Senior Lead Architect

Location: BOURNEMOUTH, DORSET, United Kingdom

Job Family: Architecture

About the Role

At JP Morgan Chase, we are at the forefront of financial services innovation, and as a Senior Lead Architect in our Bournemouth, Dorset technology center, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of banking technology. This position within the Architecture category offers the opportunity to design transformative solutions that power global financial operations, from high-frequency trading platforms to secure client data management systems. You will lead architectural initiatives that enhance efficiency, resilience, and compliance across our EMEA operations, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive JP Morgan's commitment to client-centric innovation in a rapidly evolving industry. In this leadership role, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams of engineers, product managers, and business leaders to architect scalable systems that support JP Morgan's diverse portfolio, including investment banking, asset management, and commercial banking. Your expertise will be crucial in integrating emerging technologies such as AI-driven analytics and cloud-native infrastructures, ensuring they align with stringent regulatory requirements like those from the FCA and PRA. Based in our state-of-the-art Bournemouth hub, you will contribute to a collaborative environment that fosters creativity and technical excellence, while mentoring the next generation of architects to uphold JP Morgan's standards of innovation and integrity. Joining JP Morgan Chase means becoming part of a global powerhouse dedicated to propelling financial services forward. This Senior Lead Architect role not only challenges you to solve complex problems at the intersection of technology and finance but also offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and impact. If you are passionate about building resilient, future-proof architectures that redefine how the world banks, we invite you to bring your visionary approach to our team and help propel JP Morgan into the next era of financial innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and lead the implementation of scalable, secure architectural solutions for JP Morgan Chase's core banking platforms
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to translate financial services requirements into innovative technical architectures
• Oversee the adoption of emerging technologies like AI, cloud-native services, and cybersecurity frameworks to drive efficiency and risk mitigation
• Mentor junior architects and engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence within the Bournemouth technology hub
• Ensure architectural designs comply with global financial regulations and JP Morgan's internal governance standards
• Evaluate and integrate third-party technologies to enhance trading, payments, and client servicing systems
• Lead architecture reviews and provide strategic input on technology roadmaps for the EMEA region
• Drive cross-team initiatives to optimize system performance and reduce operational costs in high-volume financial transactions
• Champion innovation by prototyping transformative solutions for asset management and investment banking
• Monitor industry trends to position JP Morgan Chase as a leader in financial technology innovation

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred
• 10+ years of experience in software architecture, with at least 5 years in financial services or fintech
• Proven track record of leading large-scale technology transformations in a global enterprise environment
• Deep expertise in cloud architectures (e.g., AWS, Azure) and microservices design
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance in financial services, including GDPR, PCI-DSS, and Basel III
• Experience with agile methodologies and DevOps practices in high-stakes financial systems
• Ability to mentor and lead cross-functional teams of architects and engineers

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced certifications such as TOGAF, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or CISSP
• Experience in blockchain, AI/ML integration, or real-time payment systems in banking
• Prior work at a major financial institution like JP Morgan Chase or similar
• Knowledge of sustainable tech practices and ESG considerations in financial tech
• International experience in multi-region deployments for global banking operations

Required Skills

• Expertise in enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman)
• Proficiency in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) for financial workloads
• Strong knowledge of Java, Python, or Scala for backend systems in banking
• Experience with containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and CI/CD pipelines
• Deep understanding of cybersecurity principles and secure coding in fintech
• Skills in data modeling, ETL processes, and big data technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Spark)
• Familiarity with API design, RESTful services, and event-driven architectures
• Analytical problem-solving for complex financial system integrations
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Leadership and team-building skills in multicultural environments
• Knowledge of financial protocols like SWIFT, ISO 20022 for payments
• Agile and Scrum mastery for iterative development in regulated industries
• Proficiency in tools like Jira, Confluence, and architecture modeling software (e.g., Enterprise Architect)
• Adaptability to fast-paced, high-pressure financial markets
• Strategic thinking for long-term tech innovation in asset and wealth management

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and performance-based annual bonus
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Generous pension scheme with employer matching contributions
• Hybrid work model with flexibility for Bournemouth-based employees
• Professional development opportunities, including access to JP Morgan's internal training and certifications
• Employee stock purchase plan and financial wellness programs
• Paid time off, including 25+ vacation days and parental leave
• On-site amenities and wellness programs at the Bournemouth office

JP Morgan Chase is an equal opportunity employer.