Solution Architect (Integration Focus)

Engagement Purpose

We are engaging an experienced Solution Architect (integration focus) to rapidly define a new integration layer connecting our reservation system, selling channels (agents, aggregators, B2B/B2C), and internal platforms. The consultant will work alongside internal teams and existing specialists to assess the current landscape, define the integration approach, and produce practical architectural outputs that enable delivery (not hands-on engineering build).

Time-critical objective:

within the first 10 working days, deliver an agreed integration layer definition and a partner-facing interface scope pack sufficient to engage third parties and secure delivery slots in external queues. Travel/cruise experience is strongly beneficial due to the complexity of reservation and sales systems.

Key Activities (high level)

• Rapidly assess the current integration landscape and constraints across reservation, sales channels, and internal systems.

• Define the integration layer approach, including clear options and trade-offs.

• Act as design authority for integration decisions within scope, escalating where sponsor decision is required.

• Produce pragmatic architectural artefacts (diagrams, decision records, standards) usable by delivery teams.

• Review requirements and solution designs, identifying risks, dependencies, and mitigations.

• Support delivery teams through early design reviews and integration problem-solving.

Deliverables (minimum)

Phase 1 (first 10 working days) - “Start integration” pack

• Integration layer definition (boundaries, responsibilities, technology approach, environment assumptions, security model).

• Partner-facing interface scope pack (prioritised interfaces, sequencing, dependencies, and an agreed “first tranche”).

• Initial interface catalogue / integration backlog (single view of integrations, priorities, dependencies, and recommended ownership).

• Initial Architecture Decision Records (ADRs) for critical early choices (contract style, versioning, orchestration approach, ownership boundaries).

• Outline NFR assumptions for integrations (availability, performance, resilience, security, observability) to set expectations early.

Phase 2 (delivered iteratively across the engagement)

• Target integration architecture, patterns/standards, and NFR pack finalised.

• Design review templates/checklists, and a continuity/handover pack.

Engagement Outcomes (Definition of Done)

• Integration approach agreed and actively used by delivery teams.

• Priority integration decisions documented (ADRs) and reducing rework.

•Interface catalogue/backlog adopted as the single view of required integrations and ownership.

• Third parties have enough clarity to mobilise and begin integration work without waiting for a “perfect” end-state architecture.

• Handover complete with named internal owners able to maintain and apply the artefacts.

Experience Required Essential

• Strong experience as a Solution Architect / Integration Consultant in complex environments.

• Deep understanding of integration concepts and trade-offs (API contracts, versioning, error handling, observability, resilience).

• Ability to add value quickly with minimal onboarding.

• Confident communicator with both technical and non-technical audiences.

Desirable

• Experience in travel, cruise, hospitality, or reservation/booking systems.

• Experience integrating with agents/aggregators and third-party partner platforms