Senior Manager Architecture

SITA; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aviation technology company based in Reading is seeking an experienced Platform Architect Senior Manager. The role involves defining and deploying a next-generation platform, engaging with senior technology stakeholders, and leading the global roll-out of key solutions. Candidates should have significant expertise in cloud-native architectures and enterprise IT strategy. This position offers a hybrid work model and comprehensive benefits to support work-life balance.

Benefits

Flex Week: Work from home up to 2 days/week

Professional Development programs

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in enterprise architecture or IT strategy.
• Deep expertise in cloud-native architectures and platform engineering.
• Ability to engage and influence CIOs.

Responsibilities

• Define the architecture for the next-generation platform.
• Lead design, deployment strategy, and piloting efforts.
• Develop a clear transformation journey for customers.

Skills

Enterprise architecture

Cloud-native architecture

Leadership

Communication skills

Technical storytelling

Education

8+ years of experience in IT strategy

Tools

AI/ML technologies

Operational systems AODB, RMS, AMS

Job description

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is the leading specialist in air transport communications and information technology. We dont just connect the global aviation industry, we apply decades of experience and expertise to address almost every core business, operational, baggage, and passenger process in air transport. As an organization, we cover 95% of all international air travel destinations and work with over 2,800 air transport and government customers in every corner of the globe. Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of technology while embracing our collaborative, and inclusive culture.

Ready to redefine air travel? The journey starts here, with you at SITA.

ABOUT THE ROLE & TEAM:

As the Platform Architect Senior Manager within SITAs Airports Business Unit (BU), you will lead the roll-out and industrialization of a new, strategically critical solution that redefines how airport operations are managed and orchestrated. Drawing on your IT transformation expertise and ability to engage senior technology stakeholders, you will drive the adoption of this solution across global airport customersensuring it is deployed with scale, reliability, and business impact.

This role is at the intersection of technology leadership and execution excellence. You will serve as the strategic interface between product development, airport CIOs, and internal delivery teamstranslating complex IT challenges into executable transformation journeys.

Reporting to the VP of Product Management, you will work across Product, Engineering, Sales, Delivery and Operations to ensure success from early pilots through to global deployment.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Define the architecture and technical direction for SITAs next-generation platform for airport operationsshaping a scalable, secure, and modular foundation to support future growth and innovation.
• Lead the end-to-end design, go-to-market and deployment strategy, from platform vision and architecture to roll-out planning and phased adoption across global airport environments.
• Act as a strategic technology partner to airport CIOs, bringing gravitas, credibility, and deep IT expertise to conversations around modernization, integration, and digital transformation.
• Translate complex operational requirements into scalable, secure, and cloud-ready platform architectures, setting the foundation for reliable global deployment.
• Develop and articulate a clear transformation journey, identifying the key steppingstonestechnical, organizational, and commercialrequired to deliver the future vision.
• Guide internal product, engineering, and delivery teams with a strong architectural framework, ensuring technical coherence across modules, APIs, data layers, and infrastructure.
• Track and evolve platform performance and customer feedback, using insights to inform iterative improvements, and long-term strategic investment and focus.
• Provide strategic oversight during major customer engagements, validating architectures, influencing decisions, and ensuring alignment with both customer and SITA roadmaps.
• Lead within Airports BU to leverage the reference technology architecture from the platform, cross portfolio for all Airport BU solutions.

Qualifications

EXPERIENCE:

• 8+ years of experience in enterprise architecture or IT strategy, with a proven track record of defining and deploying complex technology platforms in mission-critical environments such as airports, transport hubs, or regulated industries.
• Deep expertise in cloud-native architectures, enterprise integration, infrastructure modernization, and platform engineering within global-scale operations.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and influence CIOs and senior technology leaders, articulating a compelling vision for technology evolution and building alignment around long-term transformation roadmaps.
• Hands-on leadership in the design, industrialization, and global roll-out of modern platforms, including the development of architectural frameworks, governance models, and deployment playbooks.
• Comprehensive experience across applications, data, and integration, with a focus on interoperability, scalability, and resilience.
• Proven experience engaging, evaluating, and managing System Integrators (SIs) to deliver large-scale technology implementationsensuring alignment with architectural standards, delivery timelines, and platform objectives.
• Strong capability to align cross-functional teamsProduct, Engineering, Delivery, and Salesaround a unified platform vision and execution strategy.
• Exceptional communication and executive storytelling skills, with the ability to distill complex technical concepts into business-relevant narratives for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience within the aviation, air transport, or enterprise tech sectors is highly desirable, especially in roles that intersect technology innovation, operational reliability, and customer transformation.

NICE-TO-HAVE:

• Experience working with or for an airport, airline, or aviation technology provider.
• Understanding of mission-critical operational systems (e.g., AODB, RMS, AMS) and how to modernize or integrate them into next-gen platforms.
• Expertise in platform productizationincluding building modular, API-driven, multi-tenant, or SaaS-like solutions.
• Exposure to AI/ML, IoT, or digital twin technologies, especially in operational optimization or predictive airport operations use cases.

WHAT WE OFFER:

SITAs workplace is all about diversity, many different countries and cultures are represented in our workforce. We collaborate in our impressive offices, embracing a hybrid work format. As part of our global benefits, we offer:

Flex Week: Work from home up to 2 days/week (depending on your Team's needs).

Flex Day: You may wish to flex your arrival time at the office to beat rush hours or leave earlier for personal commitments. We encourage open communication with your manager about your needs and routine.

Flex-Location: Enjoy up to 30 workdays of benefits, anywhere in the world!

Employee Wellbeing: Benefit from the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by SITA, a yearly free service offering practical advice in various aspects of your life.

Professional Development: Enhance your skills with our training platforms, inclusive of LinkedIn Learning!

Competitive Benefits: Access competitive benefits tailored to the local market and your employment status.

SITA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values a diverse workforce. In support of our Employment Equity Program, women, aboriginal people, members of visible minorities, and/or persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply and self-identify in the application process.