Head of Banking Software Architecture
CV-LibraryLondonpermanentPosted: 27 March 2026
Apply NowHead of Banking Software Architecture - Contract
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 technologiesTechnical & 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 deliverablesConfiguration & 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 needsModern 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 migrationDelivery & 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
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 technologiesTechnical & 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 deliverablesConfiguration & 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 needsModern 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 migrationDelivery & 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