuring architectural alignment. Think about specific instances where you influenced programme roadmaps or drove best practices in architecture.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since this role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, practice articulating complex technical concepts in a way that's easy to understand. Use clear examples to demonstrate your communication skills during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Prepare to discuss how you would handle challenges related to system stability, technology upgrades, or enforcing technical guardrails.