Enterprise Architect - BFSI

Role: Enterprise Architect BFSI

Location: Onsite - Riyadh, KSA

Years of Experience: 10 to 15 years

The Enterprise Architect for Retail Banking will lead the development and implementation of technology solutions that align with the strategic goals of the retail banking division. This role involves designing scalable and secure architectures, improving customer-facing services, and driving innovation through digital transformation. The Enterprise Architect will work closely with senior leadership, business units, and IT teams to ensure that all technology initiatives contribute to business growth and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Architecture Strategy:

• Define and implement the enterprise architecture strategy for the retail banking sector, ensuring alignment with the bank's business objectives and long-term goals.
• Collaborate with senior management to shape the technology roadmap for the retail banking domain, covering both digital and traditional banking channels.
• Ensure that architectural frameworks support the bank's need for scalability, security, and agility in a competitive market.

• Design and oversee the implementation of end-to-end solutions for retail banking, including core banking systems, digital banking platforms, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and payment processing.
• Lead architecture reviews to ensure that proposed solutions align with enterprise standards, best practices, and business objectives.
• Collaborate with development teams to ensure that architectural designs are properly executed and delivered on time and within budget.

• Drive digital transformation initiatives in retail banking, focusing on enhancing customer experience, optimizing operations, and enabling new digital banking capabilities.
• Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, blockchain, and cloud computing to create competitive advantages for the bank.
• Lead innovation projects that improve digital customer interactions, including mobile banking, online banking, and self-service channels.

• Engage with business leaders, product owners, and IT teams to understand business requirements and translate them into architectural solutions.
• Facilitate discussions and workshops with stakeholders to align on technology decisions and architectural directions.
• Provide thought leadership and architectural guidance to help stakeholders make informed decisions on technology investments.

• Ensure that architectural designs comply with regulatory requirements, data privacy laws, and industry standards (e.g., PCI DSS, GDPR).
• Collaborate with risk management and compliance teams to identify and mitigate risks associated with technology and architecture.
• Ensure that the bank’s IT infrastructure and data systems meet security and governance standards.

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement in architecture practices, encouraging innovation, efficiency, and best practices in design and execution.
• Review and refine the architecture strategy regularly to respond to changes in technology, business objectives, and market conditions.
• Monitor industry trends and leverage them to improve the bank’s architectural practices and solutions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in enterprise architecture, with a strong focus on the financial services industry, particularly in retail banking.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale technology transformations in a retail banking environment.
• Deep understanding of core banking systems, digital banking platforms, payment systems, and regulatory requirements in retail banking.
• Expertise in enterprise architecture frameworks such as TOGAF, Zachman, or similar.
• Strong knowledge of cloud computing, APIs, microservices architecture, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Experience with Agile methodologies and DevOps practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Certifications in enterprise architecture (e.g., TOGAF), cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), or project management (e.g., PMP).
• Experience in integrating advanced analytics, AI/ML, and blockchain technologies in banking solutions.
• Strong leadership, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and technical teams.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment with competing priorities.

This role is pivotal in ensuring that the bank's retail operations remain competitive and innovative by leveraging cutting-edge technology and robust architectural strategies.