Principal Architect - Facilities & Data Centre Design

Principal Architect - Facilities & Data Centre Design
UK-Based- Remote (Flexible International Travel Required - Including Riyadh, KSA)
Payrate: £650 - £747 Per Day Inside IR35
Contract Duration - 6 Months
IR35 Status: Inside
Sector: Telecommunications / National Cyber Security Program
NISC 2000 (Mandatory)

A leading global telecommunications company is seeking a Principal Architect with deep expertise in Facilities and Data Centre Design to lead a critical strategic programme in collaboration with international cyber security stakeholders. This role plays a pivotal part in shaping national-level infrastructure as part of a 2030 National Cyber Security Capability roadmap.

As the technical lead for Data Centre and Operations Room environments, you will work with consortium partners, strategists, and analysts to define the long-term architecture, create implementation roadmaps, and drive the delivery of large-scale, secure infrastructure solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and deliver a comprehensive Data Centre and Operational Environment Strategy.
• Develop high-level use cases, architectural requirements, and RFPs for large-scale national infrastructure projects.
• Lead gap analysis, migration planning, and define operational resilience and business continuity models.
• Ensure compliance with industry best practices in design, physical security, networking, power, cooling, and cloud integration.

• Translate strategic vision into functional and non-functional requirements across people, process, and technology.

What We're Looking For:

• 10+ years of experience in Data Centre architecture and facilities design.
• Proven experience with physical, hybrid, and cloud-based DC solutions, including containerisation and virtualisation.
• Strong capability in RFP creation, stakeholder engagement, and translating business needs into technical requirements.
• Deep knowledge of structured cabling, power/cooling systems, space planning, and physical security.
• Prior experience in national/international-scale infrastructure programs.
• Ability to lead through ambiguity, work with cross-functional teams, and simplify complex information for stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and strategic thinking skills.

This is a high-impact opportunity to influence the architectural blueprint of critical infrastructure for national cyber defence. If you're a strategic thinker with deep technical knowledge and a passion for designing secure, resilient environments, we'd love to hear from you.

This is an urgent vacancy where the hiring manager is shortlisting for an interview immediately. Please apply with a copy of your CV or send it khushboo. pandey @ randstad. Co. uk

Randstad Technologies is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.