Network Architect

Network Architect - NHS - Large National Infrastructure Programme - Inside IR35

Role summary

Making a Difference with the New Hospital Programme

The New Hospital Programme is redefining how NHS hospitals are built and operated, creating modern, digitally enabled environments where staff can work efficiently and patients receive safer, more connected care. Robust, secure and scalable networks are the foundation of this vision. As a Network Architect, you’ll design and assure the network capabilities that enable digital systems, smart building technologies and clinical workflows to operate reliably across new hospital environments.

As Network Architect, you will support the development, design and assurance of network solutions across major hospital schemes. You’ll work with technical teams, estates colleagues and suppliers to ensure network architectures are resilient, interoperable and aligned with programme‐wide standards.

Key role responsibilities

• Design and review network architectures that support secure, resilient and scalable connectivity across hospital environments.
• Develop and maintain network patterns, standards and design principles for use across the programme.
• Review supplier submissions, technical documentation and solution designs to ensure alignment with programme expectations.
• Support planning and assurance for wireless, wired, segmentation and network security solutions.
• Work with smart building, integration, data and application teams to ensure network readiness and interoperability.
• Contribute to testing, performance validation and readiness activities ahead of go‐live.
• Identify risks, issues and dependencies related to network design and work with partners to support mitigation

Key skills, experience and qualifications

Essential

• Strong experience in network design, architecture or engineering within complex environments.
• Knowledge of network technologies such as LAN/WAN, Wi-Fi, SD‐WAN, firewalls, VPNs, VLANs, network segmentation and routing protocols.
• Understanding of security principles, resilience, redundancy and high‐availability architectures.
• Ability to interpret technical designs and produce clear, structured architectural documentation.
• Confident engaging with suppliers, technical colleagues and non‐technical stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem‐solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively across multi‐disciplinary teams.

Nice to Have

• Experience working within hospitals, healthcare, construction or major capital programmes.
• Familiarity with network requirements for smart buildings, IoT platforms or digital hospital systems.
• Understanding of cloud connectivity, hybrid architectures or software‐defined networking.
• Professional certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, CCIE or equivalent.