Technical Lead / Lead Architect - London or Coventry

FDM is a global business and technology consultancy seeking a Lead Architect to work for our client within the retail sector. This is initially a 6-month contract with the potential to extend and will be a hybrid role that will be based in London or Coventry.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end solution architecture across platforms, focusing on integration between legacy and modern systems
• Define the target architecture and guide engineering teams in implementing modular, reusable, and API-first services
• Lead the design of integration flows across internal systems, services, and third-party platforms (e.g. fraud, pricing engines)
• Translate high-level business goals into technical blueprints, HLDs / LLDs, and sequencing strategies
• Champion the use of event-driven architectures (Kafka) and standardised data services for system communication
• Collaborate with analysts and engineers to scope and sequence complex workstreams, ensuring technical feasibility and performance
• Identify architectural risks and drive resolution, balancing short-term needs with long-term maintainability
• Set architectural governance for partner consultants and internal engineers, driving consistent standards
• Provide senior technical leadership and coaching within a growing architecture team