Skills

Communication Leadership

Job Specifications

Contract API Standards Lead

Financial Services | Sheffield (Hybrid – 2 days on site)

Inside IR35

We’re looking for an experienced API Standards Lead to join a major financial services organisation as part of a newly forming Standards & Controls team within the wider CTO function.

This is a high-impact contract role where you’ll shape, own and evolve API standards used across the organisation, working closely with engineering teams, product leaders and senior stakeholders to ensure controls are effective, usable and genuinely improve developer experience.

About the Project

The Standards and Controls team is a new capability focused on improving how development teams understand, consume and comply with Technology controls.

API standards are a new and critical set of requirements for all teams exposing APIs externally. In this role, you’ll:

Refine and own the organisation’s API standards
Engage with a large and varied customer base to understand real-world challenges
Work alongside engineering teams to integrate, evolve and streamline tooling into a coherent, user-centred journey

The goal: standards that are robust, pragmatic, and genuinely work for teams — not just controls for the sake of compliance.

Key Priorities (What We’re Looking For)

Required

Strong understanding of defining, setting and designing standards and controls
A mindset focused on doing what’s right for the bank, not just the quickest or easiest solution
Deep technical knowledge, particularly around APIs and API development
Proven ability to lead, influence and guide teams
Experience coordinating multiple workstreams and defining a clear, coherent strategy

Nice to Have

Hands-on experience developing APIs or working in API-focused teams
Knowledge of inventory and asset management
Product ownership experience

Your Responsibilities

As a senior member of the Standards and Controls leadership team, you’ll work closely with the Head of Standards and Controls. You will:

Act as a proactive, collaborative and inquisitive leader within the team
Own, refine and enhance API standards in collaboration with key stakeholders
Lead and facilitate product planning and prioritisation aligned to a long-term vision
Align tooling and standards into a clear, consistent customer journey
Define and communicate product roadmaps to internal customers
Run and facilitate customer forums focused on API standards
Ensure customer needs are central to all new work and transitions
Champion the use of data and metrics to understand adoption, behaviour and pain points

Skills & Experience We Require

Experience leading development teams or technical initiatives
Product ownership, product planning and roadmap delivery experience
Experience working in control-led or regulated technology environments
Background working within large, global organisations and distributed teams
Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate ideas, concerns and trade-offs
Proven ability to build effective networks and collaborate across teams and disciplines

Location & Contract Details

Location: Sheffield
Working Pattern: Hybrid – 2 days per week on site
Contract Type: Inside IR35

About the Company

At Vanloq, we believe people are the cornerstone of every successful organisation. As a global workforce solutions provider, our mission is to drive technological innovation by connecting exceptional tech talent with forward-thinking companies around the world. We go beyond traditional recruitment, positioning ourselves as a strategic partner in workforce transformation. Our vision is to redefine how businesses operate and how talent engages with work, using deep industry insight and forward-looking strategies. With a glob... Know more