A hands-on Solutions Architect takes end-to-end technical ownership of a non-bank lender's core lending platforms in Microsoft Azure — designing and coding full-stack solutions (React web, iOS mobile, APIs), refactoring legacy systems, tuning and migrating SQL databases, and driving CI/CD-based delivery, all as a senior individual contributor.
Our client, a leading non-bank financial institution, is seeking an experienced, hands-on Solutions Architect to take full technical ownership of their core Systems and Technology. Operating within the business's Microsoft Azure cloud environment, the successful candidate will drive the design, development, and ongoing optimisation of their lending platforms.
This is a senior individual contributor role designed for a technical practitioner who thrives on remaining active "on the tools". The candidate will be directly responsible for taking architectural ownership, refactoring legacy codebases, executing SQL database enhancements, and modernising platform architecture across a full-stack cloud ecosystem.
Key Accountabilities
Hands-on Architectural Design & Coding: Take end-to-end technical ownership of solution designs and full-stack execution across web applications, native mobile (iOS), API integrations, React frontends, and CI/CD pipelines.
Legacy Modernisation & Technical Transition: Extract domain knowledge and business logic from incumbent head-office technology, refactor codebases, and migrate database structures into optimised Azure SQL environments.
Solution Delivery Lifecycle: Lead the technical delivery lifecycle from translating business requirements into architecture specs through to coding, testing, release management, and operational handoff.
Continuous Improvement & System Health: Routinely audit, review, and refine systems and cloud infrastructure to ensure alignment with organizational goals regarding operational efficiency, robustness, and cybersecurity standards.
Stakeholder & Strategic Collaboration: Partner with internal delivery teams and external partners to ensure all architectural proposals align with the broader technology roadmap, corporate vision, and security compliance frameworks.
Technology Assessment & Advisory: Evaluate emerging cloud frameworks, software tools, and financial technologies, providing cost-benefit and risk assessments regarding performance, scalability, and sustainability.
Candidate Profile & Required Experience
Financial Services & Banking Background: Substantial exposure to the financial services sector, with deep functional knowledge of banking operations, loan origination systems, underwriting frameworks, and mortgage servicing workflows would be beneficial.
Hands-on Technical Leadership: Proven experience acting as a hands-on Solution Architect who actively writes code, conducts technical reviews, and solves complex software engineering challenges within the repository.
Azure & SQL Expertise: Strong hands-on proficiency within the Microsoft Azure ecosystem, complemented by advanced SQL query capability, database tuning, and data migration expertise.
Full-Stack & DevOps Capabilities: Practical experience across modern frontend and mobile stack technologies (React, Web, iOS frameworks) alongside robust experience setting up and managing CI/CD automation pipelines.
Ownership & Self-Direction: Demonstrated ability to manage system interdependencies, balance technical trade-offs, and drive major project deliverables without requiring direct people management responsibilities.