My client requires a Solutions Architect based in Harrogate on an initial 3 month contract. Accountabilities * To understand stakeholder concerns in order to develop, define and document overall solutions/architectures for programmes and bids which address those concerns. To communicate the solutions to the project team. * To provide technical authority and governance across the lifetime of the project. * To participate in the sales process including initial requirements gathering, specification and presentation of the solution. * To document the complete solution drawing input from functions such as Infrastructure and Service Integration and external suppliers. * To communicate the solution to Stakeholders to ensure that their concerns are fully addressed, especially system qualities such as security, performance, availability and evolvability. * To communicate the solution to "downstream" functions such as Development, Testing and Programme management in sufficient detail to allow planning and cost estimation. * To advise Procurement and Commercial Finance regarding technical issues around contracts. * To validate that the proposed architecture is fit for purpose e.g. by modelling system behaviour, ensuring that performance-critical features are prototyped. * To provide architectural guidance and oversight throughout the lifecycle, including design, development, testing, deployment, support and enhancement. * Based on oversight role, to advise the team on any potential go-live risks or issues and contributes to go-live decision. * To contribute to the Architecture governance process by the development and continuous review of appropriate practices, standards, templates and guidelines. * To support Product Management in developing product roadmaps. * To participate in recruiting and team development activities. * To stay abreast of relevant developments in technology, processes and markets. * To carry out any other task associated with the role as reasonably requested Skills & Experience Required In order to support the BU we are looking for the following; * Systems Integration Skills * Messaging skills, i.e Message flows, transformation, formatting * Payments, FPS, BACS experience or awareness * ATM experience or awareness in terms of Switching and Back Office * POS experience or awareness * End to end Solution Design experience * Estimating experience * Extensive IT experience, with significant experience in an architectural role * Experience within the payments industry * Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to listen, present and communicate complex architectures clearly and concisely with technical and non-technical audiences * Strong problem solving skills * Strong client focus * Understanding of the system development lifecycle from pre-sales to live operation and support, ideally from a managed services perspective * Ability to assemble a broad set of technologies and services to create a complete solution to a business requirement: application software, middleware, database, hardware, storage, network * Understanding of solution trade-offs such as cost, scope, timescale, and balance between long-term strategic and short-term pragmatic considerations * Ability to work with domain and technology experts to develop solution from high level architecture to detailed design level - recognised as a subject matter expert * Ability to provide technical authority and governance role through lifetime of project * Good understanding of one or more payments systems e.g. BACS, SEPA, SWIFT, LINK, Visa, FPS * Understanding of products that touch VocaLink integration points e.g. core banking systems, ERP products, AML and fraud products etc. * Experience managing relationships with clients at the senior technical and business management level * Experience managing technical relationships with suppliers and partners * Excellent interpersonal skills including facilitation, negotiation, collaboration and influencing * Ability to work at a professional level with little management direction and leadership * Good knowledge of ATM and card systems, specifically BASE24 and Fidelity Advantage systems * Knowledge of HP NonStop an advantage Please send CVs in the first instance