Job Description

Set the bar for greatness...

The FA are excited to be searching for a Platform Architect to join our Digital Technology division. The successful candidate will be responsible for the production of low-level platform architecture designs for all IT and business product lines, ensuring that all platform standards are defined and met during delivery phases.

What will you be doing?

Provide technical input into the IT infrastructure roadmap, both for near-term (next 18-24 months) and long-term (3-5 years) Serve as a technical design authority across both infrastructure and business-led projects. Produce low-level designs across both infrastructure and business-led projects. Build infrastructure proof of concepts as required for the FA roadmap. Ensure projects are aligned with the wider enterprise architecture as part of the IT Strategy. Identify IT infrastructure opportunities for innovation based on technical knowledge, best practices and industry trends. Act as a point of resolution for 3rd-level technical issues. Collaborate with third-party suppliers and partners to implement architectural changes in the IT Infrastructure. Maintain a knowledge base of emerging technologies and products. Leverage vendor relationships to increase awareness of technology trends and assess the potential benefits to the FA. Collaborate with solution and data architects within the wider Digital Technology department. Executes additional tasks as required to meet the FA's changing priorities. Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure that the highest standards of health, safety, and well-being can be maintained. As part of the FA's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.

What are we looking for?

Essential for the role:





IT Infrastructure Design:


In-depth Azure cloud knowledge, preferably Azure Solutions Architect, expert certified (AZ303+AZ304). Experience in facilitating meetings with project stakeholders to capture requirements. Experience in logical and physical design of secure, efficient, resilient IT architectures. Experience in Microsoft technologies, specifically Windows Server, AD, ISA Server, TMG and Microsoft Security methodologies. Experience in developing and documenting necessary Security policies and procedures.




Experience:



10+ years of experience in designing & managing IT architectures, including some or all of the following:


MS Azure cloud platform AD/DHCP/DNS VMWare virtualisation NetApp Storage Arrays Cisco routers and switches IIS configuration & hardening Fortinet firewalls




Beneficial to have:


Good working knowledge of wired and wireless networking. Must be able to identify risks inherent to technology solutions. Must understand project management methodologies and will be expected to contribute to technical projects. Must be able to break down technical projects into discrete tasks to assist in the creation of a project plan. Must have good time-management skills and be able to report progress on projects to a project manager.

What's in it for you?

We are committed to ensuring everyone can flourish in their roles, to achieve this we have unique office spaces under the arch of the iconic Wembley National Stadium, which is the home of English Football. We are also delighted to offer a world-class, Elite Performance Centre, St. George's Park in Staffordshire which is an exceptional setting to develop and inspire high-performing England teams and leaders.





We pride ourselves in offering a competitive salary as well as great opportunities to develop and grow in your role. But that is not all; we also have a range of exciting benefits, some of which can be found below:


Access to event day tickets at Wembley Stadium, alongside a host of regular internal events throughout the season, encouraging you to connect and learn with your colleagues and look after your mental health and well-being. Free, nutritious lunches at Wembley Stadium and St. George's Park. Free private medical cover. A contributory pension scheme. An additional 'Thank You' days leave, volunteering days as well as 25 days annual leave (based on a full-time, permanent contract.*)
A hybrid working model which offers greater flexibility.




For more information on what it is like to work at The FA, please visit our FA Careers page, https://www.thefa.com/about-football-association/careers





We are a diverse workplace, aspiring to represent football across the country. The Football Association actively promotes inclusion and diversity, encouraging you to be the best version of yourself at work.





We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this during your application.





As part of the FA's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.