Lead Solution Architect (Contactless EMV)

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Lead Solution Architect – Contactless EMV

Salary: £62,500 - £87,500

Location: London – Hybrid

Contract: Permanent

Annual Leave: 30 Days + Excellent Benefits

Closing Date: 11th April 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

Following the success of contactless 'tap and go' in a few UK cities, the government is now extending contactless EMV ticketing to 400 stations across the Midlands and the North. This role is at the heart of delivering the EMV Back Office for Rail – a major national initiative that will enable passengers to travel more seamlessly and pay effortlessly using contactless bank cards.

As Lead Solution Architect, you’ll be responsible for the end-to-end architecture of this system, integrating RDG platforms with payment schemes, industry partners, and future GBR systems. You’ll ensure that the design supports the government’s strategic ambition to expand contactless ticketing across Great Britain – creating a future-proofed, secure, and scalable national 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.

Average salary estimate

$75000 / YEARLY (est.)

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$62500K

$87500K

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What You Should Know About Lead Solution Architect (Contactless EMV), Rail Delivery Group

As a Lead Solution Architect at Rail Delivery Group (RDG), you're stepping into a pivotal role in the transformation of Britain's railway system. With a salary range of £62,500 to £87,500 and the flexibility of a hybrid work model, this permanent position offers 30 days of annual leave along with excellent benefits. RDG is at the forefront of digital ticketing innovation, striving to make travel easier and more connected for millions of customers. Your main responsibility will be to lead the architecture of the EMV Back Office for Rail, which is crucial for rolling out contactless EMV ticketing across 400 stations in the Midlands and North. This initiative supports the government's vision for seamless travel, allowing passengers to pay effortlessly with their contactless cards. You'll collaborate with various teams and stakeholders to ensure that the system you design is secure, scalable, and interoperable. Given your expertise in digital ticketing, you'll be responsible for maintaining comprehensive technical documentation and guiding a team of Solution Architects, fostering their professional growth while also representing your domain at industry forums. The position promises not just to shape the future of ticketing but also to influence the broader rail strategy in Great Britain. If you are a technical leader with a passion for innovation and a knack for stakeholder engagement, we encourage you to consider this exceptional opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Lead Solution Architect (Contactless EMV) Role at Rail Delivery Group

What are the key responsibilities of a Lead Solution Architect at Rail Delivery Group?

As a Lead Solution Architect at Rail Delivery Group, your primary responsibilities include leading the end-to-end solution architecture for contactless EMV ticketing, integrating various platforms and ensuring compliance with the government’s expansion strategy. You will create and maintain architectural documentation, collaborate with project teams, and oversee the implementation of secure and scalable solutions.