Overview

EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS) is a global data and artificial intelligence (AI) company that offers services and solutions to reinvent client business models, drive better outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform businesses, including the world’s leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and financial services, media and retail, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity and respect. We are headquartered in New York and have more than 59,000 employees spanning six continents. For more information, visit www.exlservice.com.

Role Title: Technical Pre-Sales Lead – Banking

Location: London, United Kingdom (Flexible hybrid working)

Employment Type: Permanent

Responsibilities

The Data Solutions Architect at EXL plays a strategic, client-facing role within our Data Management practice, particularly in banking. This is a technically focused leadership position, where you partner closely with senior stakeholders to modernise their data platforms, drive value from data, and accelerate cloud transformation. You will lead the technical design and delivery of complex data architectures and act as a trusted advisor on clients’ end-to-end data strategy. While this is not a hands-on implementation role, you will shape future-state architectures, develop solution strategies, guide workshops, build compelling slide decks, and oversee project execution through collaboration with delivery teams. You will also spend 40-50% of your time assisting in pre-sales activities with clients, including assisting with RFPs, RFIs by translating client requirements into solution blueprints and proposal narratives. This role is ideal for a professional who combines deep technical expertise with strong communication and consulting skills to influence decisions at the C-suite level and drive large-scale transformation initiatives.

• Pre-Sales Leadership: Lead the technical pre-sales process for banking clients, establishing credibility with senior executives (CIOs, CTOs, CDOs) through measured, clear, and commercially astute communication. Translate complex requirements into compelling solution blueprints, proposals, and presentations that demonstrate tangible business value.
• Enterprise Solution Design: Architect and shape end-to-end data and cloud solutions for large-scale transformation programmes, including data platforms (lakes, lakehouses, warehouses) using technologies such as Azure, AWS, or GCP, Databricks, Snowflake, Synapse, or Azure Fabric.
• Cloud Strategy & Adoption: Define and own cloud migration, modernisation, and optimisation strategies, demonstrating expertise in one or more leading cloud platforms and associated tooling (e.g., Terraform, Azure DevOps, GitHub, CI/CD pipelines).
• Data Products & Transformation: Design and position reusable data products and modern data architectures that enable measurable transformation outcomes, aligning closely with client priorities in banking and financial services.
• Client Engagement & Advisory: Build trust at the C-suite level by offering credible, data-driven advisory on strategy, transformation roadmaps, and innovation opportunities. Lead workshops and technical discussions that influence senior stakeholder decision-making.
• ETL/ELT Frameworks & Data Engineering: Provide technical leadership in designing robust data pipelines and integration solutions using SSIS, ADF, Informatica, or IBM DataStage, supporting both batch and streaming data ingestion.
• Data Governance & Quality: Define governance frameworks, metadata management, and quality controls using platforms such as Unity Catalog, Profisee, Alation, DQ Pro, ensuring compliance with banking regulatory requirements.
• Technical Leadership & Mentoring: Inspire and guide cross-functional global teams, ensuring best practices, knowledge sharing, and innovation are embedded in every engagement.
• Industry & Technology Insight: Maintain awareness of emerging data, AI, and cloud trends (including data mesh, data products, GenAI) to support go-to-market strategies and strengthen EXL’s thought leadership position.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business, or related field.
• Experience: 10+ years in BI/Data Warehousing/Analytics, including 4+ years in technical pre-sales or solution architecture roles with a strong track record in banking transformation programmes.
• Pre-Sales Expertise: Proven experience leading technical pre-sales engagements, including responding to RFPs/RFIs, delivering senior-level presentations, and shaping solutions that win business.
• Cloud Expertise: Deep understanding and practical experience in one or more major cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP), including migration, modernisation, and cloud-native architecture design.
• Banking Domain Knowledge: Essential experience in commercial, retail, or investment banking, regulatory reporting, or finance transformation.
• Transformation Delivery: Demonstrated experience in designing solutions that deliver measurable business change, including data product delivery and cloud modernisation.
• Leadership & Gravitas: Ability to establish credibility quickly with senior technical and business stakeholders, communicate with authority, and influence strategic decision-making.
• Enterprise Data Modelling: 3–5 years hands-on modelling experience using ERwin, ER/Studio, Power Designer, or similar.
• BI/Reporting Tools: Knowledge of Power BI, Tableau, QlikView, or similar.
• Certifications: Preferred – professional certifications from Azure, AWS, or GCP.
• Eligibility: To be considered for this role, you must already be eligible to work in the United Kingdom.

Benefits

• A competitive salary with a generous bonus, private healthcare, critical illness life assurance at 4 x your annual salary, income protection insurance, and a rewarding pension.
• EXL provides everyday financial well-being solutions, such as cash back cards, in which you can earn cashback while enjoying discounts, promotions, and offers from top retailers. We also offer a Cycle Scheme where you can save money on bikes and cycling accessories.
• At EXL, we are committed to providing our employees with the tools and resources they need to succeed and excel in their careers. We offer a wide range of professional and personal development opportunities. We also support a range of learning initiatives that allow our employees to build on their existing skills and knowledge. From online courses to seminars and workshops, our employees have the opportunity to enhance their skills and stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies.
• As an Equal Opportunity Employer, EXL is committed to diversity. Our company does not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, age, or disability status.
• At EXL, we offer a flexible hybrid working model that allows employees to live a balanced, healthy lifestyle while strengthening our culture of collaboration.