Virtual Workplace Expert

JOB PURPOSE

Provide specialist virtual desktop technical capability and delivery within the Workplace Virtualisation team including design, integration of new and future technologies, project and BAU support.

Working closely with other Workplace & Infrastructure technical, project and product, this role will involve the delivery of strategic direction and expansion of the AXA Virtual desktop infrastructure as well as a strong design and integration mind-set to support any future move to a true cloud based service.

You are part of an international Virtual Workplace team consisting out of 50+ virtual desktop experts managing 20+ Citrix farms for 30.000+ users.

The Virtual Desktop, with its supporting tools and dedicated infrastructure is a critical service to AXA GO and other customers, and provides the core of the desktop platform.  The role will require interaction with the tiered support chain and senior technical players in AXA Group Operations and the Business units.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Contribute significantly to and assist with the delivery and maintenance of the Virtual Desktop roadmap, in conjunction with relevant Tech Specialists & architects.  

• Develop the virtual desktop and application hosting offerings to support local & global requirements.
• Develop the business cases for usage of the correct desktop platforms to local and global customers.
• Ensure all relevant project proposals align with the global strategy and are optimised for the end users.
• Assist Tech specialists within the team providing guidance, support and consultancy
• Maintain expertise, working with other AXA Group Operations teams plus with third parties to keep up to date with internal strategy and vendor current and future technologies and strategies
• Keep track of technical debt and provide solutions to mitigate.

MEASURES

• Technical rollout timescales are devised and delivered OTOBOS
• Client project delivery is completed within project timelines
• Third line support provided to SLA and with appropriate knowledge sharing
• Cost reduction targets are identified and met within specified timescales
• Reporting is timely and accurate, and where possible automated
• Evidence of consultancy to OpCo teams, regular minuted meetings, joint action plans, shared project proposals etc
• Evidence of maintaining technical knowledge, eg course attendance, maintenance of  consultancy qualification, attendance at vendor open days and product presentations

DIMENSIONS IMPACTED BY THE JOB 

Directly responsible for : 

• Building new global Virtual Desktop Product and migrate use cases to the new product

• Provide some services to users with hosted desktop in India (Cap Gemini), CEE, Poland etc

• Consultancy to users not currently on AXA Group Operations managed services : EOL, Cognizant, Cap Gemini,…

• Provide support for all AXA GO managed virtual desktops worldwide : 30.000 Users worldwide.

KEY INTERFACE 

Internal : 

• Workplace Product Managers & Owners, Distributed, Networks
• Service Owners
• Local Market Business Partners
• CTO

External :

• Entity Architects
• Entity Business Security
• Relevant contacts Group Solutions
• Proximity based workplace support teams

SKILLS 

• Proven experience of working within a project environment providing technical leadership, design and performance enhancement
• Proven experience in understanding and utilising new technology in this environment and in identifying and resolving problems. 
• Strategic understanding of broad range of Virtual Desktop technologies
• Ability to communicate ideas & solutions to audiences of all levels and nationalities, adapting style accordingly.
• Ability to pass on relevant I.T. knowledge to others.
• Ability to lead the development of I.T. solutions in Virtual Workplace
• Ability to liaise with 3rd party suppliers and customers.
• Solution design experience.
• Must have a strong experience & understanding of the following technologies:
  •  Citrix Xen Desktop 7.x plus legacy products
  • Citrix Cloud
  •  Active Directory
  • Windows 11, Windows 10 & Windows Server 2012R2 > 2016 > 2019 > 2022

• Deep technical knowledge and experience  the following technologies required:
  • Broader Citrix product knowledge including Storefront & Netscaler
  • Citrix  products that supplement XenApp and XenDesktop
  • Virtual Desktop Infrastructure environments  incl ESX
  • Azure 

• Experience of management of key technology vendors at a senior level to ensure adequate support and provision of service
• SCCM and Intune Distribution process and endpoint management
• Ivanti Appsense management and integration
• Powershell scripting in the Citrix environment as required
•  Expertise in Agile/Scrum is a plus
• Some flexibility in working hours is required (occasional over-time or weekend/holiday work)
• Able to follow change management procedures and internal guidelines. 

As a world-leading insurance company, we act for human progress by protecting what matters. With 153,000 employees in 54 countries working with 105 million customers, we’ve created a truly dynamic and vibrant community. Inclusion and diversity link closely with our values, and together we’re nurturing a culture of
respect, for each other, for our customers and the communities around us. Join AXA and you’ll feel like you belong, are included and can thrive. You’ll be able to shape the way you work and truly grow your potential as you seek out new opportunities, push boundaries and benefit people in critical moments of their lives. This is your chance to build the tomorrow you want. Know you can.