Arup is an independent firm of designers, planners, engineers, consultants and technical specialists offering a broad range of professional services. Through our work, we make a positive difference in the world.
The Global Infrastructure Architect is a key member of Arup’s IT Group (ITG) Strategy and Architecture Team, reporting directly to the firm’s Global Head of Strategy and Architecture. The Global Infrastructure Architect works at a strategic level to provide leadership in creating, maintaining and marketing both the firm’s IT strategy and steering the infrastructure vision and direction.
The Global Infrastructure Architect plays a leading role in Arup’s most significant enterprise-wide technology programmes to ensure that the firm’s technology strategy and roadmaps are aligned with its business vision and objectives. The role combines both deep enterprise-level infrastructure experience with strong analysis and architectural skills.
The Global Infrastructure Architect will play a significant bridging role between both the business and the technology functions as this platform continues to be implemented.
Role
• Focuses on the ‘big picture’ and how all the technical pieces fit together in terms of both the breadth and depth of the infrastructure services and its evolution within the overarching Enterprise Architecture.
• Owns the long term view and strategic roadmap and direction for infrastructure services.
• Is responsible for building and maintaining an infrastructure reference architecture and the associated building blocks in conjunction with other architecture domain and subject matter experts.
• Is able to speak authoritatively on most/all of the following areas, Cloud (consumption models and technologies), Infrastructure (compute, storage and networking (technologies and techniques)), Virtualisation, Software and Asset Lifecycle Management, Provisioning and Orchestration and Enterprise Management Solutions.
• Has a good working knowledge of the design and implementation of Identity and Access and Cybersecurity solutions.
• Communicates effectively at all levels, actively managing key stakeholders on issues relating to the Infrastructure Architecture.
• Is an excellent communicator with the ability to presents and communicate complex solutions and problems, to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Participates in gathering information, conducting research, analysing needs, developing requirements and validating infrastructure deliverables.
• Runs workshops, design sessions and vendor meetings in support of the Infrastructure Roadmaps.
• Uses an architectural approach to influence the alignment of technology goals and decisions with the firm’s overall strategic goals.
Requirements and skills
• A methodical and structured approach to working, with at least two years’ experience as an Infrastructure Architect in an enterprise environment.
• Broad and deep experience with one or more cloud platforms and solutions (experience with Amazon and Azure is preferable etc).
• Knowledge and understanding of Microsoft Office 365 and Azure cloud solutions and some or all of Microsoft’s on premises products such as Exchange, Skype for Business, SharePoint, SQL Server and System Centre.
• Skills and experience in any of the following an advantage: Citrix XenApp/XenDesktop, VMware, Linux, FlexPod, NetApp, Cisco, Microsoft Active
• Directory and Federation Services, VitalQIP DNS and DHCP Services.
• Knowledge of CAD and BIM systems, and the infrastructure implications of their use, an advantage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, supported by excellent interpersonal skills and an attention to detail.
• Knowledge of infrastructure architecture modelling tools, techniques and processes, and an awareness of relevant industry techniques, an advantage
• Experience in senior stakeholder management.
• Prince 2, TOGAF 9, Waterfall, Agile, Scrum and DSDM methodologies, an advantage
• The ability to prioritise and handle multiple work assignments and the ability to act with autonomy or under general direction.
Reward and Benefits:
We offer a competitive salary at all levels, and one of the best benefits package in our sector.
Core benefits include cover under the UK Healthcare Plan (private medical insurance), Life Assurance, Accident Insurance, and Income Protection (long term disability) cover. Core benefits are funded by us and made available to all permanent staff in order to support and safeguard your financial, physical and mental wellbeing. You will also have access to a grade-related Flexible Benefits Fund which you can choose to take as extra cash, or spend on a wide range of Choice Benefits to help with your work/life balance and financial security.
In addition all permanent employees are eligible for the Global Profit Share scheme. Subject to scheme rules employees can receive two Profit Share payments per year, which are dependent on the firm’s financial performance.