Network Solution Architect

Our telecoms client is looking for a Network Solution Architect for 3 months initially with good possibility of extension. The role is hybrid with at least 2 days per week in London.
Due to nature of the role candidates need to either hold SC clearance or be eligible.

The rate is £300-£315 per day outside IR35.

The Technical 'solution' Architect provides end to end technical leadership for complex network security deployments and migrations. The TSA owns solution integrity from high level architecture through to hand over, acting as the single technical point of contact for customers. The role combines deep multi domain engineering expertise (LAN, WAN, Firewalls, F5, Zscaler ZPA/ZIA, routing protocols such as BGP/OSPF) with exceptional soft skills, documentation discipline and change management.

Required Skills & Experience:
* Technical depth
o 8+years in network security architecture or senior engineering across enterprise environments.
o Hands on design/migration of at least two of the following at scale: Check Point R8x Firewalls, Cisco or Juniper LAN and WAN, F5 BIG IP LTM/GTM/AFM, Zscaler ZIA & ZPA, SD WAN.
o Strong routing fundamentals (BGP, OSPF, route maps, redistribution).
o Scripting or automation (Python, Ansible, Terraform) desirable.
* Soft skills
o Proven ability to lead multi vendor, multi disciplinary teams.
o Confident facilitator-able to run workshops, present to senior stakeholders and manage challenging conversations.
o Proactive communicator: provides unsolicited progress updates, raises blockers early, documents decisions promptly.
* Documentation & tooling
o Expertise with Visio or draw.io for architecture diagrams; PowerPoint for executive decks; Word/Confluence for LLDs.
o Familiarity with change tools (ServiceNow, Remedy) and SharePoint governance.
* Qualifications (any two preferred)
o CCNP/CCIE Enterprise or Security, JNCIP/JNCIE, F5 CTS, Check Point CCSE, Zscaler ZCCA IA/ZCCA IAE, TOGAF, ITILv4.

Core Expectations:
* Own overall solution architecture and low level designs (LLDs).
* Validate and integrate component designs for LAN, Firewall, F5, WAN, VPN, ZPA/ZIA and related security controls.
* Lead pre migration readiness checks, cut over planning and post migration hyper care.
* Provide 24/7 escalation cover during migration windows when rostered.
* Function as the face of Prodapt to Vodafone stakeholders.
* Run bi weekly customer forums, status calls and design workshops.
* Translate complex technical details into business relevant language for non technical audiences.
* Proactively surface risks, options and recommendations.
* Produce and maintain architecture decks, LLDs, change packs (ER/CR forms), rollback procedures and run books.
* Adhere to Vodafone document templates, style guides and branding (logo, colour palette, slide master).
* Ensure every change record contains accurate commands/scripts - no copy paste mismatches.
* Drive full compliance with Vodafone change management policy (from submission to PIR).
* Keep trackers, RAID logs and SharePoint libraries current; update at least twice per week.
* Uphold C3 confidentiality, seeking permission before sharing artefacts externally.
* Brief Rob's LAN engineering team on design intent and acceptance criteria.
* Review implementation artefacts (configs, Ansible/Terraform scripts, F5 iRules) for alignment with the LLD.
* Mentor engineers on broader solution context and soft skill best practices.
* Feed lessons learned into standard operating procedures and reference designs.
* Champion automation and template driven change documents to cut rework and errors.

Due to the nature and urgency of this post, candidates holding or who have held high level security clearance in the past are most welcome to apply. Please note successful applicants will be required to be security cleared prior to appointment which can take up to a minimum 10 weeks. 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.