National IT Specialist - Network Infrastructure

The NIT Specialist will work collaboratively within a team to ensure the efficient and accurate operation of the assigned department, maintaining full compliance with all internal policies and external regulatory requirements. This role requires a balanced approach, combining hands-on support and management of network infrastructure with effective communication and coordination with external service providers and international colleagues.

If you’re a hardworking individual that’s ready to kick-start your career with an award-winning employer, apply to join #TeamAldi today!

Your New Role

• Lead the day-to-day operations and management of all network technologies (LAN, WAN, WLAN) supporting 14 Regional Distribution Centres and over 1,200 stores to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Develop and implement rollout plans in collaboration with international departments, national regional distribution centres, and external suppliers to support network expansions and upgrades.
• Accurately document existing business processes, workflows, and network configurations to maintain comprehensive records and facilitate knowledge sharing.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and work closely with the Network Team Leader to design and implement enhanced procedures that drive efficiency and compliance.
• Ensure all network operations adhere to legal requirements, regulatory standards, and internal policies to maintain full compliance.
• Deliver second and third-level support to regional teams and stores, escalating complex issues to external service partners when necessary to ensure timely resolution.
• Prepare clear and concise communications for the business regarding network updates, changes, and incidents.
• Conduct thorough testing of hardware and software updates to validate that newly implemented requirements and existing functionalities operate correctly and without disruption.
• Provide the National IT Manager and Network Team Leader with accurate and timely forecasts of network-related expenditures to support budget planning and financial control.
• Coordinate and oversee consultants, contractors, vendors, and suppliers as required, including the management of purchase orders for goods and services.
• Advise the Network Team Leader on emerging technologies and recommend solutions to enhance network capabilities and future-proof infrastructure.
• Manage scheduled system maintenance activities, occasionally outside normal business hours, to minimize operational impact.
• Perform regular support and maintenance tasks, including daily system health checks, to ensure continuous and seamless network operation.

About You

• Experience of vendor management, especially Service Delivery
• Coordinating external and internal resources that are carrying out design work and conducting testing, as well as carrying out testing of all changes to the network (including software updates, hardware changes and configuration changes)
• Planning network upgrades and new network deployments
• Installation, maintenance and configuration of routers, firewalls and switches
• Experience of zoning concepts (e.g. DMZ)
• Experience configuring and maintaining VPNs
• Experience coordinating projects
• Knowledge of, or experience with, network administration supporting core business environments
• Conceptual knowledge of Wide Area Network (WAN) technologies such as routing, MPLS and SD-WAN and Network Firewall technologies, especially Fortinet Fortigate
• Working knowledge of Local Area Network (LAN) Technologies, especially Juniper and Cisco Meraki and of Wireless LAN Technologies, especially Extreme Wi-Fi (formerly Zebra / Motorola) and Cisco Meraki
• Knowledge, or experience, of managing Wireless LANs (e.g. co-ordinating installations, high-level understanding of planning coverage, understanding of SSIDs and authentication methods)
• Creation and maintenance of supporting processes and documentation
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel
• Excellent listening, interpersonal and communication skills
• Taking responsibility for business-critical issues
• Able to effectively prioritise and execute tasks while under pressure
• Inquisitive and driven to perform to the best of their abilities
• Capable of building trust and relationships at all levels
• Keen to take ownership and responsibility while working effectively within a team
• Logical and efficient, with a keen attention to detail
• Self-motivated

Desirable:

• JNCIP or equivalent (e.g. CCNP)

• Experience of working within industry standards (e.g. PCI DSS, ISO270001, ITILv4)
• An understanding of network cable patching and key standards for installation of structured cabling

What You’ll get in Return

• Salary starting £37,685 rising to £54,530
• Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm, with the opportunity of 2 days a week remote working (changing to 1 day a week remote working from January 2027)
• 5 weeks’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• In office flexi-time
• Full training provided
• Pension scheme
• Private employee medical insurance after 4 years
• Company sick pay scheme
• Company maternity, paternity and adoption pay after 1 year
•  Long service rewards
• Access to MyBenefits, where you can find a wide range of benefits, including our bike to work scheme, shopping and cinema discounts, health cash plan, a FREE will, travel and discounted gym memberships, as well as a host of benefits to support your financial and wellbeing needs
• Access to a free,24/7, confidential virtual GP service for all Aldi Colleagues and their children (under the age of 16)

*You’ll need to live within 90 minutes of your main working location

*Please be aware that this role does not fulfil t