Lead Technical Cloud and Infrastructure Architect

At NHS Blood & Transplant (NHSBT), our mission is to save and improve more lives every day by working with patients and donors alike. To make this happen, we are continually improving and advancing our technology and infrastructure behind our life enhancing work. We are looking for a Lead Technical Cloud and Infrastructure Architect to join us in a pivotal role in our cloud-first infrastructure strategy. The Architecture team is responsible for technical designs and assurance through a products life cycle acting as experts in various technologies, within NHS Blood and transplant. Operating within NHSBTs both Technology and Cloud strategy, technical architects are required to oversee a portfolio of systems and infrastructure and facilitate NHSBTs transformation to Cloud Services. We are expanding our highly skilled and experienced Architecture practice; recruiting a Lead Technical Cloud and Infrastructure Architect to join the Digital, Data and Technology Services team. DDTS is an exciting and high performing directorate with a challenging programme of work. As part of that work DDTS is delivering new cloud-based solutions unlocking business capabilities via using cutting edge technologies and Cloud services. Main duties of the job You will be responsible for:

• Shaping and delivering NHSBTs cloud-first infrastructure strategy. This role leads the design and assurance of scalable, secure, and cost-effective infrastructure solutions across Azure, OCI, and hybrid environments. The post holder acts as a subject matter expert, influencing technical direction, supporting transformation programmes, and ensuring alignment with NHSBTs strategic goals.
• Working closely with operational, technical and senior stakeholders across DDTS, NHSBT and external partners.

• Educated to masters level or equivalent IT experience

Experience Essential

• Networking (Cisco and Cloud Platforms) - Advanced, professional level networking covering all aspects of Enterprise Class (inc Software Defined where applicable) including LAN, WAN, Wireless, Routing protocols (OSPF, EIGPR, IS-IS, BGP, RIP, Static), DHCP, DNS, Load balancing
• Cloud Platforms extensive Azure Architecture experience
• Extensive experience of Firewalls - Principles of Firewall policies, rule, zone, and address object management including NAT, Policy based routing, dynamic lists, VPN tunnels, Intrusion detection and threat management
• Extensive experience of Security Authentication & identity management, Microsoft AD, SAML/OAUTH (Azure SSO, ADFS, conditional access) MS certification services (PKI), Network policy services/Network Access Control
• Excellent awareness of the current state of Infrastructure technologies, particularly those affecting the range of business requirements of NHSBT
• Experience leading formal research and development activity using structured evaluation or audit methodologies to inform architectural decision-making.

Person Specification Qualifications Essential

• Educated to masters level or equivalent IT experience

Experience Essential

• Networking (Cisco and Cloud Platforms) - Advanced, professional level networking covering all aspects of Enterprise Class (inc Software Defined where applicable) including LAN, WAN, Wireless, Routing protocols (OSPF, EIGPR, IS-IS, BGP, RIP, Static), DHCP, DNS, Load balancing
• Cloud Platforms extensive Azure Architecture experience
• Extensive experience of Firewalls - Principles of Firewall policies, rule, zone, and address object management including NAT, Policy based routing, dynamic lists, VPN tunnels, Intrusion detection and threat management
• Extensive experience of Security Authentication & identity management, Microsoft AD, SAML/OAUTH (Azure SSO, ADFS, conditional access) MS certification services (PKI), Network policy services/Network Access Control
• Excellent awareness of the current state of Infrastructure technologies, particularly those affecting the range of business requirements of NHSBT
• Experience leading formal research and development activity using structured evaluation or audit methodologies to inform architectural decision-making.

• Flexible working options - we promote flexible working where the role allows. We're happy to discuss what flexibility might look like for you.
• Generous annual leave - 27 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time) plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years' service and to 33 days after 10 years.
• Inclusive pension scheme - the NHS Pension Scheme is a defined benefit scheme (not dependent on investment returns). Further details and outline of benefits can be found at: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/information-about-nhs-pensions
• Supportive learning culture - we've fostered a culture of continuous learning where colleagues are well-led, engaged, and encouraged to grow. We support you in reaching your full potential, both in your current role and future career. Our Thrive program embodies our commitment to learning and development, offering a wide range of activities to support your personal and professional growth. It's open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.
• Health and wellbeing support - we offer confidential services including occupational health, employee assistance programme, and wellbeing resources. Our support is available to all colleagues and we endeavour to provide tailored workplace adjustments where possible.

It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHS Blood and Transplant, youll join a team of more than 6,000 people who are making a genuine difference to communities, families, friends, relatives and more across the UK. We play a unique and special role in the NHS by helping people do something extraordinary- donate blood, blood products, organs, tissues, or stem cells to save someone in need. Our three core values are what set us apart. They guide and inspire everything we do. By being caring, expertly meeting the needs of our patients and our people, and accepting nothing less than the best quality, we can do extraordinary work and help our people to do something extraordinary in their career, too. Three small words, one big difference - Caring, Expert and Quality. Together we'll save and improve more lives than ever. You will join us on our journey to create an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with, and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.