At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the bank's enterprise architecture strategy and drive innovation in banking technology.
- Company: A regulated UK bank focused on correspondent banking and cross-border payments.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, strategic influence, and a dynamic leadership role.
- Other info: Join a small, senior team with significant impact on international banking operations.
- Why this job: Shape the future of banking with cutting-edge technology and AI integration.
- Qualifications: Experience in banking architecture, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of TOGAF.
The predicted salary is between 99000 - 121000 £ per year.
We are working with a regulated UK bank specialising in correspondent banking, FX, and cross-border payments into emerging and frontier markets. As the bank embarks on a multi-year transformation toward an agentic, intelligence-driven Target Operating Model, we're seeking a strategic and technically strong Head of Architecture to define and drive enterprise architecture across a growing international banking platform.
Reporting directly to the CTO and working closely with the COO, you'll own and drive the bank's enterprise architecture strategy, leading a team of approximately 9 architects and acting as the senior architecture authority across the organisation. You'll create a unified architectural vision, ensure alignment between business objectives and technology delivery, and lead architectural standards across complex banking and payments environments, all while operating as part of a small, senior Technology Leadership Team with genuine strategic influence.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and drive the bank's enterprise architecture strategy, developing a unified technology vision across the organisation.
- Establish and evolve architecture governance, standards, and frameworks.
- Ensure architectural decisions support long-term business objectives and regulatory requirements.
- Lead a team of architects, providing strategic direction across technology domains.
- Provide architectural leadership across international payments, FX platforms, correspondent banking, payment processing, and banking operations.
- Design scalable platforms supporting cross-border payments and financial services, ensuring resilience, compliance, and operational efficiency.
- Drive innovation initiatives, assessing how AI can be embedded into operational processes and banking services.
- Evaluate agentic AI architectures and future-state intelligence models, partnering with business leaders to identify practical AI use cases.
- Establish architecture frameworks and governance models, promoting best practice adoption across engineering and architecture teams.
- Drive consistency across business, data, application, and technology architecture domains, leveraging recognised methodologies such as TOGAF.
What We're Looking For
- Strong preference for candidates with experience in correspondent banking, cross-border payments, FX platforms, international banking operations, payments infrastructure, or financial market infrastructure.
- Proven Head of Architecture, Enterprise Architect, or Chief Architect experience.
- Deep understanding of enterprise architecture frameworks, with experience implementing or operating within TOGAF-based environments.
- Knowledge of modern cloud-native architecture.
- Exposure to intelligent systems, AI, and emerging architecture patterns; understanding of agentic architecture concepts highly desirable.
- Natural authority and gravitas, with the ability to influence executive stakeholders.
- High energy and enthusiasm, comfortable operating at C-suite level.
- Strong communicator, able to create alignment across technology and business functions.
Head of Architecture employer: Qurated
Join a dynamic and rapidly growing residential real estate services group in London, where you will have the opportunity to lead the development of a cutting-edge data platform. The company fosters a collaborative work culture that values innovation and employee growth, offering hands-on leadership roles and the chance to make a significant impact on the organisation's data capabilities. With a focus on modernisation and transformation, this is an exciting time to be part of a team that is shaping the future of data-driven decision-making.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Architecture
✨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 Qurated. 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 Head of Architecture
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 Qurated.
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 Qurated'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 Qurated
✨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 Qurated.
✨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 Qurated 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 Qurated 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.
