Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Digital Directorate at South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) for a highly skilled CAD Infrastructure & Integration Architect.
This pivotal role will lead the infrastructure and integration workstream for the implementation of a new Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system -- a critical component of SCAS's digital transformation. The post holder will be responsible for shaping and governing the technical design of infrastructure, ensuring compliance with NHS and industry standards, while enabling resilient, secure and interoperable solutions across multiple operational and clinical environments.
We are seeking a strategic, technically expert and solutions-focused leader with advanced knowledge of enterprise architecture, cloud infrastructure, and NHS digital compliance frameworks. The role will operate with full professional autonomy, making authoritative recommendations on infrastructure design, supplier engagement and system resilience at Trust Board, programme governance, and regional/national NHS forums.
This role supports the infrastructure required for the 999 CAD Programme -- not the design of the CAD product itself. Working closely with the CAD Programme Manager and ICT Infrastructure Technician, the Architect will shape infrastructure strategy, lead resilience planning and testing, and play a strategically important role in delivering both the SCAS Fit for the Future Programme and wider NHS digital transformation initiatives.
Main duties of the job
The CAD Infrastructure & Integration Architect will provide strategic leadership and technical authority for the design, deployment and governance of SCAS's new CAD infrastructure. They will develop and own the infrastructure roadmap, ensuring alignment with NHS digital strategies and the Trust's Fit for the Future Programme.
Key responsibilities include leading the implementation of resilient infrastructure across multiple sites, ensuring high availability, disaster recovery and cyber resilience in line with ISO, NHS and NCSC standards. The post holder will oversee network and cloud environments, data storage, and backup solutions, providing assurance on performance, compliance and value for money.
They will act as the senior technical lead for supplier and interface integration, negotiating complex requirements, enforcing interoperability standards, and assuring resilience through rigorous testing and governance.
The role also carries responsibility for security, compliance and policy leadership, ensuring infrastructure aligns with CAF aligned DSPT, UK GDPR and ISO frameworks, and for developing Trust-wide standards on RBAC, audit logging and threat monitoring.
In addition, the Architect will provide strategic oversight of documentation, information architecture and asset management in line with ITIL and TOGAF, ensuring accuracy and adoption across SCAS and partner organisations.
Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details
About us
Benefits we offer:
- Full training and a range of courses which you can book locally.
- Holiday entitlement of 27 days, rising to 29 days after 5 years' service and 33 days after 10 years' service, plus an additional 8 days bank holiday (pro rata for part time).
- Automatic enrolment into the NHS Pension Scheme.
- Access to continual professional development within SCAS and the wider NHS.
- Occupational Health support and direct access to our Employee Assistance Programme as well as our own Health and Wellbeing Team.
- NHS Discounts in over 200 + stores saving money on holidays, days out, car insurance, restaurants, clothing and much more.
- Ability to join our staff networking groups (as a member, ally or just for interest).
Corporate Induction
It's important for us to ensure you have the best onboarding experience which allows you to feel a sense of belonging from the start. To help with this, we will book your Corporate Induction as soon as we possibly can (depending on availability).
All new starters need to attend our *Corporate Induction in person, this is held over one and half days from our educational centres based in: Newbury (Berkshire), Bicester (Oxfordshire) or Whiteley (Hampshire). More specific details will be sent to you once your start date has been confirmed.
Job description
Job responsibilities
This is a strategically important role within a complex, high-profile programme. The successful candidate will demonstrate advanced technical, leadership and programme management skills, with the ability to shape infrastructure strategy, plan across interdependent workstreams and present authoritative recommendations to senior stakeholders.
You should bring proven expertise in enterprise infrastructure architecture, virtualisation, cloud platforms, resilient storage, and disaster recovery planning, ideally within NHS or other mission-critical environments. Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, excellent documentation and communication abilities, and the capacity to lead and influence at Board and national level are essential.
Please see the Job Description and Person Specification attached for full details of the role.
Job description
Job responsibilities
This is a strategically important role within a complex, high-profile programme. The successful candidate will demonstrate advanced technical, leadership and programme management skills, with the ability to shape infrastructure strategy, plan across interdependent workstreams and present authoritative recommendations to senior stakeholders.
You should bring proven expertise in enterprise infrastructure architecture, virtualisation, cloud platforms, resilient storage, and disaster recovery planning, ideally within NHS or other mission-critical environments. Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, excellent documentation and communication abilities, and the capacity to lead and influence at Board and national level are essential.
Please see the Job Description and Person Specification attached for full details of the role.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Formal qualifications and/or recognised professional certifications in IT infrastructure, health informatics or a related field, supported by substantial experience in delivering complex infrastructure solutions.
