Job Description

This role will lead the Generally Senior Solution Architect with Network specialization and great stakeholder management capability (very proactive).
Ability to engage with the architectural governance process (HLDs) to gain appropriate approvals, overseeing projects through delivery.
Overview of skills at a high level:
Cisco ACI Data Centre Design Knowledge
F5 LTM and WAF Design Knowledge
F5 Distributed cloud Knowledge
Cisco ISE
Palo Alto Firewalls
Palo Alto SASE - Prisma Access
LAN, WAN, WLAN design.
More general skills/experience:
1.Core Responsibilities

• Design and document enterprise network architectures (LAN, WAN, WLAN, cloud networking).
• Ensure scalability, reliability, performance, and security of network infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain network roadmaps and standards aligned with business and IT strategy.
• Lead network design for data centres, cloud integrations, and hybrid environments.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies, tools, and vendors.
• Provide architectural oversight on implementation projects and troubleshooting escalations.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, infrastructure, and application teams to ensure end-to-end solution integrity.
• Prepare network capacity and resilience plans.
• Document network topology, standards, and procedures.

2. Technical Requirements
Networking Technologies

• Expert knowledge of IP networking (IPv4/IPv6, routing, switching, subnetting, VLANs, NAT, QoS).
• Deep understanding of protocols such as BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, STP, VXLAN, and DNS/DHCP.
• Familiarity with SDN and SD-WAN architectures (e.g., Cisco Viptela, Meraki, VMware NSX, Fortinet).
• Experience designing VPNs and secure remote access solutions.
• Strong understanding of wireless networking design and optimisation.
• Proficiency in load balancing, firewalls, and proxy solutions.(e.g., F5, Palo Alto, Forcepoint, Cisco ASA)

Security & Compliance

• Integration of security principles (Zero Trust, segmentation, NAC).
• Familiarity with frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST, PCI-DSS, and data protection standards (GDPR).

Cloud & Virtualisation

• Experience with AWS, Azure, or GCP networking services (Transit Gateway, VNet, VPC, ExpressRoute, Direct Connect).
• Understanding of hybrid and multi-cloud connectivity and governance.
• Exposure to virtual networking and automation tools (Terraform, Ansible, Python, etc.).

Monitoring & Management

• Knowledge of network management systems (SolarWinds, Cisco DNA Center, etc.).
• Performance monitoring, logging, and incident response design.

3. Experience Requirements

• Typically 7-10+ years in network engineering, with 3-5 years in architecture or design roles.
• Proven experience in large-scale or complex enterprise environments.
• Experience producing architectural artefacts (HLDs, LLDs, diagrams, standards).
• Track record of leading technical design workshops and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Vendor selection and cost optimisation experience.

4. Educational & Certification Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• Relevant professional certifications (preferred or equivalent experience):

o Cisco: CCNP / CCIE (Enterprise, Security, or Data Center)
o Juniper: JNCIP / JNCIE
o AWS Certified Advanced Networking / Azure Network Engineer Associate
o TOGAF, ITIL, or equivalent enterprise architecture framework
o Security certifications (CISSP, CCSP) beneficial.
5. Soft Skills & Attributes

• Strategic and analytical thinking.
• Strong communication skills - able to translate technical design for non-technical stakeholders.
• Leadership and mentoring capability.
• Documentation and presentation excellence.
• Ability to balance innovation with operational practicality.
• Vendor and stakeholder management.
• Continuous learning mindset to keep up with evolving technologies.

6. Deliverables (Typical Outputs)

• Network Architecture Blueprint / Roadmap
• High-Level & Low-Level Design Documents
• Network Standards and Configuration Templates
• Capacity and Resilience Plans
• Risk Assessments and Security Architecture Inputs
• Technical Design Authority (TDA) artefacts and governance reports

LA International is a HMG approved ICT Recruitment and Project Solutions Consultancy, operating globally from the largest single site in the UK as an IT Consultancy or as an Employment Business & Agency depending upon the precise nature of the work, for security cleared jobs or non-clearance vacancies, LA International welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people with diverse experience and backgrounds.
Award Winning LA International, winner of the Recruiter Awards for Excellence, Best IT Recruitment Company, Best Public Sector Recruitment Company and overall Gold Award winner, has now secured the most prestigious business award that any business can receive, The Queens Award for Enterprise: International Trade, for the second consecutive period.

Skills Required