Solution Architect / Lead (1 Year Contract)

Key Responsibilities Program & Delivery Leadership Lead complex enterprise transformation programs from initiation through implementation and post-production support.

Manage cross-functional teams comprising solution architects, developers, business analysts, integration specialists, infrastructure teams, and external vendors.

Establish delivery governance frameworks, program reporting, risk management, and escalation processes.

Oversee project planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and financial management.

Drive executive steering committee reviews and provide regular updates to senior stakeholders.

Banking Transformation Lead core banking modernization, payment transformation, and enterprise integration initiatives.

Support implementation of payment modernization programs involving SWIFT, ISO 20022, host-to-host banking platforms, and digital payment ecosystems.

Collaborate with business and technology stakeholders to define strategic roadmaps and transformation objectives.

Manage integration between core banking platforms, ERP systems, middleware solutions, and third-party applications.

Enterprise Architecture & Integration Provide guidance on enterprise integration architecture and platform modernization strategies.

Oversee API-led connectivity and middleware implementations.

Lead cloud-native transformation initiatives leveraging AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud platforms.

Ensure architectural governance, technology standards, and best practices are adhered to throughout delivery lifecycles.

AI & Digital Innovation Drive the implementation of AI-powered solutions including Generative AI and knowledge management platforms.

Partner with business stakeholders to identify automation and AI adoption opportunities.

Support implementation of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), LLM-powered solutions, and AI governance frameworks.

Evaluate emerging technologies that contribute to operational efficiency and business transformation.

Stakeholder & Vendor Management Build trusted relationships with senior business and technology leaders.

Manage strategic vendors, technology partners, and system integrators.

Facilitate effective communication between regional and local project teams.

Ensure alignment between business objectives and technology delivery outcomes.

Requirements Education Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related discipline.

Experience Minimum 10 years of experience in IT delivery, program management, or technology transformation.

Proven track record delivering large-scale enterprise transformation programs.

Experience within banking, financial services, payments, fintech, or regulated industries.

Hands-on experience managing regional or multi-country technology programs.

Experience leading teams across multiple geographies and functions.

Technical & Domain Expertise Candidates should demonstrate experience in several of the following areas:

Core Banking Modernization

Payment Systems

ISO 20022

SWIFT Integration

Enterprise Integration Platforms

API Management

Middleware Technologies

Cloud Platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)

Enterprise Architecture

Digital Transformation Programs

Generative AI and AI-enabled Business Solutions

Leadership Capabilities Strong program and portfolio management experience.

Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

Demonstrated capability managing project financials, risks, and governance.

Experience presenting to executive leadership and steering committees.

Strong vendor and partner management capabilities.

Preferred Certifications One or more of the following certifications is highly desirable:

PMP (Project Management Professional)

TOGAF Enterprise Architecture Certification

Professional Scrum Master (PSM)

AWS Certified Solutions Architect

Other relevant cloud or enterprise architecture certifications