Job Category Information Technology

Location Europe Office-UKShared Service, Cedar House 750A Parkland Square, Luton, BEDFORDSHIRE, United Kingdom VIEW ON MAP

Schedule Full-Time

Located Remotely? N

Relocation? N

Position Type Management

JOB SUMMARY

• Number of Properties – 1000+
• Number of Rooms – 200,000+
• Brands – All
• Number of Direct Report FTE Associates – 2
• Interacts with various levels within the organization and key vendors including all groups within EMEA IT
• Annual budget varies on activity
• Control or Influence of Budget (Y or N) Y

Business Context

General Responsibilities:

• Manage VMware virtualization environment and its associated components including vSphere, vCenter, Horizon and ESXi
• Manage Microsoft technologies such as Active Directory Domain Services, DNS, DHCP, DFS and Group Policy, Azure
• Patch and update drivers and firmware for datacentre servers
• Manage Active Directory on Microsoft Windows Server platform. Administer and maintain network end-user accounts, permissions, access rights and group policy management
• Create and maintain systems documentation
• Install, upgrade, and maintain server software, applications, and patching
• Maintain storage snapshots and consolidation ensuring network drives are optimized
• Account Management in Active Directory
• Maintain backup systems and scheduling
• Diagnose, resolve, and document hardware/software problems in a timely and accurate manner
• Investigate, recommend, and install enhancements and operating procedures that optimize availability
• Deliver end-to-end systems engineering services to customers – requirements gathering, design, development, test and documentation of VDI solutions
• Install and configure all infrastructure (Network, Storage, Compute) required to support VDI environments
• Configure and troubleshoot VMware Horizon View environments along with its architectural components: Desktop Pools, Connection Servers (and Replica Servers), Security Server, Enrollment Server, Resource Pools, vCenter, and thin and/or zero-clients.
• Assist in image creation, development, testing, and deployment as applicable.
• Develop and update System Documentation.
• Deliver formalized and over-the-shoulder training on technology solutions to customer staff Perform other duties as assigned.
• Perform morning system health checks on all supporting VDI systems
• Clear stale VMs from pool inventory, review system logs and correct errors
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues that affect customers using VDI.
• Build long-term relationships within team and amongst peers by creating an environment of safety, innovation, integrity, and honest open communication.
• Model and create an environment of accountability for peers
• Set and execute platform strategy, including objectives, plans and policies to develop and deliver innovative solutions and systems in support of Enterprise goals.
• Drive decisions that have an impact on quality, availability, and effectiveness of business activities beyond immediate teams.
• Initiate and implement continuous improvements in the virtual platform, including automation and self-service capabilities.
• Participate in long-term technology strategies that contribute to business and functional strategies.
• Influence clients, service providers and peers to successfully deliver on business goals and commitments.
• Partner with others in the organization to set and manage expectations; continually seek opportunities to be a thought partner and deepen relationships.
• Adapt communication approach for audiences at multiple internal and external levels.
• Serves as project manager for a variety of IT initiatives
• Develop project plans and schedules, identify technical risks, and support the customer in mitigating risks to the mission
• Make recommendations on software, hardware, cabling, and equipment for existing and/or new customer sites based on industry best practices and applicable regulatory guidance
• Successfully executes projects, on-budget and schedule, and document/report project outcome
• Works closely with Protea continent team to track cost recoverability for Protea properties
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Establishes and implements policies, procedures, and standards to verify overall technology reliability within Corporate IT guidelines
• Coordinates and implements communications for all installations, change management and problem resolution
• Responsible for compliance with appropriate Marriott International Policy and Information Security Manual.
• Ensures compliance to technology-related vendor contracts.
• Provides timely, accurate, and detailed status reports as requested.
• Provides for 24/7 Infrastructure Support
• Foresees, identifies, and resolves system(s)’ performance problems
• Creates and ensures implementation of disaster recovery and business continuity plans as they relate to technology.
• Ensures securing and maintaining technology assets accordance with Marriott International policies and standards.
• Acts as Subject Matter Expert and business partner to EMEA IT Central Services team for successful ongoing management and evolution of Above Property Opera and Hosted Simphony environments
• Acts as Subject Matter Expert and business partner to EMEA IT Field Operations team for analysis, maintenance and resolution of issues, compliancy and future planning of hotel-based infrastructure
• Acts as Subject Matter Expert and business partner to EMEA IT Offices team to ensure that environments housed in EMEA Office locations are properly maintained and compliant
• Acts as Subject Matter Expert and business partner to EMEA IT Application Delivery & Hotel Technology products team, including participation in major projects and initiatives as appropriate
• Acts as Subject Matter Expert and business partner to EMEA IT Opening Projects team.
• Represents EMEA continent with IT infrastructural evolution including initiatives such as “Hotel in the Cloud”
• Leads EMEA continent operational infrastructure coordination meetings with corporate Global Networks, Infrastructure, Cloud and Delivery (ICD) and Global Network Services (GWS) groups.
• Provides appropriate feedback on infrastructural questions raised by Franchisee locations in partnership with EMEA IT Franchise Services team.
• Oversees Infrastructure compliancy across the continent and works with relevant teams including Global Information Security (GIS) and EMEA IT Operations peers to ensure compliancy is maintained providing remediation guidance where necessary.
• Has overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation, maintenance, lifecycle management and financial recovery of the PR1DC (South Africa) and LON13 (London) Hosted environments.
• Ensures charge out and financial recovery of continent managed datacentre environments.

