EMEA IT Infrastructure Solutions Architect

The Architect will join the EMEA Data Centre Platform Team supporting 6 data centres across EMEA. This newly formed team has the goal of delivering a first-class solution for Met Life., The Infrastructure Architect will primarily be responsible for assisting in the design, implementation and support of scalable, secure and efficient IT infrastructure solutions across networks, servers and storage within Met Life’s EMEA data centres. The Infrastructure Architect is an exciting new role within the new team, and you will be responsible to the Manager of the team to deliver a world class solution for Met Life in EMEA. The ideal candidate will have a full understanding of IT infrastructure technologies to include but not limited to network, storage, backup, replication, HCI, virtualisation, Windows and Linux operating systems. Any knowledge of AS400 systems would be a great benefit., * Design and planning - develop and maintain architectural blueprints for networks, servers and storage

• Technology selection - evaluate, select and integrate new technology solutions and ensure they meet performance and security standards
• Project oversight - lead infrastructure-related projects, ensuring successful implementation and transition from conception to completion
• Security and compliance - implement security policies, conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance with regulations and standards
• Regulatory compliance - ensure all system designs meet the required regulatory standards
• Performance and optimization - monitor system performance, manage capacity and identify areas for improvement
• Collaboration - work with project managers, business leaders and other IT professionals to align infrastructure with business goals
• Documentation and standards - create and maintain comprehensive documentation for infrastructure processes and standards
• Disaster recovery - develop and lead disaster recovery and business continuity planning

• Data centre migration design and implementation experience, including planning and strategy to complete from start to finish
• 3+ years’ experience in a similar role
• In-depth working knowledge of the following technologies: system administration, software development, networking and cloud technologies
• Core IT architecture principles and methodologies
• Analytical skills - ability to analyse complex systems, assess risks and solve problems
• Communication skills - excellent ability to communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Leadership and strategic thinking - capacity to provide technical guidance, manage projects and think strategically about future needs
• Networking - understanding of micro-segmentation, Cisco networking
• Arista networking (desirable)
• VMware virtualisation
• SAN (storage)
• Fabric switching
• Citrix
• Netscaler load balancing and access gateway
• Data centre rack design (power requirements, etc)

Additional Skills

• Knowledge of replication technologies
• Experience with Arista and Cisco networks
• Linux tools installations and configurations including network knowledge and database experience (Apache, Tomcat, HTTP, Oracle, My SQL)
• Experience working with Agile development methodologies
• Familiarity with hyperconverged systems (Vx Rail)
• Familiarity with a wide range of network platforms
• Familiarity with storage area networks
• Familiarity with backup technologies
• Familiarity with cloud backup solutions
• Knowledge of AS400 systems

We will consider applications from European locations where Met Life has a presence. Warsaw, Poland would be the preference. Our company is currently undergoing significant transformation across the EMEA region. We operate six regional data centers that play a key role in supporting our test environments. Historically, each region has managed its own processes and infrastructure independently. However, we are now moving toward a more unified, global operating model. The goal of this transformation is to strengthen our internal knowledge base and improve collaboration between regional and global teams. By consolidating expertise and standardizing our practices, we aim to increase efficiency and reduce duplication of effort. This shift will also allow us to provide more consistent and scalable support worldwide. This transformation also focuses on improving collaboration with our internal business partners and responding more effectively to their needs.