IT Systems Architect

Job Title:            IT Systems Architect

Salary:                Up to £80k

Location:            UK remote (some travel involved across UK)

Focus Group is growing rapidly and a key part of this growth is generated through the acquisition of other companies. The Integration Team are focused on integrating these new companies into the Group and this role sits within that team. The primary focus is to assess the operational support systems of our newly acquired IT MSPs and to determine the best approach to integrate and map them to our existing systems (this can also include a recommendation to retain certain systems/technologies). The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in IT systems architecture, integration, and a deep understanding of operational support systems.

An acquisition integration project is a specialised kind of project. The scope of the projects will vary from acquisition to acquisition but will encompass all aspects of the IT systems and process migration/integration. This role is to help ensure that there is a clear understanding of the acquisition’s IT stack and how that best maps to Focus’s systems and processes. You will be working across multiple simultaneous projects at any one time (dependent on the acquisition cycle).

You will work with the ‘virtual’ cross-functional/regional project and BAU teams to ensure they deliver consistently against the plan.

Principal Responsibilities/Duties

• Conduct thorough assessments of the operational support systems of the acquired IT MSPs from which to develop integration strategies to map an acquisition’s systems to Focus Group systems.
• Provide proposal documents to operations leaders regarding the integration approach and, working with the BAU team, be accountable for the onboarding into relevant operational teams.
• If an existing system is to be retained, provide a justification for why and also how it can co-exist in the Focus Group environment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of systems.
• Where required, develop and implement an IT vendor migration strategy, considering potential customer churn, preferences for different products and Focus Group requirements.
• Understand the IT customer journey from sourcing to cash to allow for a detailed understanding of operational workflows and critical points that might need special attention.
• Identify potential risks and challenges in the system integration process and develop mitigation plans.
• Provide technical guidance and support to ensure successful system integration.
• Document integration processes and create detailed technical specifications.
• Provide regular updates to the Integration Programme Manager, senior leadership team and other key stakeholders on the progress, risks, and outcomes of the integration.
• Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in IT systems architecture and integration.
• Be an advocate for integration within the newly acquired businesses.

Requirements

Essential Skills & Experience

• From a relevant technical background, ideally within an MSP environment in a senior technical delivery, technical account management or technical project management position.
• Strong understanding of operational support systems and their components.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think strategically.
• Extensive experience in strategic technology planning and execution.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at various levels.
• A solid understanding of core product sets including M365, Azure, AVD, Windows Server and associated storage/hardware solutions, networking solutions such as HPE, Meraki and SonicWall.
• A solid understanding of Cyber technologies such as Zero Trust, SASE, CASB, EDR/XDR, Managed SOC, vulnerability and pen testing, Cyber Essentials Plus and ISO27001.
• Experience in technology platforms used within IT MSP environments including PSAs, documentation platforms and RMMs.
• Full drivers licence and willingness to travel to all Focus offices and incoming acquisitions.
• Ability to cope under pressure and prioritise work accordingly.
• Strong organisational skills, detail focused with attention to detail.

Desired Skills

• Experience in designing and delivering technical solutions in SME to Enterprise businesses.
• Experience in producing high quality documentation and process documents.
• Experience with ServiceNow, Datto RMM and/or IT Glue.

Benefits

At Focus Group you can be proud of what you do, how you do it and feel a true part of the team. We work hard to create an inclusive, collaborative and rewarding environment where you are inspired to achieve brilliant things and really make a difference to the future of our business.

We’re proud to have built an outstanding place to work where people thrive and are recognised for their achievements. We’re delighted to have been named one of the UK’s best 100 Companies to Work for 2021 and a British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA) 2023 Vision Award Winner for London & South East for our commitment to culture and ESG.

We welcome all applications and if you struggle to apply online, please contact us for a chat, or email us directly. We can make any reasonable adjustments to the working environment to ensure all employees are included and can work safely in our offices.

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