Network Architect

Sheffield & Home working

£60,000 - £80,000 + Benefits

Your new role

The overall purpose of the job for the Network and Communications Architect is to design, implement, and manage the organization's network and communication systems. This role ensures that the network infrastructure is robust, scalable, and secure to support the business's operational needs. The Network and Communications Architect will work closely with other IT teams to integrate new technologies and optimize existing systems to enhance performance and reliability.

In addition to these responsibilities, the Network and Communications Architect will manage relationships with suppliers to ensure that services and products meet the organisation's requirements and standards. This role will also involve line management of a Network Engineer, providing guidance, support, and development opportunities to ensure high performance and job satisfaction.

Responsibilities

The Network and Communications Architect is responsible for designing and planning the layout and configuration of the organization's network infrastructure. This includes assessing business requirements, evaluating technology options, and developing comprehensive network architecture designs that meet performance, security, and reliability goals.

This role involves researching and evaluating new networking technologies, products, and services to determine their suitability for implementation within the organization's network infrastructure.

The Network and Communications Architect oversees the implementation and deployment of network infrastructure, including Routers, Switches, Firewalls, and other networking devices.

The Network and Communications Architect designs and implements network security policies, access controls, encryption methods, and intrusion detection systems to safeguard sensitive information and ensure compliance with security standards and regulations.

The Network and Communications Architect is responsible for managing relationships with external suppliers and vendors.

This role provides input into the future technical roadmap and strategy, ensuring that the organization's network and communication systems are aligned with long-term business goals and emerging industry trends.

The Network and Communications Architect is involved in the acquisitions and relocations process, ensuring that network designs and connectivity are in place for new sites by agreed timeframes.

Experience needed

Expert level knowledge of IT Networks, Telephony and Video Conferencing infrastructure including - WAN, LAN, Wi-Fi, Firewall, VPN, Load Balancing, Video Conferencing, Networking Concepts within Cloud Compute platforms.

The ideal candidate will have experience working with at least some of the following technologies: Cisco SD WAN, Cisco Webex Calling, Zscaler, Meraki Wi-Fi, FortiGate Firewall, Azure networking.

The ability to translate business requirements into technical design.

Ideally accredited or have achieved a recognised industry standard qualification with significant experience of managing the implementation and operation of IT industry best practice approaches. Preference would be given to relevant Cisco qualifications.

Extensive experience in the design, implementation, strategic development, along with frameworks and principles of Networks, Telephony and Video conferencing infrastructure architecture to deliver multiple IT services, in line with industry best practice.

Extensive experience of creating technical strategies, managing programme and project activity within recognised industry best practice.

Strong Security focus including a working knowledge of Firewalls, Cloud Compute Security principals & Privilege Access Management.

Proficient level knowledge and awareness of wider Infrastructure technologies and trends not covered by the Networks and Communications banner.

Line management experience and familiar with methods and techniques for coaching individuals or groups

Self-motivated and directed, with keen attention to detail.

Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.

Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment

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