Application Manager

At Finastra, we are a dynamic global provider of open finance software solutions, dedicated to expanding access to financial services. Our innovative applications span Lending, Payments, Treasury and Capital Markets, and Universal Banking. Proudly serving over 8,000 customers, including 45 of the world's top 50 banks, we aim to boost financial inclusion for all. Join us and be part of a vibrant company that embraces diverse perspectives, and is committed to doing well by doing good.

As part of our Application Management Team based in Baden, Switzerland, we are looking for a motivated and self-directed Technical Application Manager who is excited to work in a dynamic team and be part of a successful, multicultural organization. This role operates in mission-critical banking and payments environments and follows a hybrid work model (minimum two days on-site) with occasional evening/weekend maintenance and a periodic on-call rotation (one week approximately every two months).

Responsibilities & Deliverables:

• Serve as a client-facing technical lead for both existing and new clients; apply strong technical expertise, problem management, investigative skills, and excellent communication.
• Drive the timely completion of multiple internal and external technical projects in line with specifications and scoped budgets.
• Execute deployment and configuration activities efficiently and accurately to ensure continued customer satisfaction and retention.
• Enforce corporate project standards and methodologies to minimize risks; provide regular progress reporting to the Head of Projects.
• Coordinate across project and support teams to address issues and ensure smooth integration and handovers.
• Lead problem solving for technical issues during projects; record and resolve internal defects and product-related issues with product teams.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation of procedures and system configurations; review and improve customer onboarding procedures to strengthen service delivery.
• Support Product Management and Sales teams when additional technical expertise is required.
• Identify and mitigate project risks; escalate and resolve issues that impact project success.
• Work independently in cross-functional initiatives with Development, Project, and Support teams.
• Deploy and support mission-critical interbank transaction applications (e.g., IGTPlus) on Linux, covering payment rails and schemes such as SWIFT, SIC, EUROSIC, and SECOM.
• Maintain and improve existing automation using Ansible; manage versions with Git/GitHub.
• Provide second-level support using Jira; analyze and support application issues in UAT and Production environments.
• Perform scheduled maintenance during evenings/weekends and participate in a standby/on-call rotation.
• Utilize Zabbix for monitoring to ensure platform stability and performance.​

Required Technical Expertise:

• Financial services / banking / payments experience, including SWIFT (MT/MX) and ISO 20022 message standards; familiarity with domestic payment schemes such as SIC and SECOM.
• Linux/Unix (Red Hat) and shell scripting with strong proficiency.
• Automation & configuration management: Ansible (preferred); exposure to Puppet or Chef.
• Version control: Git/GitHub.
• Databases: Oracle, Ingres, and PostgreSQL; capable of writing SQL queries and performing basic administration.
• Integration & messaging: TCP/IP fundamentals; FTP/SFTP, SSH; WebSphere MQ and ActiveMQ; REST APIs; file-based message exchange between applications.
• Application & runtime: Ability to debug Java and C application code; experience with JBoss (application server).
• Understanding of SWIFT AGI, SAG, or SASS services (strong plus).
• Monitoring: Zabbix.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/IT or Economics/Finance, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of technical application integration experience in Linux/Unix production environments; 3–5 years in real-time processing, preferably within the banking industry and payment traffic.
• More than 5 years contributing to finance-related project teams, preferably within banks or financial institutions.
• Dedicated, client-focused professional with proven ability to plan and manage projects successfully.
• Comfortable liaising directly with clients and managing projects independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; customer-oriented and results-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently; build strong working relationships with colleagues and project members.
• Consistent track record of meeting deadlines and working effectively both independently and in cross-functional teams.
• Language: English fluent; spoken German is valued.

We are proud to offer a range of incentives to our employees worldwide. These benefits are available to everyone, regardless of grade, and reflect the values we uphold:

·       Flexibility: Enjoy unlimited vacation, based on your location and business priorities. Hybrid working arrangements, and inclusive policies such as paid time off for voting, bereavement, and sick leave.

·       Well-being: Access Confidential one-on-one therapy through our Employee Assistance Program, find support from our network of Wellbeing Champions and Gather Groups, and a calendar of monthly events and initiatives designed to help you thrive - Inside and Outside of work.

·       Medical, life & disability insurance, retirement plan, lifestyle and other benefits*

·       ESG: Benefit from paid time off for volunteering and donation matching.

·       DEI: Participate in multiple DE&I groups for open involvement (e.g., Count Me In, Culture@Finastra, Proud@Finastra, Disabilities@Finastra, Women@Finastra).

·       Career Development: Access online learning and accredited courses through our Skills & Career Navigator tool.

·       Recognition: Be part of our global recognition program, Finastra Celebrates, and contribute to regular employee surveys to help shape Finastra and foster a culture where everyone is engaged and empowered to perform at their best.

*Specific benefits may vary by location.

At Finastra, each individual is unique, bringing their own ideas, thoughts, cultural beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences together. We learn from one another, embrace and celebrate our differences, and create an environment where everyone feels safe to be themselves.

Be unique, be exceptional, and help us make a difference at Finastra!