Job Description

Network Architect - Operational Design Authority & Strategy

95,000 - 100,000 + 5% variable pay

North West (travel required to Barrow up to 3 days per week, expenses covered)

Hybrid working

About the Role:

We're looking for an experienced Network Architect with proven operational and design authority expertise in a managed services environment. This is a high-impact role where you'll provide technical direction, client-facing strategy, and design assurance across large, complex accounts.

You'll act as the Operational Design Authority, ensuring solutions are aligned with service line strategy, industry standards, and client needs. This role is not purely project-focused -- you'll be working at the intersection of technology, strategy, and operations, influencing both technical outcomes and stakeholder confidence.

What You'll Do:

Act as Design Authority for network services within managed services accounts

Provide technical leadership and strategic guidance to clients and stakeholders

Lead during major incidents, working with business and technical leaders

Oversee adherence to service line strategy, standards, and practices

Manage relationships across internal and external stakeholders, aligning solutions with commercial and contractual requirements

What You'll Bring:

Strong background as a Network/Domain Architect in a managed services environment

Experience as a Service Line Design Authority across large accounts, bids, or transitions

Understanding of contracts and commercials in service delivery

Ability to lead incident response and engage with senior stakeholders

Client-facing consulting skills with a focus on technology strategy

Technical expertise required:

Cisco ACI software-defined networks (multi-site & multi-pod)

Firewalls: Palo Alto, Checkpoint, Cisco Firepower, Cisco ASA, AnyConnect

Enterprise Wi-Fi technologies (e.g., Cisco WLC)

Networking protocols: IPSEC, HSRP, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP

Security & Eligibility:

Must be a sole UK national

Eligible for SC clearance (or already SC cleared)

Must have lived in the UK continuously for the past 5 years

What's on Offer:

Competitive salary (95k-100k + variable pay)

Travel expenses fully covered

Hybrid working (blend of office, client site, and home)

Professional development with extensive training and certification opportunities

A culture that values wellbeing, inclusion, and continuous learning

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 95,000.00-100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Gym membership Life insurance Referral programme Relocation assistance Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Barrow-In-Furness LA13 9NR