Job Title : Cards Solution Architect Location : Knutsford Salary/Rate : £430 - 480 Per Day Inside IR35 Start Date : 09/09/2025 Job Type : Initial Contract Until 31/12/2025 Company Introduction We have an exciting opportunity now available with one of our sector-leading consultancy clients! They are currently looking for a Solution Architect with strong domain expertise in Cards, Payments, and Core Banking systems to join our clients team. Job Responsibilities/Objectives The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in designing solutions involving card issuance, authorisation journeys, and migration projects. A background in secure lending and architecture development within banking is highly beneficial. Deliver architectural solutions aligned with the TOGAF Architecture Development Method (ADM), emphasising continuous requirements management. Design end-to-end solutions for payments/cards systems, ensuring all non-functional requirements are addressed. Develop technical solutions aligned with the company?s Enterprise Architecture roadmap and strategic business goals. Present both tactical and strategic architecture options to senior stakeholders. Assess and manage application, data, and technology components from an enterprise architecture perspective. Lead or contribute to cards migration projects and transformation initiatives. Work with technology partners, define KPIs, and oversee the solution lifecycle, including innovation and PoCs. Required Skills/Experience The ideal candidate will have the following: In-depth understanding of Payments, Card Issuing & Acquiring transaction/message flows. Experience integrating in-house platforms with third-party Fintechs. Strong domain knowledge of Card Issuing & Acquiring, including gateways, ATMs, and Switches. Proficiency in ISO8583, MT, and MX message formats. Experience in defining API specifications (REST/Web Services). Familiarity with API and interface governance, including design standards and principles. Ability to improve user journeys and digital experiences using modern technologies. Knowledge of Cloud deployments and solution architecture in cloud environments. Exposure to evaluating technology partners and establishing performance metrics. Desirable Skills/Experience Although not essential, the following skills are desired by the client: Prior experience in the Cards and Payments domain, particularly card issuance and authorisation. Experience in secured lending within the banking sector. Hands-on involvement in cards migration work. Exposure to architecture development cycles using frameworks like TOGAF. Technical Experience : Payments and card processing systems (Issuing & Acquiring) ATM networks and switch integration ISO8583, SWIFT, PACS protocols If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply now with your updated CV in Microsoft Word/PDF format. Disclaimer Notwithstanding any guidelines given to level of experience sought, we will consider candidates from outside this range if they can demonstrate the necessary competencies. Square One is acting as both an employment agency and an employment business, and is an equal opportunities recruitment business. Square One embraces diversity and will treat everyone equally. Please see our website for our full diversity statement.