Rich K. Email & Phone Number

Remote

Working as the designated LittleFish Enterprise Architect, my remit was vast, even if the ask was clear. National Grid were splitting into two separate entities- National Gas (Gas) and National Grid (Electricity) for the UK.Multiple workstreams were identified in the separation: Devices, Microsoft 365, Service/Support, National Control Centre (NCC), Print. To have responsibility and be committed to all these areas brought its own challenges, namely timemanagement and developing a unique… Show more Working as the designated LittleFish Enterprise Architect, my remit was vast, even if the ask was clear. National Grid were splitting into two separate entities- National Gas (Gas) and National Grid (Electricity) for the UK.Multiple workstreams were identified in the separation: Devices, Microsoft 365, Service/Support, National Control Centre (NCC), Print. To have responsibility and be committed to all these areas brought its own challenges, namely timemanagement and developing a unique ability to spin plates in a way that satisfied key stakeholders whilst delivering architectural excellence as standard.NCC, Devices and Print were dealt with from cradle to grave. Formulating working relationships with Gas colleagues was of paramount importance, which allowed for requirements to be better understood and the right solutions to be designed. Designing how a 24/7Critical National Infrastructure working operation can migrate to a new entity was very challenging, especially when wrong moves could result in the entire Gas operation for the UK being affected or engineers not being able to handle faults and avert disasters.Devising solutions and designs required all my architectural knowledge. Current States, Roadmaps, Interims, Target states were all designed with solutions devised, such as the wider National Gas family of 3000+ employees migrating whilst the NCC remained in a current state. Design authorities were presented to and passed, SecureByDesign boards were signed off and more importantly sponsor satisfaction was achieved. LF were responsible for the entire Print solution which had to be imagined, scoped, architected and designed to fit the ever-changing Gas requirements. Again, presentation at the relevant boards and multiple senior level meetings ensued but thru persistence, expertise and an ability to tweak the design on the fly this was delivered.This is just a subset of the work I’ve undertaken as the migration was so vast but very time constrained. Show less

Remote

The remit, challenge or master plan was for the Migration of 20 Apps in 19 weeks, with 18 of them needing to be complete within 15 weeks, prior to the closure and exit from the main client DC at Stuttgart.The silver lining was that I didn't need to do the physical lift and shift of the kit and the reconfig of the virtual servers, the reality was that all the Architecture centric work such as writing a HLD for each app, devising Architecture roadmaps (Detailing how we would transition from… Show more The remit, challenge or master plan was for the Migration of 20 Apps in 19 weeks, with 18 of them needing to be complete within 15 weeks, prior to the closure and exit from the main client DC at Stuttgart.The silver lining was that I didn't need to do the physical lift and shift of the kit and the reconfig of the virtual servers, the reality was that all the Architecture centric work such as writing a HLD for each app, devising Architecture roadmaps (Detailing how we would transition from the Baseline architecture to the Target architecure) along with the design and discovery to enable the operation to proceed absolutely had to be completed. After providing sign off on the discovery and then critiquing it to an extent that I was able to commence the architectural designs, I followed an agile working pattern and summoned the best practices gained from my TOGAF certification to ensure my time and skills were used efficiently and within the correct areas. The HLDs were created in a manner that gave rise to the re-use of project artifacts, generating cost and time saving benefits and ensuring that at all points efficiency was at optimum levels.At the project checkpoint in September 2023 we were about 95% thru the planned remit of work and with some final expertise and dedication we managed to iron out the final issues and achieved our targets.Everything was delivered on time and the client was delighted with the work carried out. Once all the apps were migrated, full remedial work was carried out to ensure compliance, requirements and customer desires were met.At this point of writing, everything is working to plan and the client is delivering in line with its dedicated SLAs and SLIs Show less

