Requirements
The role requires extensive experience in application architecture on large, complex programs, with a strong understanding of airport/aviation applications such as AODB, RMS, FIDS, CUPPS/CUSS, and passenger processing systems. Candidates must have hands-on experience across application design, integration, product selection, and cloud technologies, with a proven ability to design for availability, performance, resilience, and security. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for leading a team and engaging effectively with stakeholders.
Description
Lead Solution Architect - Airport ApplicationsAviation Technology - Application Architecture - Passenger & Operational SystemsJob TitleLead Solution Architect - Airport ApplicationsFunctionSolution Architecture / Applications / Aviation & TransportReports ToChief Architect / Lead Solution Architect - AirportsLevelPrincipal / SeniorDirect ReportsSolution Architects, Solution Analysts (Applications)LocationHybrid - with travel to airport sites as requiredEmployment TypeFull-time, permanentRole Purpose:The Lead Solution Architect - Airport Applications owns the application architecture across the airport landscape - passenger processing, common-use, operational and business systems - ensuring a coherent, integrated and fit-for-purpose application estate.The role leads application design and standards, governs the applications team, and ensures the application portfolio supports airport operations, the passenger journey and future growth.Key ResponsibilitiesApplication ArchitectureOwn the application architecture for airport systems - passenger processing, CUPPS/CUSS, AODB, RMS, FIDS, and business applications.Define application standards, patterns, portfolio and roadmap.Lead build-vs-buy, product selection and application integration design.Design & AssuranceOwn application design artefacts and decision records.Ensure applications meet functional and non-functional requirements including resilience and security.Govern application design quality through the design authority.Leadership & StakeholderLead and mentor application architects and analysts.Engage business and operational stakeholders and vendors.Support estimation, planning and risk for the applications domain.Skills & ExperienceEssentialApplication architecture: Extensive experience in application architecture on large, complex programmes.Domain knowledge: Strong understanding of airport/aviation applications (AODB, RMS, FIDS, CUPPS/CUSS, passenger processing).Design breadth: Hands-on across application design, integration, product selection and cloud.Non-functionals: Experience designing for availability, performance, resilience and security.Leadership & communication: Ability to lead a team and engage stakeholders effectively.DesirableArchitecture/cloud certifications (TOGAF, Azure/AWS).Familiarity with IATA/ACI and A-CDM.Experience of terminal openings or greenfield programmes.Exposure to MSI operating models.QualificationsDegree in Computer Science, Engineering or related discipline (or equivalent experience).Architecture and/or cloud certifications strongly preferred.Key CompetenciesDomain and design leadership - systems thinking - quality focus - stakeholder influence - collaboration - risk awareness - clear communication.