Senior presales solution Architect

Principal Applications Solution Architect: Banking, Payments, AI & Digital Transformation

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced Principal Applications Solution Architect with 20+ years of IT experience and strong Banking & Financial Services domain expertise to lead end-to-end solutioning for strategic pursuits and transformation opportunities.

The role is accountable for evaluating RFP/RFI/EOI requirements, defining solution strategy, driving internal governance reviews, orchestrating multi-service-line contributions, engaging with clients, and delivering innovative, executable, and commercially competitive solutions.

The architect will leverage AI-enabled tools, modern architecture practices, automation frameworks, cloud-native technologies, and industry best practices to improve solution quality, accelerate proposal development, and increase deal win rates.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Solution Leadership

• Own and drive the complete solution lifecycle from qualification to proposal submission.
• Analyze client requirements, business objectives, and transformation roadmaps.
• Define solution strategy, architecture, operating model, and delivery approach.
• Ensure solutions are technically sound, commercially viable, and delivery-ready.

RFP & Presales Management

• Lead responses to RFPs, RFIs, EOIs, and strategic pursuits.
• Develop solution options, assumptions, risks, and recommendations.
• Support effort estimation, staffing, pricing inputs, and commercial reviews.
• Create differentiated and winnable solution propositions.

AI-Enabled Solution Engineering

• Utilize GenAI and AI-assisted tools for:
• RFP analysis
• Compliance mapping
• Proposal development
• Knowledge discovery
• Architecture documentation
• Competitive assessments
• Incorporate AI, AIOps, Intelligent Automation, Agentic AI, and Observability capabilities into client solutions where appropriate.

Solution Architecture & Technology Leadership

Design and review solutions involving:

• Core Banking & Payments Platforms
• Digital Banking Applications
• Application Modernization
• Cloud & Platform Engineering
• API & Integration Architectures
• DevSecOps & SRE
• Observability & AIOps
• AI & Data Platforms
• Managed Application Services

Governance & Stakeholder Management

• Drive all required internal governance and approval processes.
• Collaborate with Delivery Teams, Service Line Architects, Security, Risk, Compliance, and Commercial stakeholders.
• Ensure alignment between solution design, delivery capability, and business objectives.
• Remain accountable for the final integrated solution.

Client Engagement

• Conduct discovery workshops and solution discussions.
• Respond to client queries and clarify requirements.
• Present solution architectures, operating models, and value propositions.
• Act as a trusted advisor to client executives and business stakeholders.

Innovation & Technology Adoption

• Continuously evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends.
• Drive adoption of AI, Cloud, Platform Engineering, OpenTelemetry, Observability, and Automation frameworks.
• Identify opportunities to improve client outcomes through innovation and modernization.

Required Skills

Domain Expertise

• Banking & Financial Services
• Core Banking
• Payments (UPI, NEFT, RTGS, SWIFT)
• Digital Banking
• Regulatory & Compliance Requirements

Technical Expertise

• Enterprise & Solution Architecture
• Application Modernization
• Cloud Platforms
• API Strategy & Integration
• DevSecOps & Agile Delivery
• Platform Engineering
• Observability & AIOps
• AI Architecture & Automation

Presales & Leadership

• Large Deal Pursuits
• Proposal Management
• Executive Presentations
• Commercial Awareness
• Stakeholder Management
• Governance Leadership

Experience

Mandatory

• 20+ years of IT experience.
• 10+ years in Banking & Financial Services.
• Experience leading large-scale RFP and presales engagements.
• Experience presenting to senior executives and client leadership.
• Proven track record of delivering winnable and profitable solutions.
• Experience coordinating multiple service lines and delivery organizations.

Preferred

• PSU Banking experience.
• Finacle, BaNCS, FLEXCUBE, Temenos or similar banking platforms.
• AI, AIOps, Observability, and Digital Transformation experience.
• Managed Services and Application Support transformation experience.

Success Measures

• Solution Win Rate
• Revenue Influenced
• Proposal Quality & Compliance
• Delivery Readiness
• Governance Effectiveness
• Client Satisfaction
• AI Adoption in Solution Development
• Innovation Contribution
• Stakeholder Confidence