Role: Data Center Architect (Contract) – Hybrid, United Kingdom (4 days on site per month)
We are seeking an experienced Data Center Architect to support a large-scale transformation within a leading UK banking environment. This project involves modernising the Data Center estate, strengthening resilience, and improving network efficiency across critical business applications. The role will suit someone who has strong experience working with Cisco data center technologies and enjoys solution design, technical decision-making, and collaborating with engineering teams to deliver real impact.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Designing and refining Data Center network and infrastructure architectures
* Leading end-to-end design discussions across networking, routing, switching and DC services
* Implementing scalable solutions to improve reliability, performance, and security
* Working closely with engineering, operations, and security teams to align designs
* Supporting migration, integration, and optimisation efforts across multiple sites/environments
* Influencing architecture roadmaps and future strategic direction
Tech Environment (Key Exposure)
* Cisco Networking & Data Center (NX-OS, Catalyst, ACI or classic DC switching)
* Routing & Switching (BGP, OSPF, Multicast preferred)
* Load Balancing & Firewalling experience beneficial (F5, Palo Alto, ASA etc.)
* Familiarity with high-availability architectures and large-scale LAN/WAN environments
* Experience in regulated/financial services environments is a plus (not mandatory)
What Makes This Project Interesting
* Opportunity to shape future-state Data Center strategy across a major UK bank
* Work on modernisation and simplification rather than just BAU support
* Engage with senior architects and decision-makers who value technical input
* Collaborative engineering culture with room to introduce new ideas
* Hybrid working with flexibility
Ideal Experience
* 10+ years in Networking, Data Center or Infrastructure Architecture roles
* Strong Cisco background (Certifications such as CCNP are advantageous but not required)
* Comfortable leading design discussions and documenting architecture solutions
* Strong communication and stakeholder collaboration skills