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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the architectural 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 - 108000 £ per year.
Job Description
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
Network with professionals in the payments and architecture sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or meetups to connect with potential colleagues and leaders in the field. This can help you gain insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends in data architecture and cloud technologies. Familiarise yourself with concepts like data mesh and event-driven architectures, as these are crucial for the Lead Architect role. Engaging with relevant online communities can also enhance your knowledge.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with real-time financial services platforms. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented scalable, secure solutions in cloud environments, particularly using AWS or similar technologies.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your leadership skills by showcasing instances where you've mentored other architects or engineers. Highlight your ability to guide teams through complex projects, as this will be a key aspect of the Lead Architect position.
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. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership in cross-functional teams and your hands-on technical delivery.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for data architecture and how it drives decision-making. Mention your familiarity with modern architectural approaches like data mesh and your experience with cloud-native solutions.
Showcase Relevant Projects: Include details of specific projects where you have designed scalable, secure, and resilient systems. Highlight your experience with event-driven architectures and any relevant technologies such as Kafka or AWS.
Prepare for Technical Questions: Anticipate technical questions related to your experience with real-time financial services platforms and your approach to architectural strategy. Be ready to discuss how you align technology with business outcomes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Qurated
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Lead Architect, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of data architecture and cloud-native solutions. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully implemented scalable and resilient systems, especially in payments or financial services.
✨Emphasise Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in leading cross-functional teams and mentoring other architects and engineers. Share examples of how you've influenced stakeholders and driven architectural strategies that align with business outcomes.
✨Discuss Modern Architectural Approaches
Familiarise yourself with concepts like data mesh and event-driven architectures. Be ready to explain how you've applied these principles in past roles and how they can benefit the organisation's payments transformation.
✨Prepare for Technical Challenges
Expect technical questions that assess your problem-solving skills and hands-on experience. Brush up on your knowledge of tools like Kafka and AWS, and be ready to discuss how you would approach designing real-time, service-oriented systems.
