Software Architect (Cards andamp; Payments) - Contract | Hybrid (Knutsford)Duration: Until 31st December 2025Rate: =-£579/dayLocation: Knutsford - 2-3 days onsite per weekEligibility: Must be eligible for BPSS clearanceAbout the RoleWe''re seeking an experienced Software Architect with strong Cards and Payments expertise to lead design and technical architecture across core banking and current account platforms for a major financial institution.You''ll shape large-scale, resilient, and secure technology solutions - ensuring scalability, compliance, and innovation across critical payments and account-related systems.What You''ll DoLead architecture and design for current account, loans, and payments platforms.Drive solution design across cards issuance, authorization, and account switching journeys.Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, product, risk, and compliance) to align technology with business goals.Oversee architectural governance - producing design artefacts for privacy, risk, and records management.Evaluate and integrate third-party vendor solutions, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.Champion best practices in cloud adoption, automation, and DevOps within the banking domain.What You''ll BringStrong experience in Cards andamp; Payments architecture (cards issuance, authorization, switching).Proven background in core banking and current account platforms.Solid understanding of cloud, APIs, DevOps, and security architecture.Excellent stakeholde