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