Solution Architect - Infrastructure & Networks

DS Smith; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

DS Smith is seeking a Solution Architect (Infrastructure & Networks) to shape and deliver enterprise-scale infrastructure across a complex, multi-site international environment. You will lead design governance for networking, cloud connectivity, datacentre, and endpoint environments with security-by-design at the core.

You will collaborate with IS&S, Cybersecurity, and project delivery teams to ensure standards, governance, and operational excellence while enabling business transformation

Qualifications

• Significant experience in enterprise infrastructure and network architecture.
• Strong security-focused design in regulated environments.
• Experience leading large-scale transformation initiatives.
• Ability to collaborate across IT, Security and business teams.

Responsibilities

• Design end-to-end infrastructure and network solutions aligned to enterprise standards.
• Produce architecture artefacts (HLDs/LLDs/roadmaps) and detailed designs.
• Define architecture patterns across LAN/WAN, SD-WAN, cloud connectivity, and datacentre.
• Embed security-by-design principles and compliance with ISO27001 and NIS2.
• Provide governance and technical assurance through architecture reviews.
• Support project delivery with technical leadership, planning, and risk management.
• Drive resilience, scalability, and operational efficiency of services.

Skills

Infrastructure & networks

Security principles

Enterprise networking

SD-WAN

Multi-site / international experience

Job description

Solution Architect (Infrastructure & Networks) About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Solution Architect – Infrastructure & Networks to join our IS&S function and play a critical role in shaping and delivering robust, secure, and scalable enterprise technology solutions across DS Smith. This role holds technical accountability for infrastructure and network architecture across a complex, multi-site international environment. You will lead the design and governance of core infrastructure services spanning networking, cloud connectivity, datacentre, and endpoint environments—ensuring solutions are resilient, secure, and aligned with enterprise strategy. Working closely with Infrastructure Operations, Cybersecurity, Enterprise Architecture, and project delivery teams, you will enable business transformation whilst ensuring technology standards, governance, and operational excellence are consistently upheld.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing end-to-end infrastructure and network solutions aligned to enterprise standards and business needs


• Producing high-quality architecture artefacts (HLDs, LLDs, roadmaps, and technical designs)


• Defining architecture patterns across LAN/WAN, SD-WAN, cloud connectivity, datacentre, and identity integration


• Embedding security-by-design principles and ensuring compliance with standards such as ISO27001 and NIS2


• Providing governance and technical assurance through architecture forums and design reviews


• Supporting project delivery through technical leadership, planning, and risk management


• Driving improvements in service resilience, scalability, and operational efficiency


• Partnering with vendors and internal stakeholders to evaluate solutions and guide strategic decisions


• Supporting hybrid infrastructure strategies across on-prem, cloud, and manufacturing environments

About you

You’re an experienced infrastructure and network architect with a strong track record of delivering enterprise-scale solutions in complex, global environments. We are looking for:

• Significant experience in infrastructure and network architecture (enterprise networking, cloud, datacentre, and virtualisation)


• Strong understanding of security principles and working in regulated or security-conscious environments


• Experience supporting large-scale transformation or modernisation initiatives


• Proven ability to work cross-functionally across IT, Security, and business teams


• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence both technical and non-technical audiences


• Experience operating within multi-site or international organisations


• Familiarity with hybrid infrastructure models and modern networking approaches (e.g. SD-WAN, zero trust desirable)

We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, we are a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre-based products.We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. We employ more than 60,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation,manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and much more. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time.

Become part of a world-leading organisation and do your best work with us! As the journey continues of bringing together the strengths of both organisations, during your candidate experience you may engage with our colleagues from International Paper! You could visit an International Paper or DS Smith site or office.