Systems Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Systems Design Consultant

Company: Target

Location: Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Revenue Operations / Sales Operations / GTM (Systems Design & Consultancy)

Date Posted: 2026-04-21T15:18:39.222

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and shape technology solutions that support financial services clients and drive Target's technical roadmap forward.

• Collaborate with clients and internal stakeholders to solve business-critical challenges through smart, secure, and scalable system designs.

• Act as a trusted design authority, translating complex requirements into actionable guidance for engineering teams.

• Contribute to bids and tenders by providing strong business, functional, and technical expertise to shape winning propositions for clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Systems Design Consultant," has significant overlap with the principles of Revenue Operations and Sales Operations, particularly in its focus on designing and implementing systems that drive business value, improve efficiency, and support client engagement within the financial services sector. The emphasis on solution design, technical governance, and integration with proprietary and third-party platforms aligns directly with the strategic objectives of a robust GTM operations function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end solution design process, from initial concept and client workshops through to successful delivery and operational readiness.

• Develop compelling, cost-effective, and technically sound solution designs that meet client requirements and adhere to industry standards and best practices.

• Partner closely with Business Analysts to meticulously review client requirements, identify gaps, and facilitate productive client workshops to gather detailed insights.

• Serve as a trusted design authority throughout the entire project lifecycle, providing expert guidance and ensuring design integrity.

• Translate approved solution designs into clear, concise, and actionable technical specifications and guidance for software engineering teams to facilitate efficient development and implementation.

• Support the development, testing, onboarding, and operational readiness phases, ensuring seamless integration and smooth transition into live environments.

• Actively participate in Target’s Design Authority Board, championing best practices, enforcing technical governance, and contributing to strategic technology decisions.

• Support bid and tender processes by contributing strong business, functional, and technical expertise to develop winning proposals and shape compelling client propositions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a senior role focused on the strategic and tactical aspects of system implementation within a consultancy framework. The emphasis on client-facing activities, translating business needs into technical solutions, and ensuring adherence to governance standards are key indicators of a role that requires strong operational thinking and execution capabilities, crucial for GTM success.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field is highly preferred, demonstrating a foundational understanding of systems and technology. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in systems design, technical consultancy, or a closely related field, with a significant portion focused within the financial services industry.

Required Skills:

• Subject Matter Expertise: Deep understanding and practical experience in Financial Servicing, specifically within Lending and/or Investments domains.

• Client-Facing & Presentation Skills: Proven ability to engage confidently with clients, understand their needs, and present complex technical solutions clearly and persuasively.

• Standards-Based Design: Demonstrated experience in designing solutions that adhere to established industry standards, architectural patterns, and security best practices ("security by design").

• AS400 / iSeries Proficiency: Hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of AS400 or iSeries environments, including system architecture, development, and integration capabilities.

• Solution Design Methodology: Proficiency in developing comprehensive solution designs, including functional and technical specifications, integration strategies, and data flow diagrams.

• Technical Governance: Understanding and application of technical governance principles, ensuring solutions align with enterprise architecture and compliance requirements.

Preferred Skills:

• Cloud Technologies: Familiarity or experience with cloud platforms such as AWS (Amazon Web Services) and/or Azure.

• IBM Middleware: Experience with IBM Middleware technologies, particularly IBM i (which often relates to AS400/iSeries environments).

• API Integration: Experience with API integration concepts and technologies, such as MuleSoft, for connecting disparate systems.

• Delivery Methodologies: Knowledge of both Agile and Waterfall delivery methodologies and their application in project lifecycles.

• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with project management and collaboration tools like JIRA and Confluence for workflow tracking and documentation.

• SQL Scripting/Programming: Basic to intermediate skills in SQL for data querying, manipulation, or analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills in financial servicing, AS400/iSeries, and security-by-design are critical for this specific domain. The preferred skills in cloud, API integration, and Agile/Waterfall methodologies indicate a desire for candidates who can bridge legacy systems with modern technology stacks, a common challenge in financial operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Solution Design Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies of complex systems designed, highlighting the problem statement, your design approach, key technical decisions, challenges overcome, and the ultimate business impact. For each case study, clearly articulate the specific financial servicing domain (Lending/Investments) addressed.

• AS400/iSeries Integration Examples: Include documented examples or diagrams illustrating how AS400/iSeries systems were integrated with other platforms or third-party services in previous roles.

• Security & Compliance Documentation: Provide samples of how security considerations and compliance requirements were incorporated into your design documentation and decision-making processes.

