Head of Banking Software Architecture
Employment Type: Contract - Inside IR35
Duration: 6 Months
Location: Central London
Day Rate: Highly Competitive - Get in touch to find out more
Opportunity Overview
A leading financial services organisation is seeking a Head of Banking Software Architecture to act as the internal subject matter expert for its core banking platform. This is a pivotal leadership role, stepping in to bridge a critical knowledge gap and provide strategic and technical direction across a complex banking environment.
You will take ownership of core banking architecture, with a strong focus on a leading European core banking platform, ensuring the system is robust, scalable, and aligned with the organisation's broader digital, cloud, and AI transformation strategy.
This role sits within a core banking and payments function and works closely with enterprise architecture, key technology partners, and delivery teams across the business.
Key Responsibilities:
Core Banking Leadership
- Provide strategic oversight and direction for the core banking platform
- Act as the internal subject matter expert, aligning business requirements with platform capabilities
- Review and challenge decisions relating to core banking systems and associated technologies
Technical & Architectural Governance
- Deliver architectural guidance across core banking components and integrations
- Critically evaluate proposals from third-party partners and system integrators
- Ensure robust technical and commercial scrutiny of deliverables
Configuration & Product Expertise
- Support configuration and optimisation of the core banking engine
- Provide expertise across key retail banking products
- Ensure platform capabilities are fully leveraged to meet business needs
Modern Architecture & Transformation
- Lead cloud-native, digital, and AI-driven integration strategies
- Champion event-driven architecture and modern integration patterns (AWS-aligned)
- Support large-scale transformation initiatives, including legacy system migration
Delivery & Governance
- Oversee end-to-end architecture across build, test, and release cycles
- Collaborate with architecture, programme, and delivery stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes
Essential Skills and Experience:
- Extensive experience working with core banking platforms (SBS/SOPRA)
- Strong background in banking architecture, solution architecture, or core banking engineering (typically 10+ years)
- Proven ability to influence, challenge, and manage both internal stakeholders and third-party suppliers
- Deep understanding of retail banking products, processes, and industry standards
- Demonstrated experience delivering large-scale core banking implementations and integrations
- Strong knowledge of modern digital banking and FinTech environments
- Hands-on experience with event-driven architectures and cloud-native integration (AWS preferred)
- Experience owning delivery across full lifecycle (build, test, release)
- Background in legacy system transformation or migration programmes
Desirable Experience:
- Experience within highly regulated or public sector environments
- Exposure to large-scale transformation programmes
- Relevant certifications in cloud, architecture, or banking platforms
What's on Offer:
- Opportunity to shape the future of a critical core banking platform
- High-impact role with significant autonomy and influence
- Exposure to large-scale digital and cloud transformation initiatives
- Collaborative environment working alongside senior architecture and delivery professionals
Application Process:
For more information or to apply, please get in touch for a confidential discussion.