Solutions Architect, Digital Workplace

First Quality was founded in 1989 and has grown to be a global privately held company with over 4,000 employees. Its corporate offices are located in Great Neck, New York, with manufacturing facilities and offices in Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Georgia, and Canada. First Quality is a diversified family of companies manufacturing consumer products ranging from Absorbent Hygiene (adult incontinence, feminine care, and baby care), Tissue (bath and towel), and Industrial (print and packaging materials), serving institutional and retail markets throughout the world. First Quality focuses on private label and branded product lines.

We are seeking a Solution Architect, Digital Workplace for our First Quality Enterprises working remotely.  

Primary responsibilities include:

• Evaluate and recommend end user software and hardware; create and negotiate proposals for purchasing new or upgraded products.
• Establish and maintain the “Digital Workplace Roadmap” which includes processes and technologies which continuously enhance and modernize our end user experience.
• Deploy Enterprise solutions which foster and drive collaboration between team members enabling them to work together easily and efficiently in a modern workplace.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining standards for endpoint software, hardware, and related peripherals as well as setting and maintaining the roadmaps.
• Provide training to the End User Technology team members around use and administration of relevant platforms and services.
• Validate new and existing IT services provided to customer are optimal and meet business needs.
• Collaborate with other IT team members and business members to plan, build, and operate technologies and systems.
• Ensure end user technology solutions are a best fit to First Quality and adhere to enterprise architecture and principles.
• Create and maintain current documentation associated with applications and systems managed by the team.
• Responsible for software licensing management and compliance.
• Provide Tier III and escalation support to End User Technicians and engage with vendors and partners to resolve issues.
• Work closely with vendors for escalated issues and roadmap strategies for End User Hardware and peripherals Assist in project change management efforts.
• Active Directory (AD) administration to maintain user and machine accounts, access rights for users and groups, machine, and group policy updates to deliver end user capabilities.
• Utilize resources and tools to monitor and manage systems and services ensuring their overall health and availability.
• Responsible for maintaining up to date and secure desktop Operating System images for FQ.
• Work with Information Security to ensure endpoint security platforms are deployed, managed, and maintained properly.

The ideal candidate should possess the following:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or related field preferred. Advanced degree a plus.
• 7+ years of experience in the End User IT field.
• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills with excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• High understanding of End User platforms and operating systems including but not limited to:
• Windows 10 & 11, Apple iOS, Mac OS
• Workstation Image Builds and Deployment
• Microsoft Azure, SCCM, WDS
• Soti Mobi, Intune, other MDM
• Familiarity with App Streaming and Desktop-as-a-Service platforms such as Citrix, Horizon VDI, Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop
• MS Office 365 Suite and MS Products
• Encryption, Microsoft Purview, DLP Technologies
• Endpoint Security Agents such as CyberArk EPM, Netskope, Crowdstrike and other
• Hardware – Laptops, Desktops, Thin Clients, Video Conference Systems
• Ability and desire to engage with all functions of the Enterprise to understand and articulate the business requirements as well as the IT capabilities and requirements.
• General knowledge of all IT disciplines and technology platforms.
• Practical experience in IT management.
• Considerable knowledge of business theory, business processes, management, budgeting, and business office operations.
• IT experience in a strong manufacturing environment demonstrating a proven project and process management skill set preferred.
• Excellent customer service skills and change management skills to facilitate transition from one technology to another.
• Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high demand environment.
• Results oriented, customer-focused.
• Ability to work well independently and in team environment.
• Exhibits a proactive commitment to professional development by staying abreast of the latest technologies and industry trends. 
• Actively engages in networking opportunities and participates in industry events to enhance the evaluation and implementation of digital workplace strategies within the enterprise infrastructure framework. 
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Solid organizational and time management skills
• Proven ability to deliver despite obstacles.
• Trustworthy with high degree of credibility
• Solid written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate to the business.
• Demonstrate consistent and appropriate responsiveness to both urgent and non-critical matters.
• Able to collaborate effectively with a variety of cross functional teams.

Work Environment:

• Majority office environment with some plant and warehouse.
• The office environment will primarily be remote “home office,” with some in office when required.
• Ability to travel up to 5% of the time