Hiring: Services Architect – Financial Services Location: Hybrid (2–3 days onsite in London) Contract Length: 6 Months IR35 Status: INSIDE IR35 Start Date: ASAP We’re looking for an experienced Services Architect to join a dynamic transformation programme within the financial services sector. This is a pivotal contract role focused on shaping, defining, and governing service architecture across a complex technology and business change landscape. You’ll bring deep experience designing scalable, secure, and cost-effective services—working at the intersection of architecture, delivery, and operations to ensure service components are fit for purpose and align with enterprise strategy. Duties and Responsibilities Define, design, and deliver client operating models and solution-specific service models Conduct structured client assessments across service-related domains, including ITSM maturity and managed service provider (MSP) contractual compliance Gather and document operational requirements, ensuring traceability through service design, build, and transition phases Design and implement operational governance frameworks covering reporting, compliance, risk management, skills, and communications Lead organisational design initiatives and support transformation programmes Guide clients through MSP transitions, including outsourcing and insourcing engagements Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of the team’s service offerings Actively promote service offerings to internal account and sales teams Develop pre-sales and proposal materials for client engagements Provide mentorship and leadership to team members Qualifications and Experience A minimum of 10 years’ experience in a service management advisory/consulting role or as a senior client-side stakeholder ITIL certification preferred; however, demonstrable, in-depth practical experience is essential Experience working with Enterprise Architecture frameworks (e.g. TOGAF) preferred; certification is an advantage Strong background in IT operations and the integration of service management tools and processes Proven application of service architecture concepts within technical initiatives (e.g. cloud migrations, observability platform integrations) Solid understanding of modern technology environments, including cloud platforms and AI infrastructure, alongside traditional IT stacks Subject matter expertise in at least one technical domain (e.g. networking, security, observability, or applications) is advantageous Key Skills and Attributes Ability to communicate complex service and operating models clearly and appropriately to diverse audiences, from executive leadership to operational teams Highly adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities without loss of focus Confident and credible in technical discussions with both business and engineering stakeholders Strong curiosity and enthusiasm for emerging technologies, with a commitment to staying current in the operational and service management space