Principal Architect – Banking, APIs, Kafka, Cloud Platforms

This role sits within Enterprise Architecture and will focus on designing and governing how systems, data and services integrate across core banking platforms, digital channels and third-party ecosystems.

Key responsibilities:

• Design end-to-end integration solutions across APIs, data platforms and external services
• Drive adoption of event-driven architecture, microservices and API-first design
• Oversee API lifecycle management including governance, security and performance
• Support cloud transformation and hybrid integration across Azure, AWS or GCP
• Ensure alignment with regulatory, security and data privacy requirements
• Work closely with engineering, architecture and business stakeholders across EMEA and globally

Key skills & experience:

• Proven experience in Integration / Solution Architecture within financial services or large enterprises
• Strong knowledge of API gateways, Kafka/MQ, ESB/iPaaS platforms
• Experience with REST APIs, event-driven systems and distributed architectures
• Understanding of data platforms, real-time vs batch processing and AI/ML integration
• Familiarity with GDPR, DORA and regulated environment requirements
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills

A strong opportunity for someone looking to combine architecture leadership with hands-on impact, shaping integration strategy across a complex, global technology landscape.