The Opportunity
Our client is looking for an IT Senior Network Officer who wants to work beyond routine support and step into a role where you shape and strengthen the backbone of a multi site network serving thousands of users.If you're passionate about designing resilient network architecture, managing complex enterprise environments, and influencing long term IT strategy, this is your arena.This is your chance to play where the organisation wins:
- A highly connected, multi site environment
- A forward leaning IT function delivering modern services
- A culture that invests in capability, innovation and continuous improvement
How You Will Win
You'll be the technical authority for an enterprise-scale network - designing, developing, securing and optimising systems that keep the College connected and future ready.You'll win here by:
- Leading the development and refinement of network architecture
- Owning the configuration, maintenance and performance of LAN/WAN, wireless, firewalls, VPN, Windows network services and unified communications
- Using data-driven insights (traffic analysis, capacity reports, monitoring outputs) to make high quality decisions
- Introducing new technologies safely through structured change management
- Strengthening the security posture through access control, threat detection, and proactive monitoring
- Raising overall IT capability by documenting standards, coaching colleagues, and contributing to IT operating procedures
This is not just a technical job - it's a strategic role influencing the design, resilience and evolution of the organisation's digital infrastructure.
️ What You'll Be Responsible ForNetwork Operations & Performance
- Manage and optimise core network services across multi-site environments
- Lead switch management, VLAN configuration, Wi-Fi systems, routing and remote access solutions
- Oversee network security controls including firewalls, filtering and access policies
- Conduct proactive monitoring, traffic analysis and capacity planning
Solution Design & Implementation
- Deliver pilots and full-scale deployments of new network solutions
- Create a safe, scalable test environment for future tools and applications
- Provide specialist expertise for modernising telephony and unified comms
- Collaborate with suppliers, contractors and project teams
Architecture & Security Leadership
- Feed specialist insight into overall IT architecture plans
- Maintain a secure, compliant network aligned with best practice
- Perform daily security reviews, threat assessments and escalation handling
Incident, Problem & Request Management
- Act as the escalation point for complex network incidents
- Diagnose and resolve problems within SLA
- Support the IT Service Delivery team with expert guidance
Asset, Vendor & Capacity Management
- Maintain full network asset inventories
- Manage supplier relationships and service performance
- Identify capacity constraints early and drive recommendations
People Leadership
- Supervise and mentor IT Network Staff
- Raise capability, confidence and standards across the team
Your Capabilities
You'll need one of the following:
- Level 4 qualification + 3 years' experience OR
- 7+ years' experience in networking/telephony OR
- CCNA/HP ATA (or similar) + 2 years' experience
And solid, demonstrable expertise in:
- Multi site data networking
- Ethernet switching, routing protocols and low level networking
- Cisco and/or HP networking
- Microsoft network services (DNS, DHCP, etc.)
- Wireless systems and network security technologies
- Fault identification, triage and resolution
This is an environment that plays to win - by investing in people, giving them room to grow, and empowering them to lead.
Ready to Step Into a Strategic Network Leadership Role?
If you want to work in an environment where your technical decisions matter, where you influence architecture, and where you get to shape the future of IT services - this is your next move.
Apply now or drop me a message to discuss the role in confidence.
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