UI Architect in London

UI Architect in London

London Freelance 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Sanderson

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design of modern front-end platforms and mentor engineers in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Global financial services organisation transforming cross-border payments.
  • Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible work schedule, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace valuing diversity and offering support throughout the recruitment process.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of UI architecture and make a real impact in fintech.
  • Qualifications: Strong experience in UI architecture and expertise in React, JavaScript, and cloud environments.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

We are supporting a global financial services organisation operating in cross-border payments and emerging markets as they continue a large-scale technology transformation. They are looking for an experienced UI Architect to lead the design and delivery of scalable, modern front-end platforms aligned to a microservices architecture. This is a hands-on architecture role with responsibility for defining standards, driving best practice and shaping the frontend ecosystem across multiple products.

Key Responsibilities

  • Define and own frontend architecture across a microservices-based platform
  • Design scalable UI solutions aligned to API-first backend services
  • Establish reusable components, UI standards and enterprise design systems
  • Define integration approaches with RESTful and event-driven services
  • Ensure performance, security, and responsiveness across web applications
  • Embed CI/CD, testing, and DevOps best practices within frontend teams
  • Support containerised deployments using Docker and Kubernetes
  • Mentor engineers and provide technical leadership across UI development
  • Drive adoption of AI-assisted development approaches including prompt engineering and tools such as Copilot
  • Collaborate with product, UX, backend and DevOps teams across the full delivery lifecycle

Required Experience

  • Strong experience in UI or Frontend Architecture within complex environments
  • Expertise in React, JavaScript (ES6+), TypeScript, HTML5 and CSS3
  • Experience designing SPA or micro-frontend architectures
  • Strong understanding of API integration (REST, API gateway patterns, BFF)
  • Experience working in cloud environments such as AWS or Azure
  • Exposure to Docker, Kubernetes and CI/CD pipelines
  • Strong focus on performance optimisation techniques such as lazy loading and code splitting
  • Experience using AI development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot) within engineering workflows

Nice to Have

  • Event-driven architecture experience (Kafka, async patterns)
  • Observability tools (Prometheus, Grafana, ELK)
  • Frontend security (OAuth2, JWT)
  • Automated testing frameworks (Cypress, Playwright, Jest)
  • Design systems and tooling (Storybook, Figma)
  • Experience in financial services, fintech, or payments environments

Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients. If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.

UI Architect in London employer: Sanderson

Join a leading global financial services organisation in London, where innovation meets inclusivity. As a UI Architect, you'll thrive in a collaborative environment that champions professional growth and embraces cutting-edge technology, all while enjoying the benefits of a flexible work schedule and a commitment to diversity. With opportunities to mentor and lead within a dynamic team, this role offers a meaningful chance to shape the future of cross-border payments.

Sanderson

Contact Details:

Sanderson Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land UI Architect in London

Show Off Your Skills with a Killer Portfolio

As a freelance UX/UI designer, your portfolio is your best mate. Make sure to showcase a variety of projects that highlight your design process, not just the final product. Include case studies that tell a story about how you approached the problem and the impact of your design solutions.

Get Involved in Design Communities

Dive into online design communities like Dribbble, Behance, or even UX forums on Reddit. These platforms not only allow you to showcase your work but also help you connect with potential clients and fellow designers. Plus, attending local design meetups or online webinars can open up freelance opportunities that aren’t advertised elsewhere.

Nail Your Pitch

When reaching out to potential clients, tailor your pitches to their specific needs. Highlight how your skills align with their projects and mention any related work you've done. Remember, clients love to see how you can add value to their business, so be clear about what you can bring to the table.

Leverage Social Media for Visibility

Showcase your design work on platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn. Post regularly and engage with your audience; ask for feedback on your designs or share insights into your creative process. This not only builds your brand but can lead to potential clients sliding into your DMs!

We think you need these skills to ace UI Architect in London

UI Architecture
Microservices Architecture
React
JavaScript (ES6+)
TypeScript
HTML5
CSS3

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Design Portfolio:As a freelance UX/UI designer, your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it’s packed with your best work, showcasing your design process, user flows, and final products. Highlight projects that demonstrate not just your aesthetic skills but also your ability to solve real user problems.

Tailor Your Application to Sanderson:When applying for the freelance role of UI Architect at Sanderson, take a moment to research their style and design language. Customising your CV and portfolio to align with their brand aesthetics shows you're not just any designer, but the perfect fit for their team.

Crisp and Clear Proposals:When you pitch yourself, be direct about what you can bring to the table. Outline your skills clearly and mention your rates upfront. A straightforward proposal lets Sanderson know you're professional and ready to hit the ground running!

Highlight Collaboration Experience:Freelance roles often involve working with various clients. Make sure to showcase any previous collaboration experiences in your CV. Mention how you’ve worked with developers, marketers, or stakeholders to create designs that keep all parties happy — that's a key selling point for us!

How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson

Showcase Your Portfolio like a Pro

Your portfolio is your calling card, so make sure it’s not just pretty but also tells a story. Arrange your best UX/UI design projects in a way that highlights your thought process, problem-solving skills, and the impact of your work. Talk about the challenges you faced and how you tackled them—freelancers need to show they can handle real-world problems.

Use Design Tools Effectively

Familiarity with design tools such as Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD is crucial in our field. Be ready to discuss your experience with these tools in real scenarios. They might ask specific technical questions about how you’d approach a design problem or your workflow, so brush up on those details and think of examples from your previous freelance projects.

Prepare for Client-Centric Questions

As a freelancer, you'll be client-facing, so expect questions about handling client feedback and managing expectations. Prepare examples of how you've dealt with difficult situations or miscommunications in previous projects. Your ability to communicate effectively with clients is a major selling point, and it’s worth stressing how well you can read and meet their needs.

Demonstrate Flexibility and Self-Management

Freelance work requires a lot of self-discipline and time management. Be prepared to discuss how you organise your time, juggle multiple clients, and prioritise tasks. Sharing how you've successfully managed deadlines and client relationships in the past can really set you apart from the competition and show that you're more than just a designer—you're a complete package.