Lead Solution Architect (ITSO on Mobile)

Rail Delivery Group; London; Hybrid; GBP 62,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Lead Solution Architect to drive innovation in digital ticketing. This role offers the chance to shape the future of mobile ticketing across the UK, working at the intersection of transport and technology. You will lead the technical vision for a groundbreaking project, ensuring a secure, mobile-first experience for passengers. With extensive benefits including generous annual leave and discounts on rail travel, this position promises significant career development opportunities and the chance to influence long-term strategies in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

75% off rail travel

30 Days annual leave

Season ticket loan

Enhanced family leave

Pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in leading technical architecture in complex environments.
• Fluent in mobile device ecosystems and cloud architecture.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end solution architecture for ITSO on Mobile.
• Define and maintain technical documentation and ensure security and scalability.

Skills

Mobile Technologies

NFC Technology

Cloud Architecture

API Gateway Platforms

Technical Documentation

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Communication Skills

Education

AWS Certified Solution Architect

TOGAF or Similar Certification

Tools

Visio

Lucidchart

Enterprise Architect

Job description

Lead Solution Architect – ITSO on Mobile

Salary: £62,500 - £87,500

Location: London – Hybrid

Contract: Permanent

Annual Leave: 30 Days + Excellent Benefits

Closing Date: 23rd May 2025

Be Part of the Future of Rail

The railway in Britain is undergoing its most significant transformation in a generation, and Rail Delivery Group (RDG) is at the heart of it. With the creation of Great British Railways (GBR), we’re helping shape a new era of smarter, simpler, and more connected ticketing.

RDG’s Digital Ticketing Services (DTS) team leads innovation in smart ticketing, enabling fully interoperable digital solutions across the country. Our work helps Train Operating Companies (TOCs) deliver seamless journeys for millions of customers – now and into the future.

About the Role

With the first major iteration to the ITSO Specification in years, the ITSO on Mobile project is enabling the use of mobile credentials across National Rail. This project combines the flexibility of mobile eTickets with the security and speed of NFC technology. You'll be at the forefront of this transformation, designing solutions that bring true walk-up convenience to passengers across the UK.

This role is focused on delivering the technical vision and architecture for RDG’s ITSO on Mobile programme. You'll shape the end-to-end technical architecture of this programme, delivering the UK’s first national mobile smart ticketing solution. You’ll also line-manage our in-house ITSO expert, guiding the blend of transport standards and mobile-first thinking.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who has worked on secure, scalable mobile platforms (such as mobile wallet, tokenisation or contactless services) and wants to apply that expertise in a transport context.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end solution architecture for ITSO on Mobile, ensuring a secure, mobile-first experience for passengers
• Define and maintain technical documentation including NFC integrations, mobile credential lifecycle, and data flows
• Evaluate mobile technology and industry trends to inform the roadmap and long-term architectural directionLead the end-to-end solution architecture for your assigned ticketing domain
• Create and maintain technical documentation including data flows, integrations and architecture definitions
• Assess technical design options and ensure alignment with enterprise architecture and policy
• Collaborate with delivery teams, project managers and external suppliers to ensure successful implementation
• Take ownership of the Architecture Definition Document and present solutions to governance boards
• Ensure security, scalability, and interoperability of all solutions
• Mentor and guide a team of Solution Architects and support their professional development
• Contribute to the strategic roadmap and represent your domain at industry forums

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking an experienced solution architect with a strong track record in mobile technologies, who can work at the intersection of transport and tech. You’ll need to be fluent in the language of mobile device ecosystems (Android/iOS), NFC/contactless technology, and cloud architecture. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive clarity across complex technical domains are essential.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• AWS Certified Solution Architect (or equivalent experience)
• TOGAF or similar architectural certification
• Extensive experience leading technical architecture in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment
• Strong experience with API gateway platforms and integration design
• Knowledge of cloud platforms such as AWS
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Hands-on experience with architecture tools such as Visio, Lucidchart or Enterprise Architect
• Track record of delivering scalable, secure, high-performance digital solutions

Why Work for RDG?

We offer a highly competitive package, including:

• 75% off rail travel for personal and family use, plus international rail discounts.
• 30 Days annual leave (plus buy/sell options and additional leave for key life events)
• Season ticket loan for commuting costs.
• Enhanced family leave – 30 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption, surrogacy, and shared parental leave.
• Pension scheme – up to 11.58% employer contribution.
• Private medical insurance (AXA PPP) including mental health and specialist care.
• Discounted gym membership and access to wellbeing programmes.

Career Development & Progression

You’ll be part of a team driving innovation at a national scale, with the opportunity to influence long-term ticketing strategy. This role provides real ownership, the chance to work with leading-edge technologies and partners, and visibility at senior levels across the rail industry. You’ll also gain wide exposure to transport and government stakeholders, opening up exciting development and progression opportunities within RDG.

Apply Now & Shape the Future of UK Rail

If you are interested in joining RDG as a Lead Solution Architect and shaping the future of digital ticketing, we’d love to hear from you!

Click Apply now to start your application and be part of a team that is leading digital innovation in the rail industry.

Please note that we are unable to consider applications from candidates who require visa sponsorship to work in the UK.