Solutions Architect

We are looking for an experienced Interim Solution Architect to join one of clients during a critical phase of their core banking migration project. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of core banking systems and a proven track record in leading and architecting solutions for complex banking technology transformations. This role presents a unique opportunity to work on a high-impact project that will shape the future of their core banking infrastructure. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, business stakeholders, and third-party vendors to ensure the successful delivery of the migration.

Key Responsibilities:

• Architect the Core Banking Solution: Lead the design and implementation of the solution architecture for the core banking migration, ensuring that it aligns with the overall business strategy, technology capabilities, and regulatory requirements.
• Analyse Requirements: Work closely with business analysts, product owners, and key stakeholders to understand both functional and non-functional requirements for the new core banking platform.
• Lead Solution Design: Design scalable, secure, and efficient solutions that address business needs while ensuring smooth integration with existing systems, data flows, and third-party applications.
• Core Banking Platform Expertise: Leverage deep knowledge and experience with core banking systems (such as Temenos, Finastra, or Oracle Banking) to ensure that the solution is optimized for banking operations, compliance, and customer needs.
• Integration Strategy: Define integration strategies and manage the integration of core banking with surrounding systems, including CRM, loan management systems, payment gateways, and other financial services applications.
• Ensure Compliance and Security: Ensure that the architecture meets all regulatory and compliance requirements in the financial services industry (e.g., GDPR, PCI-DSS, PSD2) while also implementing robust security measures to protect sensitive customer data.
• Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams: Work with project managers, developers, business analysts, and QA teams to ensure that the technical solution meets business objectives and is delivered on time and within scope.
• Manage Risk: Identify and mitigate potential risks related to the core banking migration, ensuring smooth execution and minimal disruption to business operations.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain clear and comprehensive documentation of the solution architecture, design decisions, and processes to ensure smooth knowledge transfer to internal teams and future reference.
• Stakeholder Communication: Provide regular updates to senior management, project teams, and stakeholders, ensuring they are informed of progress, issues, and milestones.

Key Requirements:

• Core Banking Experience: Extensive experience working with core banking systems and leading large-scale core banking migrations (e.g., Temenos, Finastra, Oracle, SAP, or similar platforms).
• Proven Solution Architecture Skills: Demonstrated experience in solution architecture, designing, and delivering complex, large-scale banking solutions with a strong understanding of financial services operations.
• Strong Technical Background: Proficiency in modern banking technologies, cloud platforms, integration tools, and enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman, ArchiMate).
• Integration Expertise: Experience in architecting integrations between core banking systems and other enterprise applications (CRM, payment systems, analytics platforms, etc.).
• Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge: Solid understanding of banking regulations (e.g., PSD2, GDPR, PCI-DSS) and their implications on system architecture and data management.
• Agile Methodology Experience: Experience working in Agile environments and managing technical deliverables within Agile project frameworks.
• Leadership and Stakeholder Management: Ability to lead technical teams, influence stakeholders, and communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders effectively.
• Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills: Strong ability to identify challenges early and provide effective solutions to ensure the success of the migration.
• Relevant Qualifications and Certifications: A degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related fields. Relevant certifications in solution architecture (e.g., TOGAF, AWS Certified Solutions Architect) are desirable.