Remote

The aim, or the challenge was to become Togaf certified.This isn't something which can be achieved by reading books and studying alone, hence GL kindly funded my week-long virtual course. At the conclusion of this, my initial thought was that I would be exam ready....hmmm, practice exams suggested otherwise.To pass the two exams required significant reading around the subject, other than the prep materials and deep diving into specific areas.The questioning techniques were very… Show more The aim, or the challenge was to become Togaf certified.This isn't something which can be achieved by reading books and studying alone, hence GL kindly funded my week-long virtual course. At the conclusion of this, my initial thought was that I would be exam ready....hmmm, practice exams suggested otherwise.To pass the two exams required significant reading around the subject, other than the prep materials and deep diving into specific areas.The questioning techniques were very specific and regimented, but after significant extra work was undertaken the net result was two exam passes.Part one was passed with 70%. Part 2 ( the more difficult part) was where I excelled and achieved 95%- possibly my highest ever pass score. Show less

Remote

Successful creation of an Role Based Access Control Architecture (RBAC) functionality facilitating seemless access to the AWS Console for Data and Analytics Colleagues. Increased functionality allowing for interactive querying and analysis using AWS Athena, alongside cost saving benefits immediately being realised due to the reduction of the workload on senior staff.Initial plans and arhcitecture were finalised and presented to the Data Design Authority with first time approval obtained… Show more Successful creation of an Role Based Access Control Architecture (RBAC) functionality facilitating seemless access to the AWS Console for Data and Analytics Colleagues. Increased functionality allowing for interactive querying and analysis using AWS Athena, alongside cost saving benefits immediately being realised due to the reduction of the workload on senior staff.Initial plans and arhcitecture were finalised and presented to the Data Design Authority with first time approval obtained on the basis of the background under.The bank is moving away from unique access profiles to an RBAC approach- my role incorporated the architecting, design and devliery of models and access requirements for the entire D&A division within Natwest alongside the design and creation of AWS IAM Roles and AD Groups.Currently using Hue and Impala alongside Hadoop big data on prem, the bank are moving over to using AWS Athena to query the Natwest D&A Data Lake, whilst also focussing on interactive querying using the AWS Sagemaker Studio tool. The role has involved two extensions thus far and is likely to involve further to ensure the project is delivered and its full functionality unlocked.I have mentored a colleague, based in our grad team, and encouraged him to express his opinions and contribute to the overall project, whilst also advising on issues beyond his skillset- this has been beneficial for both parties and resulted in excellent feedback from the end user Show less

Halifax, United Kingdom

Infrastructure ArchitectECS: Walgreen Boots Alliance Aug21 on• Migration of WBA owned pharmaceutical company from on prem- Azure cloud• • CSA Creation - complex 120page documents showing current state of operations• Creation of complex Modelling Diagrams showcasing current and future data flow and infrastructure• High Level Design Documents describing the transition to the Azure cloud in wide detail• Low Level Designs building on the HLD design in granular design… Show more Infrastructure ArchitectECS: Walgreen Boots Alliance Aug21 on• Migration of WBA owned pharmaceutical company from on prem- Azure cloud• • CSA Creation - complex 120page documents showing current state of operations• Creation of complex Modelling Diagrams showcasing current and future data flow and infrastructure• High Level Design Documents describing the transition to the Azure cloud in wide detail• Low Level Designs building on the HLD design in granular design describing VMs, Resource groups, F/W rules and Network details• Firewall Requests design detailing the rules needed for the move from on prem to Azure• Working in an agile, scrum lead manner to strict constantly changing deadlines Show less

Halifax

A 7year project to remove 27,000~ servers from the LBG global ecosystem, of which I was at the forefront of for the final 6 since my introduction in 2015, being entrusted as one of the last men standing to ensure that the project reached its natural denouement and achieved cost saving and green-energy recognitions.• Design and modernisation of LBG systems- including removal of 27k Win2k3 servers• Creation of design documents (RAOs) showcasing Current State Documentation, CMO, FMO… Show more A 7year project to remove 27,000~ servers from the LBG global ecosystem, of which I was at the forefront of for the final 6 since my introduction in 2015, being entrusted as one of the last men standing to ensure that the project reached its natural denouement and achieved cost saving and green-energy recognitions.• Design and modernisation of LBG systems- including removal of 27k Win2k3 servers• Creation of design documents (RAOs) showcasing Current State Documentation, CMO, FMO and full design of movement to 2008-2016 servers then GCP Cloud• Team Leader - planning team duties, driving targets & spreading workloads • Formation of relationships across team-boundaries and motivation of colleagues• Last man standing in my team for the final stages – remit to see the project through Show less

