Solutions Architect

Location: Hybrid (2 days on-site in Edinburgh)

Duration: 6 Months

Day Rate: £500 per day (Outside IR35)

Sector: Consultancy / Retail Banking End Client

About the Role

We're seeking an experienced Technical Solutions Architect to join a leading consultancy supporting a major transformation programme within the retail banking sector. This role is ideal for someone who excels in architectural design, customer-centric solutioning, and guiding technical direction across complex digital ecosystems.

This assignment is architecture-focused, not hands-on coding. You will lead the design and definition of microservice-based platforms and API-driven solutions, ensuring alignment with customer journeys and business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design end-to-end solution architectures with a strong emphasis on microservices, API gateways, and scalable distributed systems.
• Translate customer journeys, business requirements, and user needs into robust technical solutions.
• Define architectural standards, patterns, and blueprints for digital banking experiences.
• Collaborate closely with product teams, business stakeholders, and engineering squads to ensure architectural alignment and solution feasibility.
• Drive technical decision-making, challenge assumptions, and provide thought leadership across the programme.
• Support the consultancy's engagement with the end client, ensuring solutions meet both strategic objectives and technical best practice.
• Produce high-quality architectural documentation, roadmaps, and solution artefacts.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience as a Solutions Architect, Technical Architect, or similar role in complex digital environments.
• Expertise in microservice architectures, distributed system design, and modern API frameworks.
• Strong understanding of customer journey mapping and how this informs solution design.
• Background working in consultancy environments or with external clients.
• Experience within the financial services or retail banking sector is highly desirable.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong architectural documentation and modelling skills.