Specialist, Platform Architect

Job Summary

Reporting to the Associate Director, Cloud & Infrastructure, the Platform Architect - Citrix is responsible for detailed planning, design, and optimization for all Citrix Platforms and related environments. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in architecting and supporting Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (including XenApp and XenDesktop). Further this candidate as required should be able to develop strategies using current and emerging technologies and translate business requirements into process designs. Plans, recommends and approves Citrix hybrid and hyperscaler Cloud Architectures and designs adhering to corporate standards and strategy. Configures and maintains integrated virtualization platforms both on premise and in Public Cloud offerings that may require Citrix usage.  Evaluates and recommends new products, maintains knowledge of emerging technologies in alignment with the enterprise’s ITSM standards. Monitors performance of all Citrix Platforms, ensures capacity planning is performed, and is proactive in assessing and making recommendations for improvement. Performs troubleshooting procedures at an Engineering level.

Job Responsibilities

Job Responsibilities:
•    Architects and Designs Hybrid Citrix Technologies that align with the overall GIS strategy and produce benefit to the corporation
•    Leverage Senior Citrix VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) engineering skills to help deliver a world-class Citrix virtual apps and desktop experience to the global user community.
•    Design, install, configure, and maintain Citrix VDI solutions on-premises and cloud using Citrix Provisioning Services, Citrix App Layering, and Citrix Cloud Virtual Apps and Desktop Services using Machine Creation Services.
•    Maintain a strong security posture for our Citrix VDI platform, working with our Information Security team to apply regularly scheduled security updates and resolve vulnerabilities.
•    Use Citrix Director output to proactively monitor the platform to help improve performance, system availability, and manage capacity needs for Citrix VDI systems and applications.
•    Work with our users and global service desk, providing technical support, education, and documentation to solidify ITIL best practices
•    Serve as a mentor to our global support team and conduct routine training sessions.
•    Ensure compliance with corporate security policies and standards.
•    Create and maintain documentation for the Citrix VDI environment as needed.
•    Research and evaluate technology trends in the marketplace, identify ways to enhance the virtual desktop and application offerings.
•    Define standards for delivering Citrix related technology solutions within the enterprise
•    Ensures consistency across the organization for Citrix technology implementation and re-use
•    Defines, socializes and supports implementation of Citrix and related Technology Architecture (Applications, Infrastructure and Topology)
•    Reviews projects for impact and compliance
•    Identifies and maintains an up to date picture of organization and industry opportunities and risks
•    Participate in research, development, testing and production support activities as relevant
•    Prepare and present recommendations to GIS and Business Leadership teams as required
•    Responsible for understanding and complying with common and emerging protection and security principles
•    Works in a safe manner collaborating as a team member to achieve all outcomes.
•    Demonstrates Behaviours that exhibit our organizational Values: Collaboration, Courage, Perseverance, and Passion.
•    Demonstrates alignment to the Winning Behaviours: “Always Accountable, Definitely Disciplined and Relentlessly Reaching”
•    Ensure personal adherence with all compliance programs including the Global Business Ethics and Compliance Program, Global Quality policies and procedures, Safety and Environment policies, and HR policies
•    Interactions will include: Enterprise Architecture Team, Solution architects, Service Portfolio Leaders, Service Portfolio Architects/Analysts, Project Managers, Business Partners, Vendors
•    All other relevant duties as assigned

Job Requirements

Job Requirements:
•    Education: University or College Degree or equivalent experience
•    Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
•    Extensive knowledge of Hybrid Citrix Cloud Architectures and Technologies; including Virtualization and Container technologies, Virtual Desktops and PCaaService, available within the Public and Private Clouds
•    Proven track record for working effectively with technical and business functions
•    Proven project delivery experience
•    Good understanding of Networking Technologies, including TCPIP, routing, switching and VPN.  
•    Understanding of software and system development lifecycle
•    Excellent topology modelling and mapping skills
•    Strong analytical skills required in identifying problems, validating and making recommendations
•    Excellent documentation skills
•    Advanced, concise and clear written and verbal communication skills in a variety of settings
•    Excellent listening skills with ability to follow instructions and guidelines clearly
•    Demonstrated ability to make decisions, solve and troubleshoot problems based on analysis, experience and judgement
•    Demonstrated ability to originate or initiate new and unique ideas to business/technical problems
•    Proven ability to function in a fast paced and continuously changing environment
•    Excellent organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities to accomplish objectives and goals anticipating and adjusting for problems and interruptions/roadblocks
•    Excellent interpersonal skills
•    Good presentation skills in a variety of settings with business or technical users in small and large groups
•    Experience delivering training and/or creating training materials on business or technical topics
•    High degree of commitment and demonstrated ability to continuous learning and improvement
•    Demonstrated ability to consistently produce accurate, complete and thorough work of high quality

•Experience
•Minimum five years' experience in Citrix technology delivery or design capability
•Implementation of  cyber controls to enhance security posture of Citrix platforms by applying industry standard cyber frameworks and best practices.