Our client is a leading specialist financial services provider currently building a technology hub in Manchester. They are seeking an experienced IT Systems Architect to provide technical leadership and architectural direction across key technology programmes. About the Role The IT Systems Architect holds overall technical authority for one or more programmes or Agile Release Trains, ensuring technical alignment, architectural governance, and successful delivery of business and technical outcomes. Working closely with other technology teams, you will ensure that architectural outcomes are withing required guardrails, shaping the Architectural Runway, guiding implementation, and championing best-practice architecture across the organisation. This role requires deep expertise in SAFe/Agile architectural design, with the ability to operate flexibly within both Agile and Waterfall environments. Key Responsibilities Develop and continually refine the Architectural Runway, technical vision, and enabler epics for applications, data, and infrastructure. Influence programme roadmaps and backlogs, preparing architectural outputs for Program Increment planning. Promote and embed a scaled agility mindset, values, and practices across teams. Drive measurable delivery velocity, best-practice adoption, and effective implementation of new designs. Guide Developers, Engineers, BAs, BRDs, and Project Managers to ensure architectural alignment and technical coherence. Collaborate with Technica