• Stakeholder Workshop Summaries: Present examples of how you facilitated client workshops, documented requirements, and translated them into design specifications.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate experience in mapping existing processes, identifying inefficiencies, and designing optimized workflows that leverage system capabilities. Include examples of process improvement initiatives you've led or contributed to.

• System Integration Documentation: Showcase documentation that clearly outlines integration points, data flows, and API specifications between different systems, particularly involving AS400/iSeries or modern cloud-based solutions.

• Technical Specification Creation: Provide samples of well-structured technical specifications or design documents that effectively communicate system requirements and architectural choices to development teams.

• Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Include examples of how you identified potential risks in system designs and outlined mitigation strategies, particularly concerning security and operational stability.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Systems Design Consultant role, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of design principles, client engagement, and technical documentation is paramount. The emphasis on AS400/iSeries, financial services, and security by design requires specific examples that align with these core requirements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The advertised competitive salary is up to £60,000 per annum. This range is typical for a Systems Design Consultant with 5-10 years of experience in the UK market, particularly with specialized skills in financial services and legacy systems like AS400/iSeries.

Benefits:

• Generous Holiday Allowance: 30 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, starting from day one.

• Retirement Planning: Defined Contribution Pension Scheme with employer matching up to 6%.

• Healthcare: Company-paid Private Medical Insurance (benefit in kind), and optional Dental Insurance and Health Cash Plan.

• Financial Security: Group Life Assurance and Group Income Protection for peace of mind.

• Performance Incentives: Discretionary annual bonus scheme and an annual pay review.

• Lifestyle & Flexibility:

  • My Flex benefits platform offering a wide array of voluntary benefits.
  • Technology Buying Scheme (salary sacrifice) for personal tech purchases.
  • Gym Flex for discounted gym memberships.
  • Cycle to Work scheme to promote sustainable commuting.
  • Tastecard / Coffee Club for dining and beverage discounts.
  • Employee Discount Scheme offering savings across numerous retailers.

• Wellbeing & Support:

  • Wisdom Wellbeing program providing confidential health and wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

  • Free annual flu vaccinations and eye tests, with contributions towards prescription glasses.

  • Recognition Scheme to celebrate employee achievements.

  • Free mortgage advice and support services.

  • Charitable payroll giving options.

  • 24/7 access to a GP through GP24.

  • Everest Funeral Concierge and free bereavement/probate advice.

  • Enhanced parental leave policies. Working Hours: The role is full-time, implying a standard 40-hour work week. The company operates a hybrid working policy, suggesting flexibility in how these hours are distributed between remote and in-office workdays, with occasional travel to client sites across the UK.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on the provided maximum of £60,000. The comprehensive benefits package is noted to be extensive, covering financial security, health and wellness, lifestyle perks, and professional development, which is attractive for experienced consultants.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services and Technology Solutions. Target Group operates in a dynamic sector, providing platforms and consultancy for businesses in financial services, focusing on lending and investments. This industry demands high levels of security, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Company Size: Target is a significant player, likely falling into the medium to large enterprise category based on the breadth of benefits and the structured nature of their operations and client engagement. This size suggests established processes, opportunities for cross-functional collaboration, and potential for career advancement.

Founded: Target Group has a history that indicates stability and evolution within the financial services technology space. This long-standing presence suggests deep domain expertise and a proven track record.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Business Solutions team, specifically the Product & Platform group. This team is central to delivering value and shaping Target's technical roadmap.

• You will collaborate closely with Business Analysts, software engineering teams, and potentially other consultants.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Solutions are expected to be informed by client requirements and industry best practices, implying a data-centric approach to design validation.

• Collaborative Workflow Planning: The emphasis on client workshops and partnering with BAs suggests a collaborative approach to defining and refining workflows.

• Agile/Waterfall Integration: While not strictly mandated, the mention of both Agile and Waterfall methodologies indicates a pragmatic approach, adapting to project needs and client preferences for delivery.

Company Website: https://jobs.workable.com/company/8DA4SXZeo48Aqwc7YkbAuY/jobs-at-target

📝 Enhancement Note: Target's focus on financial services and technology consultancy suggests a culture that values expertise, security, and client-centric solutions. The hybrid model and broad benefits package point to an organization that aims to attract and retain talent by offering flexibility and comprehensive support.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a senior consultant, requiring significant domain expertise and the ability to operate independently as a design authority. It's a key contributor role, bridging client needs, business analysis, and technical implementation.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports into a Head of Product & Platform or a similar senior leadership position within the Business Solutions team. Participation in the Design Authority Board indicates interaction with senior technical leadership across the organization.

