At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deliver innovative tech solutions for a global sightseeing tour company.
- Company: Join Big Bus Tours, the world's largest independent operator of open-top sightseeing tours.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, remote work options, performance bonuses, and more perks!
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping travel experiences and making an impact worldwide.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in solution architecture, preferably in the travel industry; strong tech skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working pattern with 2 days in the office; no lengthy application process!
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We’re Big Bus Tours, the world’s largest independent operator of open-top sightseeing tours. We inspire the spirit of adventure across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific with a vision to be the number one thing to do in every world-famous city. Our hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tours offer a flexible approach to city discovery with a first-class customer experience.
Having started our journey in 1991 with only three buses, today we have a global fleet of over 400, carrying more than 5 million passengers every year. And we’re not slowing down, we continue to grow within our existing cities and through expansion into new locations across the world.
Our Central Support Office, located in Victoria, London, is a driving force behind our business. With a team of specialists, they provide tailored support to our cities worldwide.
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Lead Solution Architect to join our technology team. In this role, you will be responsible for designing and delivering scalable, secure, and high-performing technology solutions that align with business objectives. You will act as the bridge between business requirements and technical implementation, guiding teams through architectural decisions and best practices.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with business stakeholders to understand business goals, technical requirements, and user needs.
- Design and define end-to-end technology solutions across platforms, services, and integrations.
- Lead architecture design sessions and contribute to the development of technical roadmaps.
- Provide guidance on modern architecture paradigms including microservices, APIs, event-driven systems, and cloud-native solutions.
- Evaluate new technologies, frameworks, and tools to ensure the optimal solution is chosen for each project.
- Work closely with delivery partners and product managers to ensure that architectural standards and best practices are followed throughout the delivery process.
- Create architecture documentation, including solution designs, diagrams, and interface specifications.
- Ensure that security, scalability, performance, and compliance are integral to every design.
Requirements:
- Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in a solution architecture or senior technical role.
- Proven experience designing and implementing large-scale global solutions.
- Proficiency in cloud platforms and cloud-native services.
- Strong understanding of software development methodologies and frameworks.
- Familiarity with RESTful APIs, integration strategies, data modelling, and system interoperability.
- Experience with enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman) is a plus.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into business language.
- Prior experience working in or with companies in the travel industry (e.g., OTA, airlines, hospitality, booking systems).
- Exposure to travel technologies such as GDS (Global Distribution Systems), CRS (Central Reservation Systems), or tour operator platforms.
We are proud to offer all our colleagues a competitive benefits package (pro-rata for part time), which includes:
- 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays, Increasing to 30 with L.O.S
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Performance Bonus Scheme
- BUPA Cash Plan
- Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Pay
- Aviva DigiCare+ (Remote GP & 2 Medical Opinion)
- Death in Service
- Cycle to Work
- Complimentary Big Bus Tickets
- Merlin Attractions Discounts
- 5% Employer Pension Contribution
- Sick Pay Scheme
- Season Ticket Loans
- Employee Referral Scheme
To apply for this role please click ‘Apply’, there is no lengthy application form and cover letters are optional. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by the hiring manager(s). Due to the volume of applicants our vacancies regularly receive, please allow 2 weeks from the closing date to hear back regarding your application although our team will endeavour to contact every applicant as soon as practicable.
Contact Detail:
Big Bus Tours Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Solution Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the travel industry, especially in areas like booking systems and customer expectations. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of the nuances that are crucial for the Lead Solution Architect role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the travel technology sector. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about current trends, which can give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific architectural frameworks and technologies you've worked with, particularly cloud-native services and microservices. Being able to articulate your experience will showcase your expertise and fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Big Bus Tours and their operations thoroughly. Understanding their business model and how technology supports their goals will allow you to tailor your discussions and show genuine interest in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Solution Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Lead Solution Architect position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in solution architecture and the travel industry.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and any additional documents, emphasise your experience with large-scale global solutions, cloud platforms, and any familiarity with travel technologies. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise.
Craft a Strong Statement: If you choose to include a statement of purpose or motivation letter, focus on your passion for technology and how it aligns with Big Bus Tours' mission. Discuss how your skills can contribute to enhancing customer experiences through innovative solutions.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for a role that involves technical documentation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Big Bus Tours
✨Understand the Travel Industry
Since experience in the travel industry is highly preferred, make sure to brush up on key concepts related to customer expectations, booking systems, and operational logistics. This knowledge will help you relate your skills to the company's needs.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with cloud platforms, microservices, and APIs. Highlight specific projects where you've designed scalable solutions, as this will demonstrate your capability to meet the technical demands of the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication skills are essential for this position. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to bridge the gap between business requirements and technical implementation during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and architectural decision-making. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully led architecture design sessions or evaluated new technologies to solve specific challenges.