job requisition id R-10708

About DS Smith

DS Smith, an International Paper Company, are a leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions, paper products and recycling services in more than 30 different countries across EMEA with over 30,000 colleagues.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Network Architect to join our growing network services team here at DS Smith.

As the Network Operations/Architect Lead you will ensure delivery of a high-quality service aligned with business expectations whilst working closely with the Head of Network to plan future requirements and the ongoing evolution of the service. As the successful candidate, you will encompass subject matter expertise and leadership in ensuring operational excellence. You will demonstrate expert knowledge in service management, project delivery, technology and leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Within the function managed by the Head of Networks, technical expertise will exist and continue to be developed, which ensures DS Smith drives a clear technical roadmap, without reliance on a single vendor/advisor and with a constant eye to the future
• Advising the Head of Networks as a technical leader for network technology roadmap.
• Provides technical expertise and acts as a trusted advisor within the business, influencing decisions.
• Collaborates with other IT teams to ensure the delivery of services meets expectations
• Assists to ensure new services transition into operation in a controlled manner
• Establishes standards, procedures and policies appropriately aligned with industry best practice
• Helps to identify and manage risks within the network service and collaborates with the GRC function to ensure appropriate visibility
• Works with the Service Owner to maintain FinOps rigor to ensure service costs are managed tightly and to stakeholder expectations
• Demonstrates leadership qualities to guide IT colleagues and partners while adhering to policies, standards and procedures.
• Ensures fit-for-purpose processes and standards for client services delivery, working within company standards and IT governance framework
• Manages an operational cadence backed with data and dashboards supporting informed service quality measurement

About you

• Highly experienced Network Architect ideally with experience of working in a multi-national organisation
• You will demonstrate delivery of effective operational services spanning network functions (including WAN and WiFi and expected to expand to include LAN)
• Knowledge of key ITIL disciplines aligned with the growing maturity of the Shared Services function (including Incident, Problem, Change, Risk, Supplier Management)
• Technical and operational coordination experience of 3rd parties associated with the delivery of Network services
• Continuous improvement of service delivery
• Budget and cost management
• Knowledge management – ensuring appropriate KA’s are created and maintained by the team in support of operational and strategic decision making, e.g. network diagrams, solution overview documents, operational runbooks
• Management, leadership and development of the Networks team