Partnering & Innovation Architect

We are looking for a curious, commercially aware Partnering and Innovation Architect to help Nationwide identify, assess, and trial emerging technologies that can strengthen our competitive position and deliver better outcomes for our customers and members. The role supports the development of the Technology Radar, gathers external insights, builds strategic partnerships, and contributes to the innovation process to accelerate proof-of-concept activity and bring fresh thinking into key technology decisions.

You will work closely with colleagues across the (Chief Technology Office) CTO, Chief Information Office (CIO), Strategy, and wider business teams, as well as with external technology vendors, FinTechs, strategic partners, consultancies, research organisations, cloud providers, academic institutions, and innovation ecosystems. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape how Nationwide explores, evaluates, and applies emerging technologies in a practical, well-governed manner that aligns with organisational priorities.

Partnering and Innovation sits within the Society's forward-looking technology capability, helping Nationwide scan the external market, understand emerging technology trends, and translate these insights into actionable opportunities. As a Partnering and Innovation Architect, you will support the Society's ongoing technology evolution by identifying, assessing, and trialling new technologies that can enhance our position in the market.

You will contribute to the Technology Radar, develop white papers and thought leadership content on technology topics relevant to financial services, and support the growth of partnerships with suppliers, FinTechs, and innovation partners. The role also supports the operation of the Society's innovation framework, including idea intake, prioritisation, evaluation, proof-of-concept activities, and the communication of outcomes across the organisation.

Depending on the technology area, you may also support the development of customer-facing concepts, prototypes, and experience enhancements. Reporting to the Head of Partnering and Innovation, you will play a key role in helping Nationwide identify and realise the value of emerging technologies while fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

We are happy to consider flexible working approaches to help you perform at your best.

At Nationwide we offer hybrid working wherever possible. More rewarding relationships are supported through our hybrid approach, bringing colleagues together across our UK wide estate, whilst also supporting generous access to home working. We value our time in the office to solve problems, to learn, and to feel connected.

For this job you'll spend at least two days per week, or if part time you'll spend 40% of your working time, based at either our Swindon, London or Glasgow office. If you’re based at our Glasgow office, this will apply from 1 April 2027 and ahead of that there will be a need to regularly connect with colleagues for collaboration events. If your application is successful, your hiring manager will provide further details on how this works. You can also find out more about our approach to hybrid working here.

If we receive a high volume of relevant applications, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so please apply as soon as you can.

What you’ll be doing

You will work across CTO, CIO, Strategy, and business teams to identify emerging technologies, contribute to the Technology Radar, and turn external insights into evidence-based recommendations that support informed decision-making.

This may involve producing white papers, engaging with suppliers, FinTechs, and strategic partners, and collaborating with the Proof-of-Concept team to develop, test, and evaluate innovative solutions.

You will help manage the innovation framework from idea intake through to prioritisation, proof-of-concept delivery, and communication of outcomes, while assessing risks, supporting technology readiness planning, and adapting to changing priorities.

About you

You must have:

• Experience identifying, assessing, and evaluating emerging technologies, including horizon scanning and translating market trends into strategic technology recommendations
• Experience supporting innovation initiatives, proof-of-concept activities, and prototype development, from idea evaluation through to the communication of outcomes and recommendations
• Experience working with external partners, including suppliers, FinTechs, strategic alliances, and innovation ecosystems, with involvement in co-innovation initiatives and partnership opportunities
• Strong written communication skills, with experience producing high-quality reports, briefings, white papers, and thought leadership materials for senior stakeholders, including Executive Committee (ExCo) audiences
• Excellent verbal communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex technology concepts to technical, business, and senior leadership audiences
• Strong awareness of the financial services technology landscape, including market dynamics and the regulatory environment, with the ability to assess regulatory, operational, and commercial risks when evaluating innovation opportunities
• Strong commercial acumen and business understanding, combined with curiosity, creative thinking, and the ability to identify transformational innovation opportunities and influence senior stakeholders to support their progression
• A delivery-focused mindset, with the ability to work at pace, make informed decisions, and drive initiatives through to clear and measurable outcomes

Our customer first behaviours put customers and members at the heart of how we work together. They are the set of behaviours that every colleague needs to display, in every role:

• Feel what customers feel - We step into our customers’ shoes, using their feedback and insights to empathise with them and to understand their needs, so that every decision we make starts and finishes with our customers in mind

• Say it straight - We are brave in speaking out and saying what we think – we’re honest and direct with good intent, openly sharing diverse perspectives to reach the best conclusions and using language everyone can understand

• Push for better - We don’t settle for mediocrity, we challenge the status quo, taking responsibility for continuous improvement and personal development

• Get it done - We prioritise what will have the greatest impact, we are decisive, and we take accountability for delivering brilliant customer outcomes

You can strengthen your application by showing how our customer first behaviours resonate with you, and where you may have already demonstrated these.

The extras you’ll get

There are all sorts of employee benefits available at Nationwide, including:

• 30 days holiday, pro rata

• Private medical insurance

• A highly competitive pension to help you build a strong foundation for retirement

• Access to an annual performance-related bonus

• Training and development to help you progress your career

• A great selection of additional benefits through our salary sacrifice scheme

• Life assurance to provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones in the event of your death

• Wellhub – access to a range of free and paid options for health and wellness

• Up to 2 days of paid volunteering a year

Banking – but fairer, more rewarding, and for the good of society

We forge our own path at Nationwide.

As a mutual, we’re owned by our members - those customers who bank, save or have a mortgage with us. We challenge the financial sector status quo. We don’t see customers as the engine of our own profit. We share our profits with them and put their needs first. Always there when they need us. Supporting them and their lives.

If you’re inspired by fairer finances, passionate about making a meaningful impact, and truly care about our customers, you’re one of us.

At Nationwide, you are challenged to grow and rewarded for doing so. Valued. Recognised. Inspired to be your best. As a community, we want our working lives to count. As a team, we celebrate what we achieve. As a standard-setter, we work for the good of customers, communities, and broader society.

We are purpose-driven. Uncompromisingly customer. Unstoppably Nationwide.

What to do next

If this role is for you, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button. You’ll need to attach your up-to-date CV and answer a few quick questions for us.

We respond to everyone, so we will be in contact shortly after the closing date to let you know the outcome of your application.

Keeping your data and personal information confidential is important to us. To find out more about how we use and process your data, please read our Privacy policy.

If you want to find out more about using AI in our recruitment process, please read more here.

Disability Confident

We’re not just guided by data, we’re driven by the real experiences of our people. We’re a Disability Confident Level 3 Leader, the highest level.

That’s why we’re constantly evolving our policies and practices to make sure everyone feels genuinely supported, valued, and empowered to champion inclusion. Whatever your needs, we’re here to support you. If you need any additional support throughout your application journey, email our team at Recruitment Support.

Apply safely with Nationwide

Recruitment scams can look convincing, so take a moment to check the role is listed on our official careers site and read our guidance on Don’t be conned by a job scam.