Solutions Architect

Job Review: Solution Architect - Shaping the Future of Investment Platforms

This Solution Architect role within Lloyds Banking Group presents a compelling opportunity for seasoned professionals looking to make a significant impact on the UK's investment landscape. Joining the Platform Savings Lab, you'll be at the forefront of transforming how individuals invest in their future, modernising critical infrastructure and driving innovation at scale.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Transformational Impact: You will play a pivotal role in designing and communicating technology solutions that directly contribute to key business outcomes. This is a chance to shape the architecture of essential investment and pension services for a leading UK financial institution.
• Strategic Engagement: The role demands close collaboration with third-party suppliers, such as FNZ, and internal teams including Technical Applications Specialists and Quality Engineers. This offers exposure to diverse perspectives and the opportunity to hone your stakeholder management and integration skills.
• Career Growth & Development: Lloyds Banking Group is investing heavily in its people, data, and technology. This role provides a platform to develop and maintain architectural roadmaps, map complex current systems, and design future-state solutions, all of which are crucial for advancing your career in solution architecture.
• Flexible Working: The organisation embraces modern working practices, offering hybrid options. This allows for a better work-life balance while ensuring you remain connected to office-based teams and strategic discussions.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Beyond a competitive salary range of £70,929 - £78,810, candidates can expect a generous pension contribution, performance-related bonuses, share schemes, adaptable lifestyle benefits, and ample holiday entitlement.
• Inclusive Culture: Lloyds Banking Group is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity. They actively welcome applications from under-represented groups and provide support for individuals needing reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Experience Depth: The role requires proven experience as a Solution Architect in complex environments. Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong track record in stakeholder management, particularly with third-party suppliers.
• Technical Acumen: While not explicitly stated as a primary requirement, experience with FNZ or similar investment platform providers, and a solid understanding of investments and pensions, would be highly advantageous.
• Transformation Focus: The core of this role is about driving transformation. Candidates should be comfortable with mapping current systems, designing future states, and developing robust architectural roadmaps.
• Collaboration is Key: Success in this position hinges on effective collaboration with various internal teams and external partners. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential for navigating these relationships.
• Hybrid Working Expectation: Candidates should be comfortable with a hybrid working model, which involves spending at least two days per week, or 40% of their time, at either the Edinburgh or Leeds office location.

In summary, this Solution Architect position offers an exciting pathway for individuals to contribute to a significant transformation within a reputable financial institution. If you possess the required experience and are motivated by driving change, developing strategic solutions, and being part of an inclusive and evolving organisation, this opportunity is well worth exploring.