Lead Architect

Introduction

With 80 million passengers passing through our airport each year, it takes hundreds of systems, platforms and networks to keep our airport running smoothly, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Join us, and you’ll thrive on the buzz of providing the technology, data, cyber and digital capabilities that run all the services you’d expect to see in a city – and more.  Tech at Heathrow isn’t typical – the scale and non-stop nature of our airport make it truly unique.  

Our Data, Digital and Technology team are leading the way in innovations that will make our airport more efficient, resilient and competitive, in an increasingly digital marketplace, as well as keeping Heathrow safe and secure.   

Every day will test your skills and give you the opportunity to make your mark. We’re constantly looking for new ways to help Heathrow transform and grow, responding to the changing needs of passengers, colleagues and partner businesses.  

It means the chance to work on a huge variety of inspiring projects and to develop in lots of exciting directions.  Our team covers technology, cyber defence, data and digital, offering one-of-a kind careers you won’t find anywhere else. 

Job Description

Responsible for the definition, communication and implementation of Heathrow Technology architectures and roadmaps to implement Technology strategy and goals, in support of business priorities for the relevant domain area.

To provide governance, expertise and leadership within Technology as associated with their business domain across HAL Technology Teams and the wider 3rd party and support partner network.

Your role will involve

• Develop and maintain policies, architectures, frameworks, roadmaps, and technical standards for Business domain that deliver the strategic Technology goals, business priorities and comply with HAL’s technical and industry/regulatory standards.
• To take part in the technology Governance processes providing specialist knowledge and assurance that Project designs are fit for purpose and comply to HAL Standards and guidelines.
• Provide solution/technology design oversight, design quality, assurance, and advice to ensure compliance of projects and programmes (and services) to architectural standards and roadmaps, resolving or escalating potential non-compliance issues.
• Ensure technical knowledge and integrity of Products and Solutions is transitioned into the BAU/Support organisation.
• Develop innovative solution architectures that are cohesive, fit for purpose and ensure cost effective delivery (and OpEx) of Technology strategy and business priorities.
• Assess emerging industry trends and anticipate and develop potential strategic Technology solutions to exploit for business benefit within governance processes

These skills are essential

• Proven track record of developing large scale, pragmatic, business centric solutions to solve critical business challenges.
• Strong capability in defining architectural direction and harnessing innovation for business benefit.
• Skilled in building, maintaining, and influencing relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• Previous experience as design authority for a project portfolio or major programme.
• Demonstrate sound decision making when dealing with a major outsource supplier.

About us

There’s something so special about working at the world’s most iconic airport. Its sights. Its sounds. Its constant air of excitement. Heathrow is an amazing backdrop to a career filled with unique opportunities.

Every day, you’ll discover a world full of fresh possibilities and end the day buzzing with stories to tell, as you encounter people from all cultures, nationalities and experiences. A world full of pride for what we do and no end of exciting career prospects to explore.

It brings out the best in all of us. And inspires everyone to deliver on our ambitious plans. Together, we’re working to welcome millions more passengers while ensuring aviation can continue to be a force for good by leading global efforts in sustainability.

Join us on that journey and we'll help you achieve your ambitions too. Supporting you to learn, encouraging you to be yourself, backing you to achieve more than you might ever have imagined. Because there’s no place like Heathrow.

Our rewards

We offer competitive salaries and excellent benefits that will support you now and in the future. As well as performance-based annual bonuses and our longer-term Share in Success Bonus plans, we also offer generous annual leave allowances and market-leading pensions. With family friendly policies, access to private health insurance and a wide range of wellbeing tools, we’ll support you to be at your best inside and outside work. And of course, we’ll provide varied learning and development opportunities too. Here you’ll find everything you need for a fulfilling career journey that can take you in exciting directions.

Working Location

Our Hybrid working approach offers the opportunity for colleagues in some roles to work from home for an average of two days a week, providing the flexibility to work in an agile way whilst ensuring we deliver for the operational needs of Heathrow. Working arrangements vary from team to team and will be confirmed during the recruitment process. You’ll need to be based in the UK and within a commutable distance to Heathrow.

Sustainable Travel to work

Heathrow’s Sustainable Travel Guide sets out easy and sustainable travel options that everyone can access.

Equal Opportunities

As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from all. We believe that diverse talent makes us stronger – not least because we welcome passengers from all corners of the globe, every single day. Heathrow is an accessible place to work. With five diversity networks, we champion inclusivity and celebrate individuality.

Apply Before 24/06/2026, 23:59