Data Centre Architect

• We will define and own the enterprise data centre architecture roadmap across compute, storage, network, security, and resilience.
• We will design scalable, secure, and highly available on-premises and hybrid cloud environments.
• We will architect Windows, Linux, VMware, and virtualisation platforms, ensuring operational excellence and lifecycle management.
• We will lead large-scale transformation programmes, including data centre consolidation, migrations, modernisation, and cloud adoption.
• We will design and govern backup, disaster recovery, and cyber resilience strategies, including immutable backup solutions.
• We will drive observability, monitoring, and reliability engineering frameworks across enterprise infrastructure.
• We will embed security-first and Zero Trust principles into infrastructure designs.
• We will optimise infrastructure performance, capacity, licensing, and operational costs.
• We will collaborate with senior stakeholders, business leaders, security teams, and technology vendors to deliver strategic outcomes.
• We will provide technical leadership, mentoring, and governance across architecture and engineering teams.

Technologies:

• AI
• AWS
• Ansible
• Architect
• Azure
• Cloud
• DevSecOps
• Docker
• Dynatrace
• GCP
• Hyper-V
• Kubernetes
• LAN
• Linux
• Load Balancing
• Network
• PowerShell
• Python
• Security
• Terraform
• VMware
• Windows, We are recruiting a Data Centre Architect for a 12-month contract, inside IR35, in the retail sector. The role is based in Berkshire with hybrid working. You will work within a major transformation programme focused on shaping the future of enterprise infrastructure through large-scale data centre modernisation, hybrid cloud integration, and critical business transformation initiatives.

• Proven experience designing enterprise-scale, highly available data centre architectures.
• Strong expertise across hybrid cloud environments, including Azure, AWS, and/or GCP.
• Deep knowledge of VMware, Hyper-V, Kubernetes, Docker, and modern virtualisation technologies.
• Advanced understanding of networking, including LAN/WAN, SDN, firewalls, load balancing, and network segmentation.
• Experience with enterprise storage, backup, replication, and disaster recovery solutions.
• Strong knowledge of security frameworks, Zero Trust architecture, and compliance standards such as ISO 27001 and PCI-DSS.
• Hands-on experience with Infrastructure as Code and automation tools, including Terraform, Ansible, PowerShell, or Python.
• Proven ability to lead complex transformation programmes, migrations, and infrastructure modernisation initiatives.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including experience engaging senior leadership and business stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, documentation, governance, and strategic planning capabilities.
• Desirable: Experience with VMware NSX, vSAN, and Software-Defined Data Centre technologies.
• Desirable: Experience with edge computing and distributed infrastructure architectures.
• Desirable: Experience with green data centre and sustainability initiatives.
• Desirable: Experience with AI/ML, GPU, and high-performance computing environments.
• Desirable: Experience with advanced observability and AIOps platforms such as Dynatrace or AppDynamics.
• Desirable: FinOps and infrastructure cost optimisation experience.
• Desirable: Experience with DevSecOps integration and secure automation practices.
• Desirable: Experience delivering large-scale data centre exits, relocations, or cloud migration programmes.