The banking industry is undergoing rapid transformation, and at the center of this change is the seamless integration and modernization of core banking platforms. In this dynamic landscape, financial institutions seek visionary leaders who can align technological architecture with strategic business goals. One of Kenya’s leading banking institutions is currently seeking to recruit a seasoned and innovative professional to fill the position of Senior Manager – Domain Architect, Core Banking Applications.
This strategic role will be pivotal in shaping the future of the bank’s core systems, ensuring alignment with emerging trends, evolving customer expectations, and the bank’s long-term vision. If you are passionate about driving digital transformation, designing future-ready core banking solutions, and leading high-impact technology initiatives, then this opportunity is crafted for you.
Overview of the Role
The Senior Manager – Domain Architect, Core Banking Applications will take the lead in defining and implementing the architecture and technology roadmap for the bank’s core banking platforms. This includes systems that support retail, corporate, investment banking, and insurance operations. The successful candidate will ensure these critical applications and their supporting ecosystems are scalable, resilient, secure, and aligned with business objectives and global best practices.
This role is responsible for planning, designing, and implementing integrated solutions across the banking ecosystem. It will also involve active engagement with key stakeholders, including technology teams, business leaders, vendors, and regulatory bodies to ensure optimal performance, security, and compliance of the bank’s core systems.
Key Responsibilities
The core duties and responsibilities of the Senior Manager – Domain Architect, Core Banking Applications will include the following:
- Strategic Leadership and Architecture Design
- Develop and maintain a forward-looking strategy for core banking systems that aligns with the bank’s enterprise architecture and broader business objectives.
- Define and enforce principles, standards, best practices, and guidelines for integrating core banking systems, applications, and data across the organization.
- Create and maintain target-state architecture documentation for core banking applications with a focus on scalability, resilience, security, performance, and compliance.
- Platform Evaluation and Innovation
- Identify and address existing gaps and inefficiencies within the core banking landscape through innovative and strategic interventions.
- Evaluate existing and emerging core banking platforms and third-party solutions to recommend optimal technologies for the bank.
- Lead and support the execution of proof-of-concepts (POCs) and technology pilots focused on enhancing core banking capabilities.
- System Integration and Ecosystem Management
- Ensure seamless integration of core banking platforms with digital channels, payment systems, regulatory reporting tools, and other critical systems by working closely with API and middleware teams.
- Support the enhancement of data exchange frameworks to enable real-time processing, reporting, and decision-making.
- Data Enablement and Analytics
- Enable and support data-driven decision-making by ensuring that core banking applications integrate efficiently with the bank’s data platforms and analytics initiatives.
- Champion the architecture of solutions that promote data availability, quality, and integrity across the core banking systems.
- Risk Management and Business Continuity
- Drive and enhance business continuity planning (BCP) and disaster recovery (DR) strategies specifically for core banking systems to ensure operational resilience.
- Participate in incident response and system troubleshooting processes and lead the review and validation of root cause analyses (RCAs).
- Development Support and Technical Leadership
- Provide expert guidance and leadership to development and implementation teams throughout the core banking systems lifecycle.
- Identify continuous improvement opportunities and lead initiatives aimed at enhancing the reliability, performance, and user experience of the bank’s core systems.
- Technical Debt Management and Documentation
- Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for all applications within the core banking domain.
- Address technical debt by identifying obsolete systems and processes and proposing phased modernization strategies.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
- Collaborate across business units and technology teams to ensure alignment of core banking systems with evolving business needs.
- Participate in cross-functional initiatives to drive digital transformation and support the execution of the bank’s strategic goals.
- Support for Digital Transformation
- Contribute to the bank’s digital agenda by architecting flexible, future-proof systems that support innovative product and service offerings.
- Work closely with business leaders to understand emerging needs and deliver scalable solutions that provide competitive advantages.
Profile of the Ideal Candidate
The role requires a highly experienced technology professional with a deep understanding of core banking systems, enterprise architecture, and financial services technology. The following attributes are essential for success in this role:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
- A Master’s degree in Technology or Business will be an added advantage.
- Certification in core banking platforms (e.g., Temenos) is highly desirable.
- Cloud architecture certifications (AWS, Azure, GCP) and TOGAF (or equivalent enterprise architecture certifications) are strongly preferred.
- A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Information Technology, with at least 7 years focused specifically on core banking applications in a development or architectural role.
- In-depth experience in integration patterns, middleware technologies, and messaging protocols.
- Solid experience in banking operations and domain expertise, with at least 7 years of practice in the financial services industry.
- Strong understanding of software development methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid) and DevOps practices.
- Demonstrated ability to plan and organize complex projects, including the ability to translate high-level goals into actionable plans.
- Familiarity with graphical modeling approaches, architecture tools, and model repositories.
- The ability to think strategically while balancing immediate project requirements with long-term architectural goals.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including experience working with senior executives, project teams, and vendors.
Why This Role Matters
In today’s digital age, the modernization and robustness of a bank’s core infrastructure determine its ability to offer secure, responsive, and personalized services. This position is central to the bank’s mission of delivering cutting-edge financial solutions to its customers. The successful candidate will not only lead the architectural transformation of core banking applications but also help drive innovation across the broader banking ecosystem.
This opportunity offers a chance to influence the future of financial services delivery, support the bank’s strategic goals, and work alongside some of the industry’s most accomplished professionals. The role also provides a unique platform for career growth, technical mastery, and thought leadership in enterprise banking systems.
What the Bank Offers
This is a demanding yet rewarding position that comes with a competitive remuneration package and access to a conducive working environment that promotes innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
The bank values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates living with disability are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Process
If you believe you possess the knowledge, experience, and drive required to lead the core banking architecture function, you are invited to submit your application through the bank’s official recruitment portal. Please ensure your application is complete and includes a detailed curriculum vitae outlining your qualifications and work experience relevant to this role.
All applications must be received by Friday, 18th July 2025.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further engagement.
