Networks and Communications Manager

Job description

Job responsibilities

Lead the design, planning, configuration, and maintenance of the Trusts enterprise network infrastructure, including LAN/WAN, wireless connectivity, VoIP telephony systems, and associated communication platforms.

Oversee network performance, capacity planning, and resilience, ensuring secure and reliable connectivity across all Trust sites and services.

Manage device policies and ensure robust monitoring and lifecycle management of all IT hardware, including timely replacement of outdated equipment and provisioning for new starters.

Develop and maintain the Trusts data and network security architecture, including firewalls, VPNs, remote access services, and internet connectivity, ensuring compliance with NHS security standards.

Provide leadership for the team delivering expert third-line technical support for network and communications infrastructure, resolving complex issues and coordinating with external suppliers when required.

Monitor and enhance network security protocols, including firewall rules, access control lists, and intrusion prevention measures to safeguard systems and data.

Drive the implementation of emerging network technologies and communication solutions, such as advanced VPN services and unified communications platforms.

Ensure proactive maintenance and timely replacement of network hardware, including switches, routers, and wireless access points, to maintain optimal service levels.

Maintain and optimize core network services such as DNS, DHCP, and IP address management, ensuring high availability and security.

Align all network and communications initiatives with the Trusts DDaT strategy, supporting future objectives through upgrades and adoption of innovative technologies.

Develop and enforce standardized configurations, operational procedures, and documentation to ensure consistency and efficiency in network and communications management.

Oversee mobile connectivity, telephony lines, paging systems, and call logging platforms, ensuring seamless integration with the Trusts voice and data networks.

Lead and prioritize multiple network and communications projects, ensuring delivery within agreed timescales, budgets, and quality standards.

Prepare business cases, technical specifications, and budget proposals for network and communications projects, engaging stakeholders and negotiating with suppliers.

Manage project risks and dependencies, ensuring alignment with the Trusts strategic goals and operational requirements.

Represent the Trust in external forums and vendor engagements, ensuring effective collaboration and delivery of network and communications services.

Provide advanced technical guidance to internal teams and departments, supporting decision-making and troubleshooting complex infrastructure challenges.

Evaluate and recommend network and communications technologies, hardware, and services in line with NHS standards and the Trusts strategic direction.

Deliver training and knowledge-sharing sessions for technical and non-technical staff to maximize the effective use of network and communication systems.

Maintain comprehensive documentation of network architecture, standards, and operational procedures, ensuring compliance and readiness for audits.

Make critical decisions regarding network and communications infrastructure to safeguard patient care and operational continuity.

Stay informed on technological advancements and NHS digital strategies to ensure the Trusts network and communications environment remains secure, scalable, and future-ready.

Person Specification

Education, Qualification and Training

• Evidence of post graduate education to Masters level in or significant equivalent experience relevant to the role
• ITIL V4
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or higher (e.g., CCIE)
• CompTIA Network+, or CompTIA Security+ for foundational network and security management.

• Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Telecommunications, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Prince II Foundation
• Vendor-specific certifications for telecommunications systems (e.g., Avaya, Mitel, or similar)

Knowledge, Training and Experience

• Extensive knowledge of network infrastructure design, implementation, and management, including Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), Wireless Networks, and associated protocols (TCP/IP, MPLS, DNS, DHCP).
• Strong understanding of network security principles, including firewall configuration, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and encryption technologies
• Experience managing large-scale enterprise telecoms environments, including PBX systems, VoIP technologies, unified communications platforms, and video conferencing systems.
• Hands-on experience with key network hardware and software technologies (e.g., routers, switches, wireless controllers, load balancers, firewalls) from vendors such as Cisco, Juniper, or equivalent.
• Proficient in managing structured cabling systems, including fiber optic and copper networks, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Knowledge of NHS-specific IT and telecoms systems, including experience working with Health and Social Care Network (HSCN) and NHS Digital standards.
• Proven experience in managing a team of network and telecommunications engineers, including responsibility for recruitment, training, performance management, and professional development.
• Experience in project management, with a track record of leading large-scale network infrastructure projects (e.g., network upgrades, telecoms system migrations) from inception to completion, while adhering to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Experience managing service providers and third-party vendors, including negotiating contracts, managing Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and ensuring timely resolution of escalated issues.
• Operational management of network and telecoms services, ensuring high availability, reliability, and compliance with NHS IT governance and security standards.
• Financial management experience, including budgeting, cost control, and demonstrating value for money in managing network infrastructure and telecoms services

• Experience of working within an NHS acute setting
• Knowledge of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) to manage and automate network functions.
• Experience with cloud-based networking and telecommunications solutions (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
• Experience implementing disaster recovery (DR) and business continuity planning (BCP) strategies for network and telecoms services in an NHS environment.
• Knowledge of IT service management frameworks (e.g., ITIL) as applied to the healthcare environment, ensuring alignment with NHS best practices for incident, problem, and change management.
• Experience with clinical and administrative systems integration, ensuring telecoms and network systems support interoperability between critical healthcare systems like Electronic Patient Records (EPR), PACS, and clinical decision support tools.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues efficiently.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of training and supporting users
• Ability to prioritise workload to meet deadlines whilst maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to non-technical audiences including senior management, clinicians, and external stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams within the NHS and with external vendors or suppliers
• Experience delivering presentations and reports to NHS management and committees, ensuring that technical solutions are aligned with organizational goals.
• Experience of handling difficult situations and resolving effectively and diplomatically

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

Employer details

Employer name

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Princes House

73A London Road

Reading

RG1 5UZ

Employer's website

https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/