Solution Architect

Role : Technical Architect

Job Purpose/Role :

An opportunity to join the Allianz Technology UK Branch as a Technical Architect within the Architecture team.

You will be responsible for working closely with the Allianz Technology Central, IT Development Teams and the business to provide technical support, advice and solution design for both infrastructure and systems development driven work.

Allianz UKs infrastructure provides services to users in two continents covering Mainframe, Linux and Windows housed in data centres located in Paris, Frankfurt and Guildford.

The software stack includes the following technologies: Java, JBoss, IBM ACE, Oracle, MS SQL, Adabas/Natural, WAN, LAN, Security/Firewalls, RAS, Internet/Intranet, Call Centre and CTI which are designed, maintained and managed by both in-house and third party suppliers.

We are currently embarking on a cloud transformation journey in line with Allianz Group strategy.

Over the next few years the current application and infrastructure landscape will be migrated from the private cloud environments in Paris and Frankfurt to a hybrid cloud model that incorporates Infrastructure as a Service, Platform as a Service and Software as a Service offerings across both private and public cloud.

This is a technical role but also requires interpersonal, communication and relationship skills to effectively translate complex IT issues and solutions into terms that can be presented and understood by both technical and non-technical audiences in multiple countries and continents.

Key Responsibilities :

- Working with Allianz Technology Branch specialists, Allianz IT Architects, Allianz Systems Development as well as technical specialists within Allianz Group ensure the effective analysis of all services in scope for cloud transformation.

- Provide architectural and technical consultancy to Allianz IT across a broad range of technologies including traditional physical and virtual Windows and Linux server deployment to hybrid cloud deployment models.

- Design effective solutions using the supplied building blocks to ensure business requirements are met for both availability and disaster recovery.

- Producing proposals, technical design and quotation documentation, in conjunction with our Branch technicians, Allianz Technology Central and Systems Development to a high standard and to time.

- Working with IT colleagues to ensure effective operational standards and processes are developed, maintained, documented and practiced.

- Technical QA of Project deliverables.

- Building and maintaining effective working relationships within the IT department, Allianz Technology Branch, Central and System Development, and with Business representatives where appropriate.

- Presentation of technical propositions and solutions to a wide variety of audiences at various levels ranging from technicians to management.

Key Requirements/Skills/Experience :

Skills and Competencies :

- A minimum of five years experience working in an infrastructure architecture role.

- Ability to investigate, evaluate and decide on appropriate solutions as well as good working practices to supplement technical infrastructure designs.

- Proven cross-platform infrastructure design and operations experience.

- Must be proficient in multiple technologies including both Linux and Windows Server.

- Must be proficient in cloud technologies and deployment models such as containerisation.

- Must be familiar with public cloud providers and offerings, specifically AWS and Azure.

- Experience in designing and deploying solutions that provide services across a multi-site organisation.

- Some exposure or experience of formal Service Management & Support processes such as COBIT, ITIL and TOGAF.

- Proven written proposal skills (samples may be asked to be evidenced).

- Background in technical architecture or operations.

- Excellent technical capabilities previous experience of cloud transformation / migration to public cloud would be an advantage.

- Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a presentation for technical and non-technical audiences.

- Having a basic understanding or exposure to AI tools would be a plus.

Desired Requirements /skills /experience :

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

- Good motivational skills.

- Ability to influence others and present solutions to all audiences.

- Ability to collaborate across boundaries.

- Methodical approach.

- Positive, can do attitude.

- Good team player.