- Expert in the field of planning and implementing new and complex IT solutions, especially in critical environments
- Proven experience in leading the design, architecture and delivery of complex IT infrastructure solutions, in high-availability environments
- Proven experience with virtualisation of servers, based on advanced technical knowledge of hypervisor solutions such as VMware, Hyper-V.
- Demonstrable experience in developing, implementing and testing BCDR and HA solutions
- Demonstrable knowledge of enterprise networking, including switching, routing, VLANs, and firewalls & SQL servers.
- Demonstrable experience in leading cross-functional teams or strategic infrastructure projects.
Desirable
- ITIL v4 Foundation or higher - (strongly preferred).
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate.
- VMware Certified Professional (VCP).
- ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Implementer or Practitioner.
- TOGAF Certified or equivalent enterprise architecture framework.
- Experience with Computer Aided Dispatch System (CAD) or emergency services IT infrastructure.
- Expert-level certification in cloud architecture (e.g., Azure/AWS Professional).
- Demonstrable knowledge of national NHS digital standards and regulatory frameworks.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- High depth of experience in implementing enterprise-wide IT infrastructure solutions, including installing, configuring hardware and networking servers, especially in highly regulated, time critical environments, across multiple sites.
- Experience in strategic planning, architecture governance or service transformation, including management of supplier relationships and contract negotiations.
- Extensive experience leading cross-organisational digital transformation programmes within the NHS or equivalent.
- Experience designing and governing enterprise-wide information architectures and documentation standards.
- Understanding of NHS digital standards and regulatory frameworks, including DCB0129/0160, DSPT (CAF) leadership, Information Governance
Desirable
- Familiarity with NHS applications and systems (e.g., CAD, EPR, PAS, N3/HSCN).
- Experience in NHS / emergency services environments or other highly critical services.
- Experience with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS) and hybrid environments
Skills and Aptitudes
Essential
- Highly developed project and programme management skills, including planning, organising and delivering complex work to meet the needs of multiple stakeholders
- Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills, with the ability to make sound decisions in complex and ambiguous situations.
- Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills, with the ability to make sound decisions in complex and ambiguous situations.
- Proven ability in strategic planning and thinking across interdependent workstreams, with the vision to contribute to long-term digital and infrastructure planning.(
- Very highly developed documentation and reporting skills, including the production of technical diagrams and user guides for non-ICT managers and senior leaders.
- Demonstrable ability to lead and coordinate complex, multi-site digital infrastructure programmes, managing multiple priorities under pressure in fast-paced environments
- In-depth technical expertise in virtualisation platforms (e.g. VMware, Hyper-V) and backup systems (e.g. Veeam), including high availability and disaster recovery strategies.
Desirable
- Demonstrable interpersonal awareness with the ability to handle sensitive interactions, encourage team cohesion, and contribute to a respectful and inclusive workplace
- Experience in mentoring or coaching staff
- Experience in developing and delivering training or knowledge transfer sessions
Physical Requirements
Essential
- Regular use of VDU equipment with excellent fine motor skills for working with highly complex IT componentry.
- Ability to perform precise manual tasks (e.g. patch panel configuration and secure cabling) and undertake manual handling of IT equipment during infrastructure deployment and support.
- Travel to Trust sites will be necessary for installations, to maintain systems and attend meetings/training & full driving licence **add this in the trac questions
- Commitment to completing all mandatory training relevant to the role, including Information Governance, Cyber Security Awareness, Health & Safety, and Equality & Diversity.
- Understanding of and adherence to confidentiality policies, including the handling of sensitive patient and organisational data in line with NHS Information Governance standards.
- Awareness of the importance of data protection legislation (e.g. UK GDPR) and the ability to apply this knowledge in day-to-day ICT operations. Manual handling of IT equipment is required during infrastructure deployment and support.
Special Requirements
Essential
- Commitment to completing all mandatory training relevant to the role, including Information Governance, Cyber Security Awareness, Health & Safety, and Equality & Diversity.
- Understanding of and adherence to confidentiality policies, including the handling of sensitive patient and organisational data in line with NHS Information Governance standards.
- Awareness of the importance of data protection legislation (e.g. UK GDPR) and the ability to apply this knowledge in day-to-day ICT operations.
Desirable
- Demonstrates a proactive commitment to continuous professional development, particularly in emerging technologies, project delivery methodologies, and leadership practices.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential
- Formal qualifications and/or recognised professional certifications in IT infrastructure, health informatics or a related field, supported by substantial experience in delivering complex infrastructure solutions.
