Network Architect

Rate: £550-£600 Outside IR35

Duration: 3 months initially, view to extend

Location: London 1 day per week, 4 days remote (open to remote)

Overview

We are looking for a senior Network Architect for an engagement with a major financial services client. You will be an expert-level practitioner who is equally comfortable working at depth technically and presenting findings to senior executives. Both skills are essential for this engagement.

What the Role Involves

• Assess and document the current network estate across LAN, WAN, and Data Centre environments
• Identify fragmentation, technical debt, and architectural risk within the existing environment
• Produce a current state assessment and a clear future state architecture recommendation
• Validate existing designs and configurations against current best practice for financial services environments
• Engage with internal technology teams, architects, and engineering staff to gather information and validate findings
• Present findings and recommendations to senior stakeholders and executive audiences: translating technical complexity into business risk and impact
• Define a pragmatic, prioritised roadmap from current to target state

Technical Skills Required

Cisco Platform Expertise

• Expert-level knowledge of Cisco networking across LAN, WAN, and Data Centre: this is non-negotiable
• Hands-on experience with Cisco ACI: policy model, fabric design, and operational management
• Familiarity with Cisco DNA Centre, ISE, and related campus and branch tooling

Routing and Switching Protocols

• Strong command of BGP and OSPF in enterprise and data centre contexts
• Working knowledge of EIGRP and other legacy protocols: able to assess environments where these remain in use
• Understanding of SD-WAN architectures and migration considerations

Architecture and Assessment

• Proven ability to assess fragmented, multi-vendor environments and produce HLD/LLD documentation independently
• Experience producing current state assessments and future state recommendations as formal deliverables
• Strong understanding of network security principles as they apply to financial services infrastructure
• Familiarity with cloud connectivity patterns (Azure/AWS) and hybrid architectures

Experience Required

• CCIE-level expertise: certified or equivalent demonstrated experience. Depth of knowledge is what matters
• Substantial background in financial services: banking, capital markets, or equivalent regulated environments
• Experience presenting to senior technology stakeholders: Heads of Architecture, CTOs, or equivalent