Technical Architect (Azure) Full Time

CFA Institute
Job Introduction

Main Responsibilities
You will be joining the expanding UK Technology (UKT) team and will have responsibility for designing and overseeing the implementation of cloud-based solutions in Azure to meet the Bank’s technical and business needs as we undertake an ambitious IT modernisation programme.

You will partner with other teams across UKT including developers and security experts to ensure that the requirements for the cloud infrastructure are captured and reflected in designs and implementation plans.

Handelsbanken plc has been a UK subsidiary since 2018 of Svenska Handelsbanken AB in Sweden (Group). The UK Bank is undertaking a significant technology modernisation programme; you will be responsible for ensuring that cloud infrastructure implemented to support this is efficient, scalable, secure, and aligned with business objectives.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of cloud computing technologies, infrastructure, security, and best practices and will be a highly motivated individual with strong communication and analytical skills. You will spend significant time partnering with technology teams in UKT and Group with the potential to influence the direction for harnessing the full potential of cloud technologies to drive business success.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business requirements and design cloud solutions that align with the organization’s goals and objectives.
• Plan and architect cloud infrastructure, supporting the agreed network architecture, and optimizing resource utilization.
• Ensure cloud environments can scale to meet growing demands and provide optimal performance. Implement auto-scaling and load balancing solutions as needed.
• Partner with colleagues to establish and enforce security best practices, including data encryption, identity and access management (IAM), and compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Collaborate with Enterprise Architecture teams and contribute and present to UK Technical Design Authority. Participate in the Architecture Community of Practice.
• Contribute to the development of the UK Bank’s cloud security strategy, policies and standards in conjunction with the wider Group, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including developers, DevOps engineers, and security experts, to ensure seamless integration and operation of cloud solutions.
• Work with disaster recovery and business continuity teams to ensure data resilience and minimal downtime.

Ideal Candidate

Research (by Harvard University) shows that women are particularly likely to second guess themselves and not apply – so if you are worried you don’t meet all the criteria, get in touch anyhow and let us do the worrying

• 8+ years of experience in IT, with significant experience designing, building and operating cloud environments, preferably in the banking or financial services sector – this role requires a deep understanding of cloud computing technologies, infrastructure, security, and best practices.
• Extensive experience in cloud architecture, design, and implementation.
• Strong knowledge of cloud computing platforms and services.
• Professional certifications in cloud technologies, especially Azure Architect certifications, are desirable.
• Experience of working with teams implementing Cloud Environments using Infrastructure As Code tooling (eg Terraform, Bicep).
• Bachelor’s / master’s degree (or equivalent) in computer science, information technology, or a related field is desirable.
• Good project management skills and the ability to work in cross-functional teams.

Company Information

Handelsbanken is a relationship bank with a decentralised way of working, a strong local presence thanks to a nationwide network of branches, and a long-term approach to customer relations. Each Handelsbanken branch operates as a local business enabling it to make decisions at a local level and provide a bespoke service. The focus is always on the need of the individual customer and not on the sale of specific products.

We are embarking on an exciting Business Transformation journey. This transformation will significantly enhance our technology system systems, processes and services, bringing evolution to our ways of working. Join us in this transformative journey, where your dedication, adaptability and commitment will play a crucial role in shaping the future of banking for our valued customers.

The Bank is deeply committed to embedding good equality and diversity practice into all of our activities. This is so that we are an inclusive, welcoming and inspiring place to work that encourages everyone to apply, regardless of socio-economic background, age, disability, pregnancy and/or parental status, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), veteran status, marital and civil partnership status, religion or belief, sex, gender reassignment or sexual orientation.

Check our Handelsbanken website for further information

At Handelsbanken, we deeply value our unique culture and values including trust in and respect for each individual. We take pride in nurturing a work environment where people flourish, and where they are empowered to take decisions in their areas of expertise. We take a long term perspective in everything we do and want each employee who joins us to build a long terms successful career with the Bank.

What is in it for you?

• We have a wide range of learning and development available, empowering and enabling our colleagues to take ownership of their own development.
• Competitive Salary and an extensive range of benefits is provided, including private medical insurance, income protection and life assurance
• A market-leading pension contribution of 15% paid by the bank, which can be invested in a wide range of funds (including ESG and Shariah funds)

Application next steps

Your journey with us begins once you have submitted your application. One of our Handelsbanken recruiters will be reviewing your details and will later organise a phone conversation if you match the role requirements. If there is a mutual fit, we will extend an invitation for you to participate in an interview.
There will be a two stage interview process with a mixture of technical and competency based questions, you will be able to find out more about the role and the team and demonstrate your relevant skills.

How can we support you to be your best self? Our Talent Acquisition team will be happy to provide support e.g. if you need additional time to prepare for an interview or you have any requirements for any part of the interview/hiring process – just let us know by email .

This advert will be live for a minimum of two weeks. However, please note that after the two weeks, the closing date could change at any time depending on the number of responses received.