At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the architecture and optimisation of the FIS International Switching platform.
- Company: Join Sperton, a global talent partner connecting top professionals with leading organisations.
- Benefits: Competitive contract role with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on modernising legacy systems into cloud-enabled environments.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on payment ecosystems and drive innovation in financial technology.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in payment switching and deep expertise in FIS IST platform required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced FIS IST Switch Expert to lead the architecture, implementation, optimization, and support of the FIS International Switching (IST) platform. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in ensuring high availability, scalability, regulatory compliance, and seamless transaction processing across ATM, POS, and digital payment ecosystems. This role requires deep expertise in payment switching, enterprise architecture, transaction routing, and modernization of legacy payment infrastructures into API-driven and cloud-enabled environments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Define target-state architecture for FIS IST across ATM, POS, and digital payment channels.
- Establish high availability, active-active, and disaster recovery designs.
- Lead architecture blueprints covering transaction routing, authorization, clearing, and settlement flows.
- Drive alignment with enterprise architecture standards (cloud, API, microservices).
- Architect and lead migration from legacy switches (e.g., Connex, BASE24, Postilion) to IST.
- Define coexistence strategies, data migration approaches, and phased cutover models.
- Identify optimization opportunities to reduce latency, increase throughput, and improve resilience.
- Design integration patterns with Core banking and authorization systems, Card schemes (Visa, Mastercard, domestic networks), Fraud, AML, and risk systems.
- Enable transition from ISO 8583 to API/REST-based architectures.
Required Skills & Experience:
- 10+ years in payment switching with deep expertise in FIS IST platform.
- Proven experience in enterprise-scale switch architecture and transformation programs.
- Strong command over ISO 8583, transaction lifecycle, and routing logic.
- Expertise in distributed systems and microservices architecture.
- API-first and event-driven designs.
- Hybrid/cloud infrastructure models.
- Strong understanding of HSMs, cryptography, and secure transaction processing.
- Domain expertise on Card payment ecosystems (ATM, POS, e-commerce), Scheme connectivity and certification processes, ATM operations, reconciliation, dispute management.
IST Switch Expert employer: Teamtailor
Sperton is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets expertise. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for our team members to lead transformative projects in payment switching while enjoying a collaborative culture that values creativity and initiative. Our commitment to high availability and cutting-edge technology ensures that you will be at the forefront of the industry, making a meaningful impact in the world of digital payments.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IST Switch Expert
✨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 Teamtailor. 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 IST Switch Expert
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 Teamtailor.
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 Teamtailor'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 Teamtailor
✨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 Teamtailor.
✨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 Teamtailor 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 Teamtailor 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.