Operations Impact: The Systems Design Consultant has a direct impact on the success of client projects and the evolution of Target's platform capabilities. By designing effective, secure, and scalable solutions, they contribute to client satisfaction, operational efficiency, and the company's technological competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Leadership: Potential to deepen expertise in specific financial servicing areas (e.g., complex lending products, investment platforms) or cloud technologies, potentially leading to Principal Consultant or Architecture roles.

• Broader Technical Exposure: Opportunity to gain experience with various third-party technologies and modern cloud architectures through integration projects.

• Mentorship & Governance: Grow into a mentor for junior team members and take on more significant responsibilities within the Design Authority Board, influencing strategic technology direction.

• Client Relationship Management: Develop stronger client-facing and relationship management skills, potentially moving towards roles with more direct client accountability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a specialized consultancy environment. The combination of deep financial services knowledge and system design expertise is highly valuable in the market, providing strong career progression opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model. This suggests a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration. The office environment in Cardiff will likely be modern, with facilities designed to support both individual focused work and team collaboration.

Office Location(s): Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom. This location serves as the primary base, with occasional travel required to client sites across the UK.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office will feature meeting rooms and common areas conducive to workshops, brainstorming sessions, and team discussions, facilitating the collaborative nature of the role.

• Technology Access: Employees will have access to the necessary tools, software, and hardware to perform their duties effectively, both remotely and in the office. This includes potential access to development and testing environments.

• Team Interaction: While working remotely, regular virtual check-ins and collaboration via tools like Teams, JIRA, and Confluence are expected. In-office days provide opportunities for informal interactions and building stronger team relationships.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with a hybrid arrangement allowing for flexibility. Occasional travel to client sites means the schedule may need to adapt based on project demands and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment caters to modern professional expectations, balancing flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration critical for design and client-facing roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and any provided portfolio by a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager/Team Lead Interview: A conversation focused on your background, experience in financial services, AS400/iSeries knowledge, and general approach to systems design. You may be asked to walk through a high-level example from your experience.

• Technical/Design Interview: This stage will likely involve a deeper dive into your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of design principles. You may be presented with a hypothetical scenario or asked to elaborate on a specific case study from your portfolio. Expect questions on security by design and integration strategies.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present a chosen case study from your portfolio to a panel. This is your opportunity to showcase your design process, technical acumen, and communication skills.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership, potentially focusing on cultural fit, strategic thinking, and long-term career aspirations within Target.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant case studies that best demonstrate your expertise in financial servicing, AS400/iSeries, and solution design.

• Structure for Clarity: For each case study, clearly outline: the business problem, your role and responsibilities, the proposed solution, key design decisions and rationale, technologies used (especially AS400/iSeries and any integrations), challenges faced and how they were overcome, and the measurable business impact or outcomes.

• Focus on Process and Rationale: Emphasize how you arrived at your design decisions and the processes you followed, rather than just the end result. Explain your thought process, trade-offs considered, and why certain approaches were chosen.

• Visual Aids: Use diagrams (e.g., system architecture, workflow flows, data models) to visually explain complex designs. Ensure these are clean, professional, and easy to understand.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved efficiency by X%, reduced errors by Y%, enabled new functionality for Z clients).

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Problems: Anticipate hypothetical design challenges related to financial services (lending or investments) that might involve integrating legacy systems (AS400/iSeries) with modern technologies or cloud platforms.

• Security & Governance Focus: Be prepared to discuss how you would incorporate security and technical governance into any design solution, considering data privacy and regulatory compliance.

• Communication & Collaboration: Practice articulating your technical ideas clearly and concisely, as if explaining them to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you would collaborate with BAs and engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a consultant role typically involves assessing technical depth, problem-solving skills, client-facing capabilities, and the ability to articulate complex solutions. A well-prepared portfolio is crucial for demonstrating these competencies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AS400 / iSeries: Core requirement for system design and understanding existing infrastructure.

• Design & Diagramming Software: Tools like Visio, Lucidchart, or similar for creating system architecture diagrams, workflow charts, and data flow models.

• Documentation Platforms: JIRA and Confluence are mentioned as desirable; proficiency in these for creating specifications, tracking progress, and knowledge sharing is beneficial.

• Presentation Software: PowerPoint or similar for preparing client presentations and design authority board materials.

Analytics & Reporting:

• SQL: Desirable skill for data querying and analysis, which can inform design decisions and help in understanding system performance.

• Business Intelligence Tools (General Awareness): While not explicitly required, an understanding of how data is reported and analyzed within financial services can be advantageous for designing systems that support these functions.

