Chief Architect

Job Introduction

We’re looking for a strategic and influential Chief Architect who has experience and exposure of improving and implementing the design and configuration of IT platforms and environments within a large corporate organisation. You’ll join our wider Information, Systems & Technology team who are based predominantly from our Data Centre in Salford, on a fixed term contract for a period of 24 months.

Reporting to the Director of Infrastructure Service you’ll be empowered and supported to deliver against our ambition to future proof our IT technical platforms and environments, so they remain ‘fit for the future’. You’ll be responsible for establishing a robust network design for the UK&I and overseeing the implementation of the new architecture which will include the introduction of cloud based technologies.

You’ll be commercially savvy and not just led by the latest new technologies, you’ll optimise our existing technology network to deliver high efficiency with sufficient resilience and implement appropriate Disaster Recovery plans to safeguard business continuity should the worst happen.

It’s key your able to influence and drive change. You’ll understand the importance of knowledge-sharing and upskilling and bring stakeholders on the journey with you to achieve your strategic vision.

You’ll be taking on a complex, challenging and interesting project which presents you with the opportunity to make a real mark on the future of Sodexo’s IT estate and take your career to the next level.

This position has no fixed location and we are able to support some home and flexible working, travel will be required to Sodexo hubs (especially Salford, Manchester) on a monthly basis.

Role Responsibility

• Responsible for establishing a robust network design for the UK&I and overseeing the implementation of the new architecture.
• Establishing a ‘gold build’ for network switches and routers within the region. What is gold build? 
• Working closely with the Director of Infrastructure services as the region’s technology expert playing an integral role in the strategic direction, development, and future growth of the region.
• Responsible for making recommendations to the configuration and security of the region's technology resources (Cloud and On-Premise) and support facilities, local, wide, wireless, Internet, and Intranet networks, telephone, and all related software programs.
• Ensure the region's infrastructure environment is secure and stable, commensurate with the growing needs of the business and our customers.
• Develop and implement ICT architecture strategies to accommodate current and future organisational needs.
• Responsible for overseeing the region’s implementation of cloud technologies in conjunction with the Director of Infrastructure and Group IT.

The Ideal Candidate

What’s essential:

•  Strong experience in Information technology and Cloud technologies and a commercial thinker able to balance business priorities with predefined budgets.
• In depth knowledge and experience of Technical Architecture and Information Security.
• Experience of working with technical teams both internally and externally.
• Tertiary level of education in IT.
• Able to explain technical processes and systems to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience of collecting complex business requirements and producing functional and technical specifications.

Where we can be flexible:

• Experience of leading teams to deliver required solutions.

About the Company

In the UK and Ireland, Sodexo employs some 35,000 employees to deliver integrated facilities management services to clients at over 2,000 locations in the corporate, healthcare, education, leisure, Defence and justice sectors. With an annual turnover of over £1bn, we provide everything from catering, cleaning and reception to security, laboratory and grounds maintenance services, enabling our clients to focus on their core business.

Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults within a regulated activity. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/ or Disclosure Scotland.

We are building on our support to the Armed Forces community through the development of specific pathways within our recruitment process to further engage ex-forces personnel and reservists.  Those applying for roles with us who meet the essential criteria advertised under the ‘ideal candidate’ on the vacancy advertised are guaranteed to progress within the selection process.