Ensuring Technology Needs are Met

• Evaluates and makes recommendations regarding technology/asset life cycles
• Foresees, identifies, and resolves system(s)’ performance problems
• Creates and ensures implementation of disaster recovery and business continuity plans as they relate to infrastructure
• Ensures securing and maintaining technology assets accordance with Marriott International policies and standards.
• Possesses advanced knowledge in the areas of data communications, desktop support, and servers/networks.

Forecasting and Complying with Financial Parameters

• Possesses in-depth understanding of technology contracts
• Reviews vendor proposals and selects appropriate vendor for infrastructure related technologies/hardware.
• Ensures regular replacement cycles are planned and executed for continent datacentres including PR1DC (South Africa) and LON13 (London)

Building Successful Relationships

• Communicates IT standards and best practices
• Presents proposals, analyses, projects, cost-models, etc. in a well- written and/or verbally articulate manner.
• Is viewed as a credible leader by subordinates, peers, and senior management

Demonstrating and Applying IT Knowledge

• Keeps up-to-date technically and applies new knowledge to the job.
• Demonstrates knowledge of job-relevant issues, products, systems, and processes.
• Provides technical expertise and support.

Managing and Conducting Human Resources Activities

• Appraises employee productivity and efficiency for the purpose of recommending promotions or other changes in status.
• Helps direct reports to achieve their own development goals.
• Conducts annual performance appraisal with direct reports according to Standard Operating Procedures.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

EXPERIENCE

Required:

• 5+ years management experience
• 5+ years iT infrastructure and support experience.
• Experience in hosting solutions (azure, aws etc.)
• Advanced experience supporting a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) such as VMware Horizon
• Advanced experience and extensive knowledge building virtual desktop environments (VMware preferred)
• Microsoft Windows Active Directory with server administration (including Group Policy)
• 5+ years’ experience in installing and supporting Microsoft Windows environment for servers and desktops
• Must be an engaged and self-motivated leader that actively participates in and can lead meetings
• Ability to provide clear team guidance and prioritization based on changing business needs
• Ability to lead in a matrixed organization
• Strong ability to multitask, analyze, plan, gather stakeholder buy in, communicate, and present
• Must have a technical background, preferably within an infrastructure team.
• Must understand technical requirements, architecture, and operational impact of various projects
• SAN storage systems both hardware and software defined
• Backup Systems On-Premise/Cloud
• Telecom / Network Expertise, CCNP preferred
• Experience in managing departmental budget, cost recovery and charge out rates
• Budgeting and capital acquisition experience
• VMware VCA/VCP certification

Preferred:

• Strong negotiation skills
• Awareness of global hospitality and virtual infrastructure technology trends
• Marriott experience (field technology architecture, related IT design standards, multi-brand experience)
• Experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating processes, systems and/or initiatives
• Ability to work across organizational boundaries, to help lead and influence change
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Very high level of interpersonal skills to work effectively with others
• Prior experience with managed services in an on-shore/off-shore model highly preferred.

Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.