- Expert in the field of planning and implementing new and complex IT solutions, especially in critical environments
- Proven experience in leading the design, architecture and delivery of complex IT infrastructure solutions, in high-availability environments
- Proven experience with virtualisation of servers, based on advanced technical knowledge of hypervisor solutions such as VMware, Hyper-V.
- Demonstrable experience in developing, implementing and testing BCDR and HA solutions
- Demonstrable knowledge of enterprise networking, including switching, routing, VLANs, and firewalls & SQL servers.
- Demonstrable experience in leading cross-functional teams or strategic infrastructure projects.
Desirable
- ITIL v4 Foundation or higher - (strongly preferred).
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate.
- VMware Certified Professional (VCP).
- ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Implementer or Practitioner.
- TOGAF Certified or equivalent enterprise architecture framework.
- Experience with Computer Aided Dispatch System (CAD) or emergency services IT infrastructure.
- Expert-level certification in cloud architecture (e.g., Azure/AWS Professional).
- Demonstrable knowledge of national NHS digital standards and regulatory frameworks.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- High depth of experience in implementing enterprise-wide IT infrastructure solutions, including installing, configuring hardware and networking servers, especially in highly regulated, time critical environments, across multiple sites.
- Experience in strategic planning, architecture governance or service transformation, including management of supplier relationships and contract negotiations.
- Extensive experience leading cross-organisational digital transformation programmes within the NHS or equivalent.
- Experience designing and governing enterprise-wide information architectures and documentation standards.
- Understanding of NHS digital standards and regulatory frameworks, including DCB0129/0160, DSPT (CAF) leadership, Information Governance
Desirable
- Familiarity with NHS applications and systems (e.g., CAD, EPR, PAS, N3/HSCN).
- Experience in NHS / emergency services environments or other highly critical services.
- Experience with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS) and hybrid environments
Skills and Aptitudes
Essential
- Highly developed project and programme management skills, including planning, organising and delivering complex work to meet the needs of multiple stakeholders
- Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills, with the ability to make sound decisions in complex and ambiguous situations.
- Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills, with the ability to make sound decisions in complex and ambiguous situations.
- Proven ability in strategic planning and thinking across interdependent workstreams, with the vision to contribute to long-term digital and infrastructure planning.(
- Very highly developed documentation and reporting skills, including the production of technical diagrams and user guides for non-ICT managers and senior leaders.
- Demonstrable ability to lead and coordinate complex, multi-site digital infrastructure programmes, managing multiple priorities under pressure in fast-paced environments
- In-depth technical expertise in virtualisation platforms (e.g. VMware, Hyper-V) and backup systems (e.g. Veeam), including high availability and disaster recovery strategies.
Desirable
- Demonstrable interpersonal awareness with the ability to handle sensitive interactions, encourage team cohesion, and contribute to a respectful and inclusive workplace
- Experience in mentoring or coaching staff
- Experience in developing and delivering training or knowledge transfer sessions
Physical Requirements
Essential
- Regular use of VDU equipment with excellent fine motor skills for working with highly complex IT componentry.
- Ability to perform precise manual tasks (e.g. patch panel configuration and secure cabling) and undertake manual handling of IT equipment during infrastructure deployment and support.
- Travel to Trust sites will be necessary for installations, to maintain systems and attend meetings/training & full driving licence **add this in the trac questions
- Commitment to completing all mandatory training relevant to the role, including Information Governance, Cyber Security Awareness, Health & Safety, and Equality & Diversity.
- Understanding of and adherence to confidentiality policies, including the handling of sensitive patient and organisational data in line with NHS Information Governance standards.
- Awareness of the importance of data protection legislation (e.g. UK GDPR) and the ability to apply this knowledge in day-to-day ICT operations. Manual handling of IT equipment is required during infrastructure deployment and support.
Special Requirements
Essential
- Commitment to completing all mandatory training relevant to the role, including Information Governance, Cyber Security Awareness, Health & Safety, and Equality & Diversity.
- Understanding of and adherence to confidentiality policies, including the handling of sensitive patient and organisational data in line with NHS Information Governance standards.
- Awareness of the importance of data protection legislation (e.g. UK GDPR) and the ability to apply this knowledge in day-to-day ICT operations.
Desirable
- Demonstrates a proactive commitment to continuous professional development, particularly in emerging technologies, project delivery methodologies, and leadership practices.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Southern House
North Wing, Southern House, Sparrowgrove
Otterbourne, Hampshire
SO21 2RU
Employer's website
https://scasjobs.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
