System Architect

IT Systems Architect – Based Manchester (Hybrid)

Our client is a leading specialist financial services provider currently building a technology hub in Manchester. They are seeking an experienced IT Systems Architect to provide technical leadership and architectural direction across key technology programmes.

The IT Systems Architect holds overall technical authority for one or more programmes or Agile Release Trains, ensuring technical alignment, architectural governance, and successful delivery of business and technical outcomes. Working closely with other technology teams, you will ensure that architectural outcomes are withing required guardrails, shaping the Architectural Runway, guiding implementation, and championing best‑practice architecture across the organisation.

This role requires deep expertise in SAFe/Agile architectural design, with the ability to operate flexibly within both Agile and Waterfall environments.

• Develop and continually refine the Architectural Runway, technical vision, and enabler epics for applications, data, and infrastructure.
• Influence programme roadmaps and backlogs, preparing architectural outputs for Program Increment planning.
• Promote and embed a scaled agility mindset, values, and practices across teams.
• Drive measurable delivery velocity, best‑practice adoption, and effective implementation of new designs.
• Guide Developers, Engineers, BAs, BRDs, and Project Managers to ensure architectural alignment and technical coherence.
• Collaborate with Technical and Enterprise Architects to ensure adherence to technical standards, frameworks, and methodologies.
• Define and support requirements for system stability, technology upgrades, and pipeline improvements.
• Enforce technical guardrails through effective design governance.

• Expert knowledge of enterprise workflow systems, distributed architecture, and communication architectures.
• Senior‑level understanding of SDLC, architectural methodologies, and multi‑platform environments.
• Strong experience with web‑based, service‑based, and enterprise application architectures.
• Proven ability to manage code quality and ensure high technical standards.
• Deep understanding of SAFe/Agile, Waterfall delivery, and incremental architectural enablement.
• Excellent communication, coaching, negotiation, and stakeholder‑management skills.

• Strong technical delivery experience, including architectural methodologies (e.g., TOGAF).
• Architecture experience across platforms such as Java, .NET, Python, cloud environments, and tiered architectures.
• Experience with insurance or finance‑based products preferred.
• Preferred certifications: ARCH, ASE, SDP.
• Experience with Jira, Confluence, and Lucid Spark would be beneficial.

This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned IT Systems Architect to play a pivotal role in shaping enterprise‑level solutions, driving architectural excellence, and contributing to the continued success of a global insurance organisation.