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