Job Description

Network Architect - Design the Future of Connectivity
At Cadent, connectivity is everything. We are on a mission to create a resilient, high-performance network that supports Operational Technology (OT), SCADA, and IIoT solutions across our gas distribution infrastructure. If you thrive in network architecture and security, this is your chance to make an impact on a national scale.
As a Network Systems Architect, you will be responsible for designing and deploying a future-proof Wide Area Network (WAN), ensuring seamless communication across IT and OT environments. You will work with cross-functional teams to develop secure, scalable, and high-availability network solutions that underpin critical gas operations.
Why you'll love this role!
Imagine shaping the future of network connectivity with a national infrastructure leader. At Cadent, you'll work on cutting-edge network technologies and pioneering security innovations. You'll be part of a passionate team, collaborating with industry experts who share your drive for excellence.

• Network Design & Architecture - Develop and implement a resilient WAN, SD-WAN, and hybrid connectivity framework.
• Stakeholder Engagement - Collaborate with security teams, operations, and technology leaders to align network strategy with business objectives.
• Emerging Technologies - Explore and deploy 5G, LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, and other next-gen communication protocols to enhance connectivity.
• Cybersecurity & Compliance - Ensure network designs align with NCSC, NIS, and IEC 62443 security standards.
• Continuous Improvement - Monitor and optimize network performance, reliability, and resilience.

What you'll bring

• Extensive experience in network architecture, SD-WAN, VPNs, and industrial networking.
• Expertise in routing, switching, firewalls, and cloud connectivity solutions.
• Understanding of SCADA/OT network challenges, including low-latency and high-availability requirements.
• Familiarity with network security protocols, segmentation, and Zero Trust architectures.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in high-stakes, critical infrastructure environments.

At Cadent, we're thrilled to be part of the future of UK energy! We have a clear roadmap to drive our performance to the forefront of our industry and support the UK government in achieving its net zero targets by 2050.
We're making a difference through innovation and new ways of working. Together, we're shaping a cleaner, greener future for our 11 million customers, whom we put at the heart of everything we do.
What's In It for You
Here at Cadent, we recognise that our people are truly unsung heroes. Quietly confident, delivering every day - that's why we're committed to supporting our people to get the best out of themselves. For this role, we offer:

• Private Medical Insurance for you, your partner and your family available through MyChoices, our flexible benefits programme, with access to a 24 hour Bupa HealthLine
• 25 days' holiday, plus 8 statutory days and an option to buy or sell holiday days
• An Annual Performance Bonus of up to 15% of your salary
• A generous pension scheme where the company double matches your contributions up to 12% i.e. if you contribute 6% a month, the company will contribute 12%
• A competitive salary that's reviewed each year against the market median salary for your role, skills, knowledge and experience
• Generous family policies and flexible benefits
• A free Employee Assistance Line where you can get support and advice on any of the challenges you're facing, completely confidentially
• Support to help you cover the cost of professional membership subscriptions, course fees, books, examination fees and time off for study leave - so long as it's relevant to your role
• Plus many more benefits that help you join the dots between your work and home life!

We support a healthy work-life balance and are open to flexible working options.
Diversity and Inclusion
Don't meet every requirement? No problem! If you're excited about this opportunity but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification mentioned, we would still love for you to submit your application - you may just be the right person for this role or other opportunities at Cadent.
We value diversity and are committed to being an equitable employer. Our employee communities - Women in Cadent, Pride at Work (LGBTQ+), Embrace (ethnicity and religion), Thrive! (disability), the Cadent Military Community, the Grief Awareness Community, and the Men's Engagement Network (M.E.N) - can't wait to welcome you!
Circle Back Initiative
As a proud member of The Circle Back Initiative, we ensure all candidates receive a response to their application.
What's next?
To be considered for this role, please submit your application with an up-to-date CV and our Talent Acquisition team will get in touch soon. To learn more about Cadent, visit our website at
Be part of something big. Help shape the future of gas for generations to come.

Skills Required