Network Solution Architect (Vice President)

Who we are? United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

The Network Solution Architect is responsible for the technical ownership of the organisation’s Network global platforms, providing subject matter expertise and acting as the ultimate internal point of escalation for any significant technical system issues. The Network Solution Architect supports and oversees the delivery of IT projects for the organisation, including technical resource management and task planning. Furthermore, they define the expected standards, policies and documentation with which to administer and maintain the platforms operationally.

The role requires strong cross-team and cross-region collaboration and the ongoing management of the vendor relationships, at a technical level, on behalf of PD-ITSD. The Network Solution Architect is a key resource within the Network and Datacentre team and is responsible for the implementation and lifecycle management of a business-critical infrastructure comprised of a large Cisco, Check Point, Palo Alto and Network Monitoring enterprise estate.

The Network Solution Architect is a key resource within PD-ITSD with technical ownership of key IT systems deployed across EMEA. The role requires a strong and broad technical skillset, exemplary communication skills, project management discipline and the capacity to balance operational support and strategic project delivery requirements fluidly and efficiently. The senior nature of the role necessitates technical mentorship of junior staff and knowledge transfer to other related IT teams.

The primary focus of the Network Solution Architect is to maintain oversight and ultimate technical responsibility of existing systems whilst developing, building and deploying new IT systems and initiatives for the benefit of the organisation. Through close partnership with the Infrastructure Architect, the Network Solutions Architect develops conceptual designs to meet the provided requirements, then supports the senior engineers to implement the design and operationally introduce the new technology platform/solution for the organisation. They develop and document network design and configuration standards to define the technical and operational elements of the network platform.

The Network Solution Architect will work in a discrete, focused team dedicated to a specific technology area but will foster core relationships with other IT teams in both EMEA and North America.

Competencies

• Customer Focus
• Driving Change
• Driving Results
• Embraces Diversity
• Enterprise Leadership
• Judgement and Decision Making
• Risk Management
• Strategic and Visionary
• Trust and Integrity

What we offer: For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-being and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members' perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work-life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!! We recognise our role as a bank to support social change and welcome all applications, including those from groups often under-represented in financial services. We value the uniqueness of professional and personal backgrounds and perspectives as they play a vital role in continuing the sustainable growth of our organisation. We’ll ensure reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process are offered due to a disability or long-term condition whenever requested.