Remote Access Architect

A leading global retailer is seeking an experienced Remote Access Architect to provide strategic oversight, governance, and technical assurance for a unified, enterprise-wide Remote Access solution. This is a high-impact contract role responsible for shaping the standards, patterns, and architecture principles that enable secure, seamless connectivity for a diverse global workforce.

You will act as an independent strategic voice, partnering with security, networks, cloud hosting, and identity teams to ensure a cohesive, scalable, and future-proof remote access service., * Define and govern architecture principles, standards, and patterns for the enterprise Remote Access solution.

• Provide strategic technical oversight across all major components, ensuring integration and alignment across:

• Zscaler Private Access (ZPA)
• Zscaler Browser Portal Access
• Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) - hosting & endpoint management
• AD/Entra ID
• CyberArk (PAM)

• Work closely with Security and architecture partners to ensure compliance with enterprise security and regulatory requirements.
• Champion a high-quality colleague experience across varied business needs and global operational environments.
• Ensure remote access design supports Warehouse, Store, and non-production (CATE) environments.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Identity & Access Management team, supporting end-to-end service ownership.
• Provide independent assessment and recommendations to maintain scalability, security, and future readiness.
• Align dependencies across Networks, Cloud Hosting, Device & Endpoint Management, and IAM teams.
• Lead or review Design Authority submissions to ensure remote access components meet governance, standards, and strategic objectives.

Design Authority Focus Areas

• ZPA - secure internal app access; ensuring scalability and compliance.
• Browser Portal Access - browser-based partner access; usability and onboarding optimisation.
• AVD - performance-led design for warehouse and store connectivity.
• AD/Entra ID - federation, conditional access, seamless integration.
• CyberArk - privileged access controls, segregation of duties, auditability.

• Proven experience as an Architect within Remote Access, Identity & Access Management, or similar enterprise architecture domains.
• Strong technical knowledge of Zscaler, Azure Virtual Desktop, AD/Entra ID, and CyberArk.
• Deep understanding of security governance, compliance, and architecture frameworks.
• Ability to balance robust security with intuitive user experience.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the confidence to present an independent strategic viewpoint.
• Experienced in guiding multi-disciplinary teams across complex enterprise environments.