Backup and Storage Team Manager

Job Purpose
The Storage and Backup Infrastructure Manager’s role is to plan, organize, and manage Architect and Engineering staff in this technology space to ensure the stable operation of the organization’s IT infrastructure in accordance with Global standards. This includes developing, maintaining, supporting, and optimizing key functional areas, specifically in NETAPP & HITACHI storage, NetBackup 7.7.x and any VMWare, Server, Virtualization and Data Centre Hosting is beneficial. The role also involves scheduling direct activities to resolve escalated hardware and software problems in a timely and accurate fashion. The individual must be a SME in the disciplines specified above and must have Management or team lead experience. The role will become the local/in region SME and point of escalation for AJG IB and will be responsible for leading storage and backup initiatives/projects including Architectural, Engineering and Problem Mgmt., working with stakeholders to improve the Global Storage and Backup Architecture.

Backup and Storage Team Manager
Key Accountabilities/Deliverables
Strategy & Planning
• Design and implement short- and long-term strategic plans to ensure infrastructure availability and capacity meets existing and future requirements.
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and associated training plans.
• Participate in the development of IT strategies in collaboration with the Strategic Architecture Review Board and Global standards.
• Conduct research and make recommendations on products, services, protocols, and standards in support of all infrastructure procurement and development efforts.
• Establish service level agreements Application and Operation Divisions.

Acquisition & Deployment
• Prepare RFPs, contracts, scope of work reports, and other documentation for infrastructure projects and associated efforts.
• Negotiate with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure infrastructure-specific products and services.
• Assist with the planning and deployment of infrastructure security measures.

Backup and Storage Team Manager
Operational Management & Readiness
• Manage and set priorities for the design, maintenance, development, and evaluation of all related infrastructure systems.
• Conduct feasibility studies for various upgrade projects, improvements, and other conversions.
• Deliver to hardware and software standards. Regularly attend Technology stack meetings and question technology is fit for purpose.
• Test server performance and provide performance statistics and reports; develop strategies for maintaining storage and backup infrastructure.
• Establish and maintain regular written and in-person communications with the organization’s executives, decision-makers, stakeholders, department heads, and end users regarding pertinent infrastructure activities.
• Practice IT asset management, including maintenance of component inventory and related documentation.
• Direct and administrate a contingent of architects and engineering.
• Provide Operational handover for acceptance of all new technologies implemented.
• Regularly communicate with Global technology owners.

Management & Leadership
• Ensure compliance with IT strategy and Policy through strong governance.
• Act as the interface point between the UK Engineering team and GTS US, ensuring our work, informs, supports and aligns with corporate standards.
• Build an IT Infrastructure capability (people, process and technology) to ensure the successful delivery of our Infrastructure Architecture and Engineering.
• Input into the planning, set and implement the relevant budget for Infrastructure Engineering.
• Provide strong, authentic, credible and engaging leadership to those you lead and the executive sponsors with whom you interact.
• Perform as a valued member of the Engineering group globally, both as the subject matter expert and significantly contributing to the success of the wider IT agenda.
• Technical Design Authority in the UK for storage and backups;
• Responsible for Technical High-Level Designs and Documentation;
• Responsible for Technical Low-Level Designs and Documentation;
• Responsible for delivering Operational Acceptance and Documentation;
• Presentation of Technical Solutions and Delivery to Exec and CIO Level;
• Responsible for Capacity Planning and Monitoring;
• Responsible for Architecture R&D and Strategy;
• Responsible for Problem Management (final escalation Ops);
• Ensure Corporate Standards are deployed and maintained;

Backup and Storage Team Manager
Experience
• Extensive industry experience within a general infrastructure environment
• NETAPP 7mode & CDOT (essential)
• Data Domain (desirable)
• Deep understanding of Data Centre Technologies (desirable)
• Symantec NetBackup (desirable)
• Expert knowledge of building and supporting NETAPP technologies
• Ability to troubleshoot complex infrastructure issues.
• Should have knowledge and experience within virtualisation, Windows, storage, backups
• Working knowledge of SAN technologies.
• Understanding of backup in virtualization environment and of security policy in virtualization

Skills/other
• Exposure to SAN Fabric Zoning and multipath principles
• Understanding of server security practices, policies and tools in a corporate environment.
• Understanding of data communication network protocols focusing on TCP/IP.
• Understanding of SAN technologies.
• Understanding of backup in virtualization environment.
• Understanding of security policy in virtualization environment.
• In depth & effective people management & leadership experience.
• Must have hands-on experience in large-scale 24/7 enterprise environments hosting hundreds of servers, complex networks and multiple locations.
• Knowledge and experience in high performance enterprise class computing environments.
• Hands-on experience in the architecture and design of infrastructure based services, including high availability, site security and disaster recovery. Includes evaluations, automations, design, delivery and distribution.
• Extensive hands-on experience in the implementation, delivery and management of infrastructure based services, including high availability, site security and disaster recovery.
• Knowledge and experience in the programme and project management associated with the delivery of new or changed infrastructure services.