Leeds

Starting out as an SME across multiple subject areas dictated a steep but rewarding learning curve. Lifecycle management predicates work across the packaging and deployment, patching and remediation of the LBG estate of servers. Deployments and route to live (RTL) work centring around the HPSA Automation tool set are delivered across all windows servers and RTL work also harnesses PowerShell scripting expertise. Deployments using HPSA and troubleshooting are performed out of hours whilst the… Show more Starting out as an SME across multiple subject areas dictated a steep but rewarding learning curve. Lifecycle management predicates work across the packaging and deployment, patching and remediation of the LBG estate of servers. Deployments and route to live (RTL) work centring around the HPSA Automation tool set are delivered across all windows servers and RTL work also harnesses PowerShell scripting expertise. Deployments using HPSA and troubleshooting are performed out of hours whilst the Patching work also relies heavily upon automation, ensuring internal operations are correct and adhering to change management policies so as to carry out tasks in the correct timeframes, ensuring that the baseline is complete and patch Tuesday is incorporated.ITIL principles such as SPOC, CAB liaison and Complex change management procedures are critical for the remediation of servers, however previous skills garnered in IT Networking, principally DNS, DHCP, clustering and iLOs all are essential in ensuring that only applicable servers are removed from the vast companywide environment.Close liaison with the change advisor boards remains at the forefront of any duties with all work stringently audited to the necessary bank standards. Regular out of hours changes are essential to ensure servers remain secure, up to date or are condemned at the least risqué times for the enterprise. Show less

Leeds

Consulting as a Senior Technical Consultant to Lloyds Banking Group, who possess one of the largest server estates in the UK. I have called upon previous networking and infrastructure skills but also learnt a new array of expertise associated with change management, ITIL procedures and the rigorous process of decommissioning servers. Maintaining the vast array of Windows (2000-2016) servers, infrastructure and peripherals is a daunting task. Selecting suitable candidates for decommissioning… Show more Consulting as a Senior Technical Consultant to Lloyds Banking Group, who possess one of the largest server estates in the UK. I have called upon previous networking and infrastructure skills but also learnt a new array of expertise associated with change management, ITIL procedures and the rigorous process of decommissioning servers. Maintaining the vast array of Windows (2000-2016) servers, infrastructure and peripherals is a daunting task. Selecting suitable candidates for decommissioning requires a wide array of due diligence and analytical skills and a massive attention to detail, as taking the wrong server down could make front page news. Change management is at the forefront of my mind. Changes must be submitted to the CAB, after approval and interaction with Datacenter teams, Networking and VMWare colleagues in order for a powerdown to be planned and scheduled for an out of hours’ window. iLo and Computer account removals, deletion of DHCP scopes and Failover and clustering management are a small subset of tasks in what is an exhaustive process. Working in a global market leading retail bank has shown me the benefits and pitfalls of working in such a vast organisation and taught me the precision needed to adhere to the strict processes. Show less