CRM & Automation:

• API Integration Technologies: Awareness of technologies like MuleSoft (desirable) for understanding how systems connect and exchange data.

• Middleware Concepts: Understanding of middleware principles, especially within the IBM ecosystem, is relevant given the AS400/iSeries context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack heavily emphasizes legacy systems (AS400/iSeries) alongside modern integration concepts. Candidates need to demonstrate proficiency in understanding and designing within these hybrid environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and meeting client needs through effective, tailored technology solutions.

• Expertise & Precision: Valuing deep subject matter expertise in financial services and meticulous attention to detail in system design and documentation.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Encouraging teamwork and strong working relationships with colleagues across different functions (BAs, Engineering, etc.) and with clients.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to find smart, efficient, and scalable solutions, and a commitment to staying abreast of industry best practices and emerging technologies.

• Integrity & Governance: Upholding high standards of technical governance, security, and ethical practice in all design and delivery activities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a collaborative environment where you work closely with Business Analysts to refine requirements and with software engineering teams to translate designs into code.

• Design Authority Process: Active participation in the Design Authority Board signifies a culture of peer review and collective decision-making on technical architecture and standards.

• Knowledge Sharing: There's an implied culture of sharing best practices and learnings, especially within the Business Solutions and Product & Platform teams, to foster continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Target emphasizes a blend of technical rigor, client focus, and collaborative working, which is typical for successful consultancy firms. The "people, partnerships and progress" slogan suggests a company that values relationships and forward momentum.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Legacy System Integration: Designing solutions that effectively integrate modern platforms with established AS400/iSeries systems can be complex, requiring careful planning and deep technical understanding.

• Evolving Financial Regulations: The financial services industry is highly regulated; adapting designs to meet evolving compliance and security requirements is an ongoing challenge.

• Balancing Client Demands and Technical Feasibility: Effectively managing client expectations while ensuring designs are technically sound, secure, and cost-effective.

• Hybrid Work Dynamics: Navigating the complexities of hybrid and remote collaboration to ensure seamless communication and project execution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Financial Services Expertise: Opportunities to gain more specialized knowledge in lending or investment products and their underlying systems.

• Cloud and Modern Architecture Exposure: Working on projects that involve integrating with or migrating to cloud platforms (AWS/Azure) provides valuable modern technology experience.

• Consultancy Skills Development: Enhancing client-facing skills, presentation techniques, and bid management through practical experience.

• Technical Governance Leadership: Growing influence and responsibility within the Design Authority Board, contributing to strategic technology decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the unique position of this role, bridging established technology with modern demands. Growth opportunities are strong for those who can master these complexities and contribute to Target's strategic objectives.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex system you designed for a financial services client, focusing on the AS400/iSeries integration aspects and how you ensured security by design." (Preparation: Prepare a detailed case study, highlighting your problem-solving approach, technical decisions, and impact. Emphasize the rationale behind your design choices.)

• "How would you approach translating vague client requirements into a concrete, actionable system design, especially when dealing with stakeholders who may not be deeply technical?" (Preparation: Discuss your process for requirements gathering, clarification, workshop facilitation, and documentation. Highlight your ability to bridge business and technical communication.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Target Group and our position in the financial services technology market?" (Preparation: Research Target Group's website, recent news, and their core offerings. Understand their mission and values.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to Target's Design Authority Board and upholding technical governance standards?" (Preparation: Reflect on your experience with governance, best practices, and your approach to ensuring quality and consistency in technical designs.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Frame your case study as a narrative: the problem, the journey of design, the solution, and the successful outcome.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, decisions, and the rationale behind them.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use diagrams and visuals to illustrate complex technical concepts. Ensure they are clean and professional.

• Quantify Results: Where possible, present metrics demonstrating the value and impact of your design.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical choices, trade-offs, and alternatives considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating technical depth in AS400/iSeries and financial services, alongside strong consultancy skills (client interaction, problem-solving, and communication). The portfolio presentation is a critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Systems Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Target careers portal.

• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your resume highlights your experience with financial servicing (Lending/Investments), AS400/iSeries, client-facing consultancy, and solution design. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies showcasing your system design expertise, particularly those involving financial services and AS400/iSeries. Structure them clearly with problem, solution, your role, challenges, and impact.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your chosen portfolio case study, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating your technical rationale and communication skills.

• Research Target Group: Familiarize yourself with Target Group’s business, their platforms, and their role in the financial services technology sector. Understand their values and commitment to client success.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.