Solution Architect / Technical Program Manager

Job Title

Solution Architect / Technical Program Manager

Overview

Solution Architect cum Project Manager

All About Us

The Services team is a key differentiator for Mastercard, providing support that helps our customers grow. This team is responsible for delivering end-to-end solutions to a diverse, global customer base. We combine traditional management consulting with our rich data assets and proprietary technology to offer clients powerful strategic insights and recommendations.

Our suite of services is anchored in data-driven technology and innovation, encompassing consulting, loyalty and marketing programs, test-and-learn business experimentation, and comprehensive data-based information and risk management services.

While our primary expertise is in the payments industry, Mastercard Services collaborates with major retailers, airlines, and other enterprises, leveraging insights derived from both within and outside our extensive network.

All About the Role

Make an Impact as a Managing Consultant, Digital Labs

Digital Labs is a client-facing, execution-oriented team that leverages accredited change management skills and domain expertise to partner with clients and generate measurable value by:

• Developing new products and strategies to bring them to market efficiently and seamlessly
• Successfully design tailored solutions, implementing complex technology assets and delivering challenging transformation programs to establish new standards for business operations
• Building clients’ internal skills, knowledge, and experience in critical domains
• Transforming client processes and optimizing management practices

As a Managing Consultant, you will oversee a portfolio of projects that align with strategic changes or initiatives, each with significant organizational impact. You will manage complexities and inherent risks across a broad spectrum of business areas, where strong interdependencies and resource sharing are common.

Your responsibilities include managing benefits from their initial identification and definition through to full realization and measurable improvement.

This position requires an intersection of two disciplines: demonstrated excellence in project management as well as in-depth technical knowledge across IT topics such as software development, APIs, IT and enterprise architecture, and IT service management. Leadership in project management and stakeholder engagement is essential, as is the ability to manage large, multi-party teams.

A strong grasp of current trends in IT development, architecture, and service processes is also crucial.

All About You

• Demonstrated experience delivering large-scale digital enterprise programs in the financial services sector, from initiation through to benefit realization
• Analyze business requirements and design tailored solutions leveraging platform functionalities. Provide technical consultation and validate solutions through proofs of concept and feasibility assessments
• Proven leadership of PMOs across varied clients and businesses, including risk identification and mitigation, issue resolution, plan development, and adherence to agreed timelines, budgets, and quality standards—with examples of adjusting scope and objectives to maximize program value
• Formal accreditation in recognized PM/PMO, change, or service management methodologies is expected; experience with Agile methodologies and/or as a scrum master is advantageous
• Ability to develop and maintain strong client relationships, serve as a go-to resource for client staff, and be sought after for industry and firm expertise Identify new business opportunities and communicate them to executives for pursuit; begin leading sales efforts and contribute to proposals and new client development Analyze various aspects of clients’ organizational systems and cultures as input into stakeholder mapping and sales processes
• Effectively leverage subject matter experts to design optimal solutions for clients
• Exemplary interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to direct multiple workstreams across large, multifaceted project teams
• Strong writing, presentation, and public speaking abilities, with the capacity to influence at all organizational levels. Excellent analytical skills with the ability to articulate customer opportunities in financial terms, including value quantification, effort estimation, and scope definition
• Demonstrated initiative and adaptability in developing solutions or modifying approaches to achieve defined objectives and benefits; ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Work closely with the technical team to facilitate smooth implementation and customization of solutions. Collaborate with development, QA, and sales teams to address client requirements.
• Efficiently allocate and manage technical resources, ensuring project teams have the necessary skills and tools to fulfill their responsibilities
• Exhibit authentic leadership and integrity, demonstrate gravitas, and lead multidisciplinary teams in a matrixed environment; mentor staff, evaluate performance, and provide constructive feedback; achieve team consensus around business goals
• Experience with building functional specifications is a plus

All About Your Education & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification required; advanced degree or MBA preferred
• Professional accreditation such as Project Management Professional (PMP) is desirable
• 7+ years of experience in a similar role, with a proven record of managing successful projects
• Experience implementing full tech stack solutions across various technology tiers: channels, middleware, back-end, and front-end
• Demonstrated expertise in both Agile/Scrum and waterfall project management methodologies, with the ability to manage complex projects within the financial services sector
• Extensive experience in solution architecture, with a focus on cards and payment solutions within financial services.
• Deep knowledge of payment processing, card management systems, payment gateways, and standards such as EMV, PCI DSS, ISO 8583, AS2805 and ISO 20022.
• Hands-on experience with integration technologies (e.g., APIs, microservices, middleware) and secure payments infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of security, compliance, and regulatory requirements in the payments domain.
• Proven ability to design and document complex architectures and integration patterns.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with agile delivery methodologies and DevOps practices.
• Experience working with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and modern technology stacks is highly regarded.
• Able to design and implement enterprise-level architectural artefacts including business capability models, value stream maps, solution blueprints leveraging frameworks such as TOGAF, BABOK and BPMN.
• Comfortable with high levels of client interaction and focused on developing strong relationships
• Advanced proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; familiarity with project management tools preferred
• Skilled in project management tools such as MS Project, Trello, and Rally/JIRA
• Knowledgeable in data architecture and database management, with experience in a wide range of data analytics tools and technologies considered an asset
• Willingness to travel as required

To find US Salary Ranges, visit People Place. Under the Compensation tab, select "Salary Structures." Within the text of "Salary Structures," click on the link "salary structures 2025," through which you will be able to access the salary ranges for each Mastercard job family. For more information regarding US benefits, visit People Place and review the Benefits tab and the Time Off & Leave tab.