Lead Solution Architect
Location: Luton - Hybrid – 2 to 3 days per week onsite
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Rate: £500–£545 per day inside IR35
Duration: 12 months initially
Role Overview
Our client is seeking an experienced Lead Solution Architect to drive end-to-end solution design across a strategic programme within the airline operations domain. This is a high-impact role where you will define the architecture vision, align multiple product teams, and ensure scalable, cohesive, and business-aligned solutions.
You will operate at the intersection of architecture, delivery, and product, setting technical direction, establishing guardrails, and enabling teams to deliver effectively while maintaining architectural integrity.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide architecture leadership across a mission-level initiative, defining and owning the overall solution vision
* Shape end-to-end solutions spanning multiple teams, platforms, and technology domains
* Establish architecture guardrails, principles, reusable patterns, and reference designs
* Collaborate closely with Product, Engineering, and Delivery leads to ensure aligned execution
* Ensure solutions align with enterprise strategy, standards, and long-term goals
* Identify and mitigate cross-team dependencies, integration risks, and architectural gaps
* Lead architecture governance and ensure compliance with design standards
* Define and design integrations, shared services, and data flows across the ecosystem
* Communicate architecture decisions, trade-offs, and risks to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
* Mentor and coach teams on architectural best practices and design thinking
* Promote continuous improvement in architecture practices, including scalability, security, and performance
Skills & Experience
Essential
* 6–8+ years’ experience in Solution Architecture, including leadership of large-scale programmes
* Proven track record delivering end-to-end solutions across multiple teams or domains
* Strong background in designing mission-critical or operational systems
* Experience working in agile, product-led environments
* Deep understanding of modern architecture approaches (AWS, cloud-native, microservices, APIs, event-driven systems)
* Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
* Ability to translate complex technical concepts into business-friendly language
* Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, balancing cost, risk, and technical debt
* Knowledge of emerging technology trends and their business application
* Experience coaching and guiding engineering teams
Desirable
* TOGAF or equivalent architecture certification
* Experience within airline or transport operations systems (e.g., scheduling, flight planning, disruption management)
* Strong ability to translate business requirements into scalable IT solutions
If you have the relevant skills and experience, please do apply promptly to be considered