Lead Solution Architect - (Pay As You Go - PAYG)

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

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization at the forefront of rail transformation as a Lead Solution Architect. In this pivotal role, you will define and deliver innovative technical architecture for Pay As You Go ticketing solutions. Collaborating with key stakeholders, you will ensure seamless integration across transport networks, driving the future of travel in urban areas. With a competitive salary and extensive benefits, this position offers the chance to influence national ticketing strategy and work with cutting-edge technologies. If you are passionate about digital innovation and ready to make a real impact, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

75% off rail travel

30 Days annual leave

Season ticket loan

Enhanced family leave

Pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Strong technical leadership in digital ticketing.
• Experience in multi-stakeholder environments and API integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead solution architecture for PAYG ticketing.
• Create technical documentation and ensure alignment with architecture.

Skills

AWS Certified Solution Architect

TOGAF or similar architectural certification

API gateway platforms

Integration design

Cloud platforms (AWS)

Communication skills

Architecture tools (Visio, Lucidchart, Enterprise Architect)

Technical leadership

Tools

Visio

Lucidchart

Enterprise Architect

Job description

Lead Solution Architect – Pay As You Go (PAYG)

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

Working with partners like Transport for Greater Manchester and Transport for West Midlands, RDG is delivering the Tap Converter to enable PAYG across integrated transport networks. This is a crucial design phase with real impact — your leadership will help shape the future of seamless travel in urban areas.

This role focuses on defining and delivering the technical architecture for PAYG ticketing via the Tap Converter. You’ll work closely with local transport authorities, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure successful national adoption of this solution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead 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 looking for someone with strong technical leadership and domain expertise in digital ticketing. You’ll need to balance technical depth with excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, and thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

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.