Yeadon

• Principle remit to ensure that the hardware and software encompassed in the company infrastructure is kept at its High availability limits whilst also maintaining user access be it remotely or whilst in the office• Pan develop and maintain highly specialist lending applications for the finance (loans) industry- inbound/outbound connections from clients are to our datacentre. Maintaining connectivity and ensuring the infrastructure is fit for purpose is one of my key roles•… Show more • Principle remit to ensure that the hardware and software encompassed in the company infrastructure is kept at its High availability limits whilst also maintaining user access be it remotely or whilst in the office• Pan develop and maintain highly specialist lending applications for the finance (loans) industry- inbound/outbound connections from clients are to our datacentre. Maintaining connectivity and ensuring the infrastructure is fit for purpose is one of my key roles• Planning, design, implementation and test of email system upgrade from Exchange 2007 to Exchange 2013, including construction of a DAG, full setup of wildcard certificates and protection of the OWA site using reverse proxies plus RSA SecurID integration to ensure two factor auth is used for inbound Web connections• Upgrade of company Domain Controllers (DCs) including build of new servers, upgrades from Server 2003 to Server 2008 R2, decommission of old DCs along with addition of a third DC to provide load balancing and HA• Rollout of two new MS Office deployments- 2010 and 2013 along with entirety of stylesheets• Ongoing design and deployment of entire new Citrix environment – encompassing new Citrix XenApp 7.6, Storefront 2.1, Netscaler VPX/ firewall all on Server 2012 R2• Implementation of a new file server, securID appliance, regular build of new PCs both physical and virtual, ongoing day to support centring around remote connections.Everyday work focuses around VMware VCenter running on VMware ESXI Server. Clients, servers and appliances run virtually. Physical laptops are maintained and simple tasks such as ensuring both Linux networker backups and Windows Arcserve backups run to time are carried out along with servicing of hardware such as printers and PCs. Having the ability to decipher complex queries from customers is something which I’ve gained from this role and it can be applied in my daily duties. Show less

Halifax

• Design, build and installation on and off client site of servers to bespoke specifications and budgets based on Microsoft Windows SBS 2003/2008/11 servers using active directory, Microsoft Exchange, Draytek routers and HP Switches and printers. Building of AD directories and building / configuration of user PC’s additionally.• Implementation and scoping of LAN to LAN VPN architecture for Republic of Ireland managed services customer base. Incorporating, IP routing Switch and firewall… Show more • Design, build and installation on and off client site of servers to bespoke specifications and budgets based on Microsoft Windows SBS 2003/2008/11 servers using active directory, Microsoft Exchange, Draytek routers and HP Switches and printers. Building of AD directories and building / configuration of user PC’s additionally.• Implementation and scoping of LAN to LAN VPN architecture for Republic of Ireland managed services customer base. Incorporating, IP routing Switch and firewall aspects, brokerages ranged from the 3seat client to the multi domain 250 seat corporations• Implementation of test plans and procedures for migration from Windows XP to Windows 8 including feasibility testing for SSP’s insurance products when using current and forthcoming versions of Microsoft Office• 2nd and 3rd line support of a wide ranging product set – ranging from Servers & Clients to hardware. Server 2000-2011, Windows 2000-Windows8, Printers, modems, routers and network peripherals. Close contact with third party engineering firms when maintenance and replacement kit is needed• Configuration of group policies and registry settings, including in-depth server based issues involving MS Exchange, SBS & Terminal Services. Show less

Leeds

• Varying ranges of installs all proceeded by detailed documentation and user manuals. Customers including the likes of Cable and Wireless, MOD, NPIA PITO (National Police Improvements Agencies), National Rail, Bearing Point (Dublin) and local government bureaus such as West Midlands police and Nottinghamshire police.• Common role based access control procedure put into place, preventing the lower level ranks from accessing sensitive information using Identity based controls and managing… Show more • Varying ranges of installs all proceeded by detailed documentation and user manuals. Customers including the likes of Cable and Wireless, MOD, NPIA PITO (National Police Improvements Agencies), National Rail, Bearing Point (Dublin) and local government bureaus such as West Midlands police and Nottinghamshire police.• Common role based access control procedure put into place, preventing the lower level ranks from accessing sensitive information using Identity based controls and managing data appropriately• Support hybrid tasks involving some day to day maintenance of the solutions implemented or the management of large scale firewalls for companies such as Lakeland and large councils • Formed key relationships with important customers, principally Scottish Power which led to a system upgrade and the replacement of older legacy systems with the Siteminder suite. Additionally Sessions of York which I scoped and installed a new Server to manage the deployment of Websense Show less

Bachelor Of Science 2:1 (Bsc Hons), Computer Software Engineering & French, 2:1

Activities and Societies: Software Engineering, Data Warehousing, Web Coding 4 Year Course, which included modules relating to programming.

A Level, Gcses, 10 Gcse (A&B) 3 A-Levels (A-C)