Solution Architect - Inside IR35 - Hybrid

Our client, a leading IT consultancy, is looking for an experienced Solution Architect to join a major debit-card modernisation and core banking integration programme within the financial services sector. You will define and deliver end-to-end solution architecture across card management, payments, APIs, microservices and cloud-native platforms, working with Java, Spring Boot, Kafka and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). This is a 12-month contract based in London or Edinburgh, with hybrid working (2 days per week onsite).

Key Responsibilities

• Design and govern end-to-end solution architecture for debit-card modernisation, card management systems and core banking integration

• Define scalable integration solutions using REST/SOAP APIs, microservices, Kafka, event-driven architecture and batch processing

• Lead solution design across GCP, Kubernetes, hybrid cloud and Legacy on-premises banking platforms

• Produce HLDs, LLDs, interface specifications, data flows and architecture documentation, ensuring security, resilience, scalability and performance

• Collaborate with engineering, DevOps, security and product teams to drive architecture decisions, technical governance and production readiness

What You Will Ideally Bring

• Strong experience as a Solution Architect within banking, financial services, cards, payments or core banking integration
• Hands-on expertise in Java, Spring Boot, microservices, REST/SOAP APIs and enterprise integration architecture
• Proven experience designing solutions on Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Kubernetes and hybrid cloud environments
• Strong understanding of Kafka, event-driven systems, API management, authentication, encryption and security architecture
• Desirable: Experience with ISO 8583, Legacy/Mainframe integration, Apigee, HashiCorp Vault, OpenShift, Jenkins, Splunk, Dynatrace and BIAN standards

Contract Details

• Duration: 12 months
• Day Rate: £600 per day
• IR35 Determination: To be confirmed
• Location: London OR Edinburgh (Hybrid - 2 days onsite per week)
• Positions: 1
• Start Date: To be confirmed
• Travel: Occasional travel based on project requirements

Solution Architect (Cards & Payments, GCP, Java, Kafka) - 12-Month Contract - London/Edinburgh - Hybrid