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- Tasks: Lead the architecture strategy for payments technology and mentor a talented team.
- Company: Join a Tier 1 UK bank at the forefront of payments transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-impact role shaping the future of payments technology.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in enterprise architecture and hands-on technical delivery required.
- Other info: This is a permanent position based in Manchester or Edinburgh.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 100000 £ per year.
Lead Architect, Payments Transformation – Manchester/Edinburgh
A Tier 1 UK bank, with a newly appointed Head of Payments Architecture, is seeking a Lead Architect to help define and deliver the future of payments technology. This is a high-impact role for someone who is passionate about data architecture and skilled in designing enterprise-level systems where data underpins every decision and service . You will lead architectural direction, guide a high-calibre team, and remain close to the technology, ensuring solutions are both strategically sound and technically excellent.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead architecture strategy for the payments domain, ensuring data-centric design is embedded at the core.
- Drive the enterprise architecture vision, aligning technology and business outcomes.
- Provide technical leadership and mentoring to other architects and engineers.
- Design and deliver service-oriented, cloud-native technology services.
- Architect and oversee the implementation of real-time, event-driven systems using Kafka.
- Model systems and design solutions that are scalable, secure, and resilient.
- Collaborate closely with engineering teams, remaining hands-on with technical implementation.
- Champion modern architectural approaches such as data mesh for scalable data management.
Desired Skills & Experience
- Enterprise & Data Architecture Leadership: Proven track record leading cross-functional architecture teams in large-scale, data-driven environments, with experience applying data mesh principles and influencing senior stakeholders.
- Hands-On Technical Delivery: Strong engineering background across the full SDLC, comfortable engaging at code level, and experienced delivering real-time financial services platforms (e.g., payments, open banking, faster payments).
- Cloud-Native & Scalable Design: Expertise in architecting and deploying resilient, scalable solutions in cloud environments (AWS preferred), with exposure to Snowflake and other modern data platforms.
- Event-Driven & Service-Oriented Systems: Proven experience with event-driven architectures (Kafka) and microservices/service-oriented design, including system modelling, solution design, and governance.
This is a permanent role based in Manchester or Edinburgh with hybrid working.
Lead Architect employer: Qurated
Contact Detail:
Qurated Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in payments technology and data architecture. Being well-versed in concepts like data mesh and event-driven systems will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the payments and architecture space. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role and the company culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with cloud-native solutions and real-time financial services. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented scalable and resilient architectures in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing how you've mentored teams or influenced stakeholders in past projects. Highlighting your ability to guide cross-functional teams will be crucial for this high-impact role.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in enterprise and data architecture, particularly in payments technology. Emphasise your leadership roles and any hands-on technical delivery you've accomplished.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for data architecture and how it drives decision-making. Mention specific projects where you led architectural strategies or implemented cloud-native solutions.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your experience with event-driven architectures and service-oriented systems. Include examples of how you've used technologies like Kafka and AWS in previous roles.
Highlight Leadership Skills: Since this role involves mentoring and guiding teams, be sure to include examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've influenced stakeholders and led cross-functional teams in large-scale environments.
How to prepare for a job interview at Qurated
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with cloud-native solutions and event-driven architectures. Highlight specific projects where you’ve implemented technologies like Kafka or designed scalable systems, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead architectural direction.
✨Emphasise Leadership Skills
Since the role involves guiding a high-calibre team, share examples of how you've successfully led cross-functional teams in the past. Discuss your approach to mentoring other architects and engineers, as well as how you influence senior stakeholders.
✨Align with Business Outcomes
Understand the bank's business goals and be ready to explain how your architectural strategies can align technology with these outcomes. This shows that you’re not just technically proficient but also understand the bigger picture.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-time scenarios. Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing a service-oriented architecture or implementing data mesh principles in a complex environment.
