Senior Network Architect

Network Lead

About the role

We are seeking a highly experienced Networks Lead for our clint who is accountable for the definition, ownership, and continual evolution of the enterprise network services supporting all client employees and business applications. This role ensures seamless, secure, and resilient connectivity across locations, multiple application environments (including SaaS and AWS-hosted apps), and operating company (OpCo) boundaries, in line with the highest quality standards applying to client organisations

Tell me more, tell me more...

Our client is currently looking for a new recruit in joining their team, please read on!

You can also ask our friendly recruitment team any questions you may have about the role, between 8:30am-5:30pm Monday to Friday.

Shifts: Monday – Friday (37.5 hours per week)

Key responsibilities

• Network Service Definition & Ownership: Own all facets of the IAG Transform Network Service, incorporating Connectivity Services, Next Generation Firewall, LAN & Wi-Fi, Cloud Secure Edge, and Break-Fix support, as outlined in the Service Design Document.
• Connectivity Strategy: Architect and manage robust, low-latency, and resilient connectivity between all client locations, cloud environments (including AWS), SaaS applications, and other OpCos.
• Application Enablement: Guarantee reliable and secure access to a diverse application landscape, including SaaS, cloud-hosted, and on-premises solutions, for all client users.
• VPN & Remote Access: Ensure seamless VPN and secure remote access for applications and users as required, supporting flexible and distributed working models.
• OpCo Integration: Enable and govern secure, policy-compliant connectivity between client apps and those of other OpCos. Facilitate both inbound and outbound connectivity while managing risk and maintaining service integrity.
• Performance Management: Define and monitor service levels (availability, latency, packet loss, incident response and resolution times). Proactively address issues impacting service quality.
• Security & Compliance: Oversee next generation firewall deployments, SSE/cloud security services, and enforce policy-based access controls. Ensure compliance with all regulatory and business requirements .
• Incident & Problem Management: Lead the network incident response, prioritization, and escalation processes. Work closely with engineering and service desk teams on rapid restoration and continuous improvement.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management: Manage relationships with third-party service providers, technology partners, and internal stakeholders to deliver on service commitments and drive innovation.
• Continuous Improvement: Review and update the Network Service Design Document as technology, business needs, or regulatory obligations evolve. Implement best practices for service reliability, scalability, and user experience.

Key Service Domain

• Connectivity Services: 10Gbps links, data centre cross-connects, Smart Wires (EoF/EoC), resiliency (dual/single path), national and international reach.
• Next Generation Firewall: HA pair deployment, threat detection, policy enforcement, and continuous monitoring.
• LAN & Wi-Fi: Wired and wireless infrastructure across all sites, incident classification and rapid resolution, monthly site availability.
• Prisma Access SSE/Cloud Edge: Secure access for remote and distributed users, zero trust enablement, integration with cloud/on-premise environments.
• Break-Fix: 24/7/4 and Next Business Day hardware support, on-site engineer dispatch, and flexible response options.

Experience & Skills

• Proven leadership in enterprise network architecture, operations, and service design, ideally in complex, multi-location, and multi-OpCo environments.
• Expertise in high-speed WAN, data centre, and cloud connectivity (10Gbps+, cross-connects, Smart Wires, etc.).
• Strong background in secure remote access (VPN, SSE), cloud security, and firewall technologies (NGFW, HA configurations).
• Hands-on experience with LAN & Wi-Fi design, deployment, and troubleshooting at scale.
• Track record of defining and managing SLAs for latency, packet loss, availability, incident response, and service restoration.
• Skilled in managing vendor partnerships, contract negotiations, and service escalations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to translate technical solutions into business value.
• Experience in regulated environments and alignment with compliance requirements.
• Continuous improvement mindset, embracing technological evolution and process optimisation.

Key Performance Indicator

• Network availability in line with tiered targets (e.g. up to 99.999% for resilient configurations).
• Latency and packet loss maintained within agreed thresholds (e.g. as low as 1 ms latency, <0.1% packet loss for cross connects).
• Timely incident response and service restoration, with adherence to documented Time to Fix targets (e.g., 4 hours for Severity 1 incidents).
• Secure, policy-compliant enablement of application connectivity across client and OpCos.
• Successful delivery of connectivity for all required applications.

What’s in it for you? –

Our client loves to reward their people for doing a great job.

• This is a 6 months contract.
• A day rate, in-scope of IR35, either via a Hays approved umbrella company or via Hays PAYE
• This role provides a remote working access from the comforts of your own home and only going to our state-of-the-art office in Waterside 3 days per week.

Next Steps

Once you’ve applied, one of our friendly recruitment consultants will give you a call and talk you through the screening process.

If your application is successful, you’ll be involved in a live virtual interview with one of our client’s hiring managers to get to know you better.

We look forward to speaking to you!