Solution Architect / Technical Program Manager

Mastercard; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Mastercard is seeking a Solution Architect cum Project Manager to drive large-scale digital transformation programs for financial services clients. You will design tailored technology solutions, lead PMOs, and manage complex multi‑party projects from initiation through realization.

This role requires strong client relationship skills, deep domain knowledge in payments, and experience with Agile/Waterfall methodologies to maximize program value. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Deliver large-scale digital enterprise programs in the financial services sector from initiation through to benefit realization.
• Analyze requirements and design tailored solutions leveraging platform functionalities; provide technical consultation and validate solutions via PoCs.
• Lead PMOs across varied clients, managing risk, issues, budgets, timelines, and ensuring scope aligns with value.

Responsibilities

• Developing new products and strategies to bring them to market efficiently and seamlessly.
• Design tailored solutions, implementing complex technology assets and delivering challenging transformation programs.
• Building clients’ internal skills, knowledge, and experience in critical domains.
• Transforming client processes and optimizing management practices.
• Oversee a portfolio of projects aligned with strategic changes, with significant organizational impact.
• Lead large, multi-party teams, ensuring stakeholder engagement and on-time delivery.

Skills

PMO Leadership

Stakeholder Mgmt

Agile/Scrum

Solution Architecture

Financial Services Domain

Technical Consulting

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

MBA preferred

PMP desirable

Tools

MS Project

Trello

Rally/JIRA

Job description

Title and Summary

Solution Architect / Technical Program Manager

About the Company

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

Role Overview

Solution Architect cum Project Manager

Make an Impact as a Managing Consultant, Digital Labs

Responsibilities

• 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
• Oversee a portfolio of projects that align with strategic changes or initiatives, each with significant organizational impact
• Manage complexities and inherent risks across a broad spectrum of business areas, where strong interdependencies and resource sharing are common
• Manage benefits from their initial identification and definition through to full realization and measurable improvement
• Lead large, multi‑party teams, ensuring stakeholder engagement and project delivery

Qualifications

• 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

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

Corporate Security Responsibility

• Abide by Mastercard’s security policies and practices;
• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed;
• Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and
• Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard’s guidelines.