Solution Architect (Infrastructure & Networks)
About the Role
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Solution Architect – Infrastructure & Networks to join our IS&S function and play a critical role in shaping and delivering robust, secure, and scalable enterprise technology solutions across DS Smith.
This role holds technical accountability for infrastructure and network architecture across a complex, multi-site international environment. You will lead the design and governance of core infrastructure services spanning networking, cloud connectivity, datacentre, and endpoint environments—ensuring solutions are resilient, secure, and aligned with enterprise strategy.
Working closely with Infrastructure Operations, Cybersecurity, Enterprise Architecture, and project delivery teams, you will enable business transformation whilst ensuring technology standards, governance, and operational excellence are consistently upheld.
Key responsibilities include:
Designing end-to-end infrastructure and network solutions aligned to enterprise standards and business needs
Producing high-quality architecture artefacts (HLDs, LLDs, roadmaps, and technical designs)
Defining architecture patterns across LAN/WAN, SD-WAN, cloud connectivity, datacentre, and identity integration
Embedding security-by-design principles and ensuring compliance with standards such as ISO27001 and NIS2
Providing governance and technical assurance through architecture forums and design reviews
Supporting project delivery through technical leadership, planning, and risk management
Driving improvements in service resilience, scalability, and operational efficiency
Partnering with vendors and internal stakeholders to evaluate solutions and guide strategic decisions
Supporting hybrid infrastructure strategies across on-prem, cloud, and manufacturing environments
About you
You’re an experienced infrastructure and network architect with a strong track record of delivering enterprise-scale solutions in complex, global environments.
We are looking for:
Significant experience in infrastructure and network architecture (enterprise networking, cloud, datacentre, and virtualisation)
Strong understanding of security principles and working in regulated or security-conscious environments
Experience supporting large-scale transformation or modernisation initiatives
Proven ability to work cross-functionally across IT, Security, and business teams
Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence both technical and non-technical audiences
Experience operating within multi-site or international organisations
Familiarity with hybrid infrastructure models and modern networking approaches (e.g. SD-WAN, zero trust desirable)
Skills Required
- Significant experience in infrastructure and network architecture (enterprise networking, cloud, datacentre, and virtualization)
- Producing high-quality architecture artefacts (HLDs, LLDs, roadmaps, technical designs)
- Strong understanding of security principles and working in regulated or security-conscious environments
- Experience embedding security-by-design and ensuring compliance with standards such as ISO27001 and NIS2
- Experience supporting large-scale transformation or modernisation initiatives
- Proven ability to work cross-functionally across IT, Security, and business teams
- Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills for technical and non-technical audiences
- Experience operating within multi-site or international organisations
- Familiarity with hybrid infrastructure models and modern networking approaches (e.g., SD-WAN, Zero Trust)
DS Smith Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about DS Smith and has not been reviewed or approved by DS Smith.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is considered okay to good across many roles, with some plants indicating competitive or above‑market hourly rates for operators and similar positions. This supports a broadly fair perception of base pay even as experiences vary by site.
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Healthcare Strength — U.S. offerings include day‑one medical/vision and dental, employer HSA contributions, and 100% company‑paid life and short/long‑term disability, alongside an EAP. Some role descriptions also highlight mental‑health and fertility options.
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Retirement Support — Packages commonly reference a 401(k) with company match and, in some locations, pension eligibility or company‑funded retirement contributions. This positions retirement benefits as a meaningful component of total rewards.
DS Smith Insights
What We Do
DS Smith provides innovative packaging solutions, paper products and recycling services with a commitment to sustainability and a circular economy. Our core purpose is to Redefine Packaging for a Changing World, and our expert teams work closely with like-minded partners to incorporate renewable resources for products that minimize our environmental impact, reduce complexity and increase profitability through supply chain optimization
