Solution Architect reference: 0000062809

Embark on a Strategic Journey: Solution Architect Opportunity at a Leading Financial Institution

This is a compelling opportunity for an experienced Solution Architect to play a pivotal role in shaping the technological future of a major financial institution. Based in Northampton, this position offers the chance to influence and design solutions for the bank's most intricate IT systems and platforms, utilizing cutting-edge approaches to tackle complex functional and non-functional requirements.

What Makes This Role Stand Out?

• Strategic Impact: You will be at the forefront of setting the bank's strategic architecture direction for specialist technology areas, directly contributing to the evolution of critical platforms.
• Technical Depth and Breadth: This role demands a sophisticated understanding of a wide array of technologies, including Java, Python, Spark, AWS Cloud Native architectures, Event Driven/Streaming Architectures, Microservices, Kafka, and more. A mandatory AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification underscores the importance of cloud expertise.
• Innovation and Problem Solving: You'll be challenged to manage innovative design and engineering initiatives, collaborating with technical experts to resolve complex problems and support the bank's overarching technology strategy.
• Architectural Governance: A key responsibility involves developing and promoting architectural standards, guidelines, and governance policies, ensuring consistency, quality, and compliance while mitigating risks.
• Continuous Learning and Mentorship: The role fosters an environment of continuous learning, with opportunities to provide deep technical expertise, oversee other solution architects, and mentor team members.
• Business Engagement: You'll build and maintain advisor relationships with business partners and engineering teams, driving successful design and adoption outcomes through clear, compelling communication and advocacy for optimal solutions.
• Future-Forward Focus: An integral part of the role is identifying emerging technology trends and implementing innovative solutions that align with strategic business objectives.

Key Considerations for Aspiring Candidates:

• Mandatory AWS Certification: Candidates must possess the AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate certification.
• Extensive Technical Proficiency: A strong track record in solution architecture leveraging technologies such as Java, Python, Spark, Glue ETL, Dynamodb, Postgres, and MongoDB is essential.
• Architectural Landscape Mastery: Familiarity with Zero Trust Architecture, Event Driven/Streaming Architectures, Microservices, Kafka, Object Stores, DevOps, Kubernetes, SOA, API Design, and Enterprise Integration Patterns is crucial.
• Domain Knowledge Advantage: While not strictly mandatory, experience in the Payment & Fraud domains is highly valued and can significantly enhance your candidacy.
• Exceptional Communication and Influence: Strong communication and presentation skills are paramount for effectively engaging with senior stakeholders and advocating for architectural decisions. The ability to be a forward-thinking individual who can directly engage with senior leaders is a significant asset.
• Holistic Skillset: Beyond technical acumen, you will be assessed on critical skills such as risk and controls, change and transformation, business acumen, strategic thinking, and digital and technology understanding.
• Leadership Potential: The role may involve leadership responsibilities, requiring the ability to set strategy, drive requirements, manage resources, and foster a thriving team environment aligned with Barclays' LEAD behaviours (Listen and be authentic, Energise and inspire, Align across the enterprise, Develop others). Alternatively, as an individual contributor, you will be a subject matter expert, guiding technical direction and mentoring less experienced specialists.

This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and evolving financial landscape. If you are a seasoned Solution Architect with a passion for innovation, a strategic mindset, and the ability to drive complex technical initiatives, we encourage you to explore this exciting career path.