Lead Solution Architect

Big Bus Tours; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Big Bus Tours, the world's largest independent operator of open-top sightseeing tours, seeks a Lead Solution Architect for its technology team. This role involves designing scalable technology solutions that align with business objectives, contributing to architectural decisions, and guiding implementation. Applicants with travel industry experience are highly preferred, ensuring an understanding of customer expectations and operational logistics.

Benefits

25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays

Employee Assistant Programme

Performance Bonus Scheme

Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Pay

Death in Service

Complimentary Big Bus Tickets

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in a solution architecture or senior technical role.
• Experience in designing large-scale global solutions.
• Prior experience in the travel industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and define end-to-end technology solutions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business goals.
• Evaluate new technologies and frameworks.

Skills

Proficiency in cloud platforms

Strong understanding of software development methodologies

Excellent communication skills

Education

Degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Cloud-native services

Enterprise architecture frameworks

Job description

We’re Big Bus Tours, the world’s largest independent operator of open-top sightseeing tours.

We inspire the spirit of adventure across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific with a vision to be the number one thing to do in every world-famous city. Our hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tours offer a flexible approach to city discovery with a first-class customer experience. A Big Bus Tour turns tourists into explorers and leaves every passenger with a story to tell.

Having started our journey in 1991 with only three buses, today we have a global fleet of over 400, carrying more than 5 million passengers every year. And we’re not slowing down, we continue to grow within our existing cities and through expansion into new locations across the world.

Our Central Support Office, located in Victoria, London, is a driving force behind our business. With a team of specialists, they provide tailored support to our cities worldwide. If you want to get onboard check out the vacancy below.

• Location: London, Victoria
• Working Pattern: 2 days in the office and remainder at home, subject to change in the future

Role Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Lead Solution Architect to join our technology team.

In this role, you will be responsible for designing and delivering scalable, secure, and high-performing technology solutions that align with business objectives. You will act as the bridge between business requirements and technical implementation, guiding teams through architectural decisions and best practices.

Candidates with experience in the travel industry are highly preferred, as this knowledge will be instrumental in understanding the nuances of customer expectations, booking systems, and operational logistics.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with business stakeholders to understand business goals, technical requirements, and user needs.
• Design and define end-to-end technology solutions across platforms, services, and integrations.
• Lead architecture design sessions and contribute to the development of technical roadmaps.
• Provide guidance on modern architecture paradigms including microservices, APIs, event-driven systems, and cloud-native solutions.
• Evaluate new technologies, frameworks, and tools to ensure the optimal solution is chosen for each project.
• Work closely with delivery partners and product managers to ensure that architectural standards and best practices are followed throughout the delivery process.
• Create architecture documentation, including solution designs, diagrams, and interface specifications.
• Ensure that security, scalability, performance, and compliance are integral to every design.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in a solution architecture or senior technical role.
• Proven experience designing and implementing large-scale global solutions.
• Proficiency in cloud platforms and cloud-native services.
• Strong understanding of software development methodologies and frameworks
• Familiarity with RESTful APIs, integration strategies, data modelling, and system interoperability.
• Experience with enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman) is a plus.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into business language.
• Prior experience working in or with companies in the travel industry (e.g., OTA, airlines, hospitality, booking systems).
• Exposure to travel technologies such as GDS (Global Distribution Systems), CRS (Central Reservation Systems), or tour operator platforms.

We are proud to offer all our colleagues a competitive benefits package ( pro-rata for part time), which includes:

• 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays, Increasing to 30 with L.O.S
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Performance Bonus Scheme
• BUPA Cash Plan
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Pay
• Aviva DigiCare+ (Remote GP & 2 Medical Opinion)
• Death in Service
• Cycle to Work
• Complimentary Big Bus Tickets
• Merlin Attractions Discounts
• Sick Pay Scheme
• Season Ticket Loans
• Employee Referral Scheme

Next Steps

To apply for this role please click ‘Apply’, there is no lengthy application form and cover letters are optional. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by the hiring manager(s). Due to the volume of applicants our vacancies regularly receive, please allow 2 weeks from the closing date to hear back regarding your application although our team will endeavour to contact every applicant as soon as practicable.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Information Technology

• Industries

  Travel Arrangements

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