Lead Solution Architect

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
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed