Network Architect JM BL 372263

Job Role: Network Architect Ref: JM BL 372263 Pay Rate: £481.00 per day PAYE, accrued holiday pay and pension contributions Hours per week: 37 Contract Length: 6 months (this may be extended) Location: Kidlington, Oxfordshire This role is hybrid based

Our client is seeking an experienced Network Architect to join their team on a contract basis, providing expert technical leadership and design oversight across a range of network infrastructure projects.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Cisco and Fortinet technologies, experience with public sector procurement, and a track record of contributing to national emergency communications programmes.

Key Responsibilities

Network Design & Architecture

• Lead the design and implementation of complex network solutions, ensuring alignment with business and technical requirements.

• Provide critical review and assurance of third-party network designs, particularly those involving Cisco and Fortinet technologies.

SD-WAN Solutions

• Design, deploy, and manage Fortinet SD-WAN environments.

• Act as a technical authority for evaluating and validating third-party SD-WAN proposals and implementations.

Cisco Infrastructure

• Deliver and support Cisco Catalyst Centre deployments.

• Provide architectural guidance and assurance for Cisco network infrastructure projects.

Network Security

• Apply a deep understanding of network security protocols, firewall configurations, and best practices.

• Ensure robust security principles are embedded across all network designs, particularly within Fortinet and Cisco environments.

Procurement Support

• Contribute to public sector procurement activities by developing technical requirements, specifications, and evaluation criteria.

• Support procurement teams in ensuring technical compliance, value for money, and alignment with organisational standards.

Emergency Communications Programmes

• Act as the lead technical authority in national emergency communications initiatives.

• Provide strategic input and technical leadership in the transition from legacy TETRA Airwave systems to modern mobile and digital communications platforms.

• Familiarity with ICCS platforms is essential.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in network architecture and design using Cisco and Fortinet technologies.

• Strong background in SD-WAN, particularly Fortinet-based solutions.

• Expertise in Cisco Catalyst Centre deployment and management.

• In-depth knowledge of network security principles and firewall configuration.

• Experience supporting public sector procurement and contract processes.

• Technical leadership in national communications or emergency service network programmes.

• Understanding of legacy TETRA Airwave and ICCS systems.

We will also add your details to our mail out lists. Please note you may receive details of roles outside of your immediate vicinity, asmany candidates are able to relocate temporarily for work. Pleasedisregard any such emails that are not of interest and let us know if you would rather not receive such mailouts and/or if you wish us to delete your details and prefer to apply direct to our advertised roles.

If you do not hear from us within three working days, unfortunately your application has not been shortlisted on this occasion. Thank you for your interest in working with us.