Network Engineer

POST TITLE:Network Engineer

LOCATION:Leek Wootton

JOB PURPOSE:As a key role in the Strategy and Architectural team within the Digital Services function, this position is responsible for the efficient and effective build and maintenance of new network infrastructure (virtual or physical) to ensure the organisation's needs are met.

The role will assist in creating a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in the delivery of internal and third-party services.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Support and maintain the organisation's network infrastructure, ensuring operational efficiency and assisting in the planning, design, development, and documentation of new technical solutions.

2. Act as a network subject matter expert, providing technical support, assurance, and guidance. Work independently on infrastructure, network configuration, and security tasks while meeting required service levels and complying with Digital Services procedures.

3. Ensure that the network meets all relevant industry, national, legislative, and compliance standards while maintaining consistency of implementation.

4. Take responsibility for understanding business requirements, collecting data, delivering analysis, and recommending options.

5. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation in infrastructure architecture by evaluating emerging technologies and driving relevant proposals through the technical architecture practice.

6. Ensure that the network aligns with business requirements and digital strategy, leveraging industry standards wherever possible. Identify risks and provide mitigation options to the delivery team.

7. Conduct impact analysis and quality assurance for modifications to existing systems to support new solutions.

8. Represent the organisation effectively and promote the reputation and values of the Digital Services Directorate in internal and external meetings, including the development of constructive partnerships with relevant organisations.

9. Maintain a commercially astute approach to infrastructure design, balancing service quality with cost considerations. Take personal ownership of situations requiring the pursuit of purpose over process.

10. Build and maintain relationships with the Managed Service Provider and other suppliers with a stake in network and reporting solutions.

11. Undertake other duties commensurate with the nature, level of responsibility, and grading of this post, as required.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

• Requirement to participate in an on-call rota.

• Regular travel within the region.

SECURITY LEVEL:Management Vetting

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge:

• Extensive knowledge of Cisco, Avaya telephony, Azure, AWS, zScaler, SolarWinds, and Sentinel, gained through significant experience in similar-sized organisations.

• Strong knowledge of network monitoring & management alongside supplier management experience.

• Strong understanding of SD-WAN, VLAN, and Azure vWAN.

• Strong knowledge of static and dynamic routing.

• Experience in applying industry best practices, with knowledge of ISO 20000 (Service Management) and ITSM.

• Ability to author technical design documents and service artefacts.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in supporting, building, and maintaining physical and virtual infrastructure in a large, complex, multi-faceted organisation.

• Strong focus on ICT technologies and operational service delivery.

• Expertise in network solutions from inception through to final delivery.

Key Skills:

• Previous experience gained in a complex, large-scale organisation.

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to gather and assimilate information, anticipate risks, and develop suitable solutions.

• Ability to communicate effectively with key stakeholders and suppliers, adjusting approach and style as necessary.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including listening, empathy, insight, and intellect.

• Ability to guide others and influence change within an organisation.

• Confidence in providing professional and influential input on key issues within the portfolio area.

• Experience in writing and maintaining technical documentation.

BEHAVIOURS: PRACTITIONER

All post holders are expected to understand and act in accordance with ethical and professional values. These nationally recognised behaviours and values are set out in the Competency and Values Framework (CVF).

The CVF consists of six competencies grouped into three categories:

• Resolute, compassionate, and committed

• Inclusive, enabling, and visionary leadership

• Intelligent, creative, and informed decision-making