Enterprise Hybrid Platform Architect (Advisory) - Manager - National Security in London

Location: London

Important - due to the nature of the work, it is essential for applicants to hold current 'National Security Vetting’ aligned to a UK National Security organisation.

KPMG Overview

KPMG is part of a global network of firms that offers Audit, Tax, Consulting, Deal Advisory and Technology services. Through the talent of over 17,000 colleagues, we bring our creativity and insight to our clients’ most critical challenges. With offices across the UK, we work with everyone from small start-ups and individuals to major multinationals, in virtually every industry imaginable. Our work is often complex, yet our vision is simple: to be the clear choice for our clients, for our people and for the communities we work in.

KPMG’s AI & Platform Engineering practice helps clients transform the way they deliver the technology underpinnings of their businesses. We work with the UK’s largest and most complex organisations to:

• Develop strategies for the adoption and exploitation of modern platform technologies – both in the cloud and on-premises.
• Build the operating models, architectures and capabilities to deliver value from cloud and hybrid platforms.
• Help clients operate their platform estates effectively and cost-efficiently over the long term.

We need Hybrid Platform Architects that are comfortable providing advice and delivering to C-suite leaders and senior client technologists across our whole client base but, in particular, this role will be aligned to our well-established National Security team.

National Security

The National Security sector is one of KPMG’s key priority sectors, and we have ambitions for high growth over the next three years. It is anticipated that this role will be a key contributor to that growth.

The Role

Enterprises, when starting on their modernisation journey, often imagine that they will simplify their environment. The reality for many, however, is that adoption of technologies such as cloud adds additional technologies and capabilities, drives divergence in operating models, often splits business processes across multiple tech stacks in different landing zones and, overall, adds significant complexity to the enterprise estate.

The platform architect must make sense of this new complexity, and be able to tame it through judicious use of both old and new technologies coupled with “hybrid” processes that address the needs of both the legacy and the new platform environments. They must have a strong knowledge of both the traditional enterprise landscape, as well as a thorough appreciation of the major cloud platforms and the opportunities, capabilities and pitfalls they present.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience Required

We are seeking developing technical leaders who can communicate and manage relationships with senior stakeholders, build compelling transformation journeys and be a key player in their delivery. You will have proven experience in helping clients to shape and deliver technology-enabled change that delivers value, security, agility and efficiency. You have developed enterprise level technology strategies and contributed to the definition of the associated programs of work.

You have experience of delivering complex architectural solutions on cloud or hybrid environments and also the integration of new platforms into the wider enterprise. You should have experience across disciplines, for example: business analysis, systems thinking, solution architecture, technical architecture, data architecture and data science.

You have knowledge of a variety of systems thinking and systems integration approaches and techniques, and the ability to apply them to understand, frame and solve problems. You must have a strong knowledge of traditional platform delivery approaches, technologies and op models, and a thorough appreciation of the capabilities of the major cloud platforms – Azure, GCP but particular depth, skills and experience in AWS.

You understand, and can balance, the trade-offs in using “one size fits all” vs “landing zone specific” solutions. You must understand the importance of both enterprise MI, for long term decision making, and (near) real time observability for operations. You should have an appreciation of different operating models associated with both legacy and cloud environments, and be able to contribute to op model design and implementation.

You can manage technical reviews and assessments of platform strategy, roadmaps, data models, cloud integration and migration tools. You are a team player that thrives in a diverse culture, inspiring and motivating others. Ideally you will hold recognised industry qualifications appropriate to the role and your seniority.

You must be a practitioner more than a theorist. You are passionate about technology, but thrive in multi-disciplinary teams. You must be highly credible in front of both client and your colleagues. You will act as a source of support for customers, throughout the transformation journey, building relationships and helping to ensure the successful implementation of major change.

Key Responsibilities:

• Have strong hands-on skills in a relevant technical area
• Be comfortable running technical workstreams within larger projects
• Provide highly credible and informative thought leadership, based on real life experience.
• Design roadmaps, implementation strategies, transformation plans and solution architectures.
• Provide broad and detailed insight across a range of technology areas including integration and hybrid hosting scenarios.
• Work with colleagues to maximise the use of our knowledge and experience.
• Leverage your overarching expertise and network to generate new client opportunities.
• Drive the development of propositions and assets, bringing a National Security perspective to them.
• Share knowledge - coaching and advising colleagues.
• Develop strong client relationships with client stakeholders, to understand their business problems, and identify commercial opportunities for KPMG.

Base Location

The role will preferably be based at our London, Manchester or Bristol offices, though others will be considered. Note, however, that client constraints may result in a requirement to be on client site for a significant proportion of the week (depending on project). Significant travel within the UK may be required.