Data Centre Architect

NXA Talent LTD; England; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

NXA Talent LTD is seeking a Data Centre Architect to lead enterprise-scale infrastructure modernization in a hybrid Berkshire environment. You will shape the architecture roadmap across compute, storage, network, and security, spanning on-premises and cloud platforms.

You will design scalable, secure environments and guide large transformation programmes, including migrations and cyber resilience strategies. Strong collaboration with senior stakeholders is essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience designing enterprise-scale, highly available Data Centre architectures.
• Strong expertise across hybrid cloud environments (Azure, AWS, and/or GCP).
• Deep knowledge of VMware, Hyper-V, Kubernetes, Docker, and modern virtualization technologies.
• Advanced understanding of networking including LAN/WAN, SDN, firewalls, load balancing and network segmentation.
• Experience with storage, backup, replication, and disaster recovery solutions.
• Strong knowledge of security frameworks, Zero Trust architecture, and compliance standards such as ISO27001 and PCI-DSS.
• Hands-on experience with Infrastructure as Code and automation tools (Terraform, Ansible, PowerShell, or Python).
• Proven ability to lead complex transformation programmes and engage senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the enterprise Data Centre architecture roadmap across compute, storage, network, security, and resilience.
• Design scalable, secure, and highly available on-premises and hybrid cloud environments.
• Architect Windows, Linux, VMware, and virtualization platforms, ensuring lifecycle management.
• Lead large-scale transformation programmes including data centre consolidation and cloud migrations.
• Design and govern backup, DR, and cyber resilience strategies including immutable backups.
• Drive observability, monitoring, and reliability engineering across enterprise infrastructure.
• Embed security and Zero Trust principles into all designs.
• Optimise performance, capacity, licensing, and operational costs.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders, security teams, and vendors to deliver outcomes.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and governance across teams.

Skills

Data Centre Architecture

Hybrid Cloud

VMware

Kubernetes

Networking

Security

IaC

Tools

Terraform

Ansible

PowerShell

Python

VMware

Docker

Job description

Data Centre Architect

Retail

12 Month contract (Inside IR35)

Berkshire - Hybrid

Working within a major transformation programme focused on shaping the future of enterprise infrastructure, leading large scale data centre modernisation, hybrid cloud integration, and critical business transformation initiatives.

Role Responsibilities

• Define and own the enterprise Data Centre architecture roadmap across compute, storage, network, security, and resilience.
• Design scalable, secure, and highly available on-premises and hybrid cloud environments.
• Architect Windows, Linux, VMware, and virtualisation platforms, ensuring operational excellence and lifecycle management.
• Lead large scale transformation programmes including data centre consolidation, migrations, modernisation, and cloud adoption.
• Design and govern backup, disaster recovery, and cyber resilience strategies, including immutable backup solutions.
• Drive observability, monitoring, and reliability engineering frameworks across enterprise infrastructure.
• Embed security first and Zero Trust principles into all infrastructure designs.
• Optimise infrastructure performance, capacity, licensing, and operational costs.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders, business leaders, security teams, and technology vendors to deliver strategic outcomes.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and governance across architecture and engineering teams.

Experience Required

• 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 ISO27001 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 with experience engaging senior leadership and business stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, documentation, governance, and strategic planning capabilities.

Desirable Experience

• VMware NSX, vSAN, and Software-Defined Data Centre technologies.
• Edge computing and distributed infrastructure architectures.
• Green Data Centre and sustainability initiatives.
• AI/ML, GPU, and high performance computing environments.
• Advanced observability and AIOps platforms such as Dynatrace or AppDynamics.
• FinOps and infrastructure cost optimisation experience.
• DevSecOps integration and secure automation practices.
• Experience delivering large-scale data centre exits, relocations, or cloud migration programmes