Principal Infrastructure Architect

OverviewJoin to apply for the Principal Infrastructure Architect role at West Midlands Police.West Midlands Police has completed a large-scale digital transformation programme. Technologies such as Cloud, Artificial Intelligence, Automation and Mobility underpin policing today. The next stage in our technology ambition is focused around the concept of Synergy and delivering amazing User Experiences. This role will help focus and shape our path in the Synergy strategy and drive real-world impact on policing technology to prevent crime, protect the public and help those in need.As the Principal Infrastructure Architect, you sit within the Architecture Management function of the IT & Digital department. Your team will lead on the design and modelling of strategic and tactical architectures for delivery, development and support of projects. You will work closely with the User Experience team to identify Synergy Opportunities for improving User Experiences across the organisation.You will be responsible for the quality of designs submitted to technical governance boards for successful adoption, and will influence technology choices and our technology architecture that underpins policing.You will lead a team of senior architects, manage workload across the architecture team, and ensure solutions are designed against end-state blueprints and requirements.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the design and modelling of strategic and tactical architectures for delivery, development, and support of projects.Build the long-term strategic roadmap for infrastructure architecture and prioritise the removal of Technical Debt.Lead a team to develop End to End Solution Designs to meet business objectives and ensure adherence to architectural, security and quality standards.Collaborate with the User Experience team to identify improvements to existing solutions/systems/processes for the organisation and the public.Engage with business stakeholders to shape ideas into deliverable outcomes.Develop and maintain policies, standards and guidelines to ensure a consistent framework across the organisation.Lead on architecture for infrastructure and security, including assessment of current state and transition to the desired future state.Be accountable for design/architecture deliverables and ensure they meet quality standards and align to blueprints.Manage the Architecture Repository, maintaining roadmaps for as-is and to-be states that are created, maintained, and measurable.Ensure design deliverables are tracked through the lifecycle and aligned with governance.Work with the User Experience team within IT&D to prioritise Synergy opportunities for implementation.Maintain Architecture Governance as designs progress through the Design > Build > Run pipeline.Manage and mentor a team of infrastructure architects and supporting staff, including workload, demand and performance reporting.Oversee the Infrastructure Portfolio and its continual evolution.Lead the creation and review of standards/blueprints and manage architecture templates.Oversee the Front Door for new technology requests and related staff within the department (Our Business Link function).Ensure evolution of Vendor & Marketplace engagement activity.Lead the pipeline of new infrastructure architecture work and stay up-to-date with relevant technologies.Promote and champion the Force’s diversity agenda and provide escalation routes for issues.Negotiate with partner agencies, suppliers and contractors to achieve desirable outcomes.Plan and organise activity with a view to longer-term issues; provide specialist information to influence decision-making on significant business issues.Assist the Head of Architecture in shaping strategic direction and provide reports and working papers with recommendations for improvements.Promote the department through engagement with operational staff where possible; deputise for the Head of Architecture as needed to promote standards at a national level.Essential SkillsMust hold a valid infrastructure technology certification (Exam(s) in date) from either AWS or Azure.Experience building infrastructure architecture roadmaps.Ability to establish, implement, and enforce IT standards to meet business requirements.Comprehensive knowledge of hardware, software, application and systems engineering as it relates to infrastructure in cloud and on-premises.Experience designing, integrating, and managing complex solutions.Ability to think big and challenge conventional wisdom regarding technology refresh and hype.Strong leadership and negotiation skills with business and technical groups; ability to build consensus among stakeholders.Direct line management experience across disciplines, including recruitment, development, appraisals and objectives.Experience leading an architecture team with technically skilled individuals; reviewing and challenging technical designs.Demonstrated high-level technical experience in Infrastructure architecture and related domains.Experience communicating with senior managers using written and oral methods; participate in and chair meetings.Promote equality, diversity and human rights in working practices; maintain information security standards.Experience presenting designs and choices to stakeholders.IT-related qualification at degree level or demonstrable specialist management skills.Strong interpersonal and influencing skills to communicate effectively at very senior levels.Experience leading professionals, coaching and mentoring to achieve delivery outcomes; end-to-end technical solutions involving multiple systems and teams.End-to-end project experience with strong consulting skills; capacity to shape business requirements and design solutions.First-class design skills with precise specifications for development teams; excellent presentation and organisational skills under pressure.Ability to negotiate and influence with suppliers regarding technical solutions.Desirable SkillsArchitecture certification (TOGAF) is desirable but not essential.Experience in formal board participation and governance.ITIL Foundation or equivalent ITIL understanding in context of the role.Flexibility to use various technologies and be innovative.Understanding of ITIL processes as they apply to the team and department.BenefitsBy joining West Midlands Police you will receive an enhanced benefits package including:Fair remuneration with progression opportunities and access to a competitive pension scheme.Enhanced annual leave in addition to public holiday entitlements.Discounts across travel, parking, daily costs of living and leisure activities.Comprehensive wellbeing package including 24/7 support, free eye tests and flu jabs.Vetting, Medical and Interview ProcessVetting: Successful applicants will be required to pass Management Vetting and Security Clearance prior to commencing, including a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process.Medical: Appointment to this role may be dependent on medical checks, which may include a drugs test and, if required, a fitness test.Interview: TBCContact: For further information email careers@westmidlands.police.ukAbout UsWest Midlands Police is the second largest police force in the country, covering 348 square miles and serving almost 2.8 million people. The region includes Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton and surrounding districts; it is diverse and bustling with communities, leisure, business and events. #J-18808-Ljbffr