Application Solution Architect6-Month contract - Inside IR35 - up to 575 per dayLondon based - hybrid working - 2 days a week on siteFinance sector - previous experience in this sector required OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Application Solution Architect to lead enterprise application modernisation initiatives. This is a hands-on architecture leadership role.The successful candidate will be responsible for defining target architectures, leading application transformation programmes, and establishing architectural standards and design principles across the organisation. This is an out-and-out Solution Architect role, with a strong emphasis on application modernisation rather than infrastructure or enterprise architecture. Key ResponsibilitiesApplication Modernisation LeadershipLead the assessment and modernisation of legacy and monolithic applications.Develop application modernisation strategies, roadmaps, and target-state architectures.Drive the decomposition of monolithic applications into modular, service-oriented, or microservices-based architectures.Define migration approaches that balance business continuity, risk, cost, and delivery timelines.Identify and reduce technical debt through strategic architecture decisions. Solution ArchitectureOwn end-to-end solution architecture for application transformation programmes.Produce solution designs, architecture artefacts, reference architectures, and technical standards.Ensure solutions are scalable, secure, resilient,