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

As a Lead Solution Architect at Rail Delivery Group, your primary responsibilities include designing and leading the end-to-end solution architecture for PAYG ticketing. You will create and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, assess design options for alignment with enterprise architecture, and collaborate with delivery teams to ensure successful implementation. Additionally, mentoring other Solution Architects and contributing to strategic roadmaps are key aspects of your role.

To qualify as a Lead Solution Architect at Rail Delivery Group, candidates should possess AWS Certified Solution Architect credentials or equivalent experience. A TOGAF or similar architectural certification is also essential. Extensive experience in leading technical architecture within complex, multi-stakeholder environments and knowledge of API gateway platforms and cloud technologies like AWS are crucial for success in this role.

Successful candidates for the Lead Solution Architect position at Rail Delivery Group will have strong technical leadership abilities, excellent stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Proficiency in architecture tools such as Visio and Lucidchart, as well as strong written and verbal communication skills, are also vital to effectively deliver scalable and secure digital solutions.

The work environment at Rail Delivery Group for a Lead Solution Architect is hybrid, offering flexibility in how you can manage your work-life balance. You will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to driving innovation in digital ticketing, with opportunities to engage with transport authorities and industry stakeholders to implement impactful solutions that will benefit many users across Britain.

Rail Delivery Group offers a competitive benefits package for the Lead Solution Architect position, including 30 days of annual leave with options to buy or sell additional days, significant rail travel discounts for personal and family use, a robust pension scheme with up to 11.58% employer contributions, and private medical insurance. Plus, you will have access to enhanced family leave and wellness programs to support your well-being.

When answering this question, it’s crucial to highlight specific projects where you've successfully defined solution architectures in digital ticketing. Discuss your approach to stakeholder engagement, the tools you used for documentation, and how you ensured security and scalability in your designs.

Explain the processes you have in place for checking designs against the enterprise architecture guidelines. Discuss examples of how you've worked with architecture teams and governance boards to validate your solutions and maintain compliance.

Discuss your communication methods, such as regular updates and meetings, and the importance of understanding each stakeholder’s needs and priorities. Offer examples demonstrating how you've successfully navigated stakeholder relationships in past projects.

Share your philosophy on mentorship, emphasizing the importance of providing guidance on technical skills and professional development. Include examples of how you've helped junior architects grow their skills through hands-on experience or by providing constructive feedback.

Mention specific tools like Visio, Lucidchart, or Enterprise Architect that you've used. Describe how they helped you effectively communicate complex designs and the importance of clear documentation in ensuring project success.

Provide a specific, detailed account of a technical challenge, focusing on your problem-solving process. Highlight the strategies you implemented, the people you collaborated with, and the successful outcome of your efforts.

Emphasize the importance of continuous learning. Mention professional organizations, online courses, or conferences you participate in to stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in digital ticketing technology.

Articulate the critical role architecture has in ensuring that digital ticketing solutions are efficient, secure, and scalable. Discuss how thoughtful architecture enables interoperability and seamless customer experiences across various transport mediums.

Talk about specific projects where you designed integration with API gateways. Explain how you handled challenges such as data flow, latency issues, and maintaining security during integrations.

Discussing this question should focus on how you collaborate with senior leadership and stakeholders to align technology initiatives with business goals. Provide examples that showcase your involvement in strategic planning and decision-making processes.