Network Architect Specialist

The following information aims to provide potential candidates with a better understanding of the requirements for this role.

Length: 6 months

Location: Exeter 5 days per week

Rate: £750 per day via umbrella

***CANDIDATE MUST HAVE ACTIVE NPPV3 FOR THEIR APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED***

Role Purpose

The purpose of this role is to lead the architectural definition and technical direction for a specific network technology domain. The role holder will own and deliver end-to-end technical solutions across domains, working autonomously while ensuring alignment with wider network architecture, products, and services. This position plays a critical role in shaping technology strategy, influencing roadmap decisions, and driving the evolution of network capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

Own, design, and deliver technical solutions for a defined technology domain, cross-domain area, or portfolio of work, operating with a high degree of autonomy. Lead the architectural definition and technical direction for a specific technology area, ensuring alignment with enterprise and network-wide standards. Integrate and implement end-to-end solutions across customers and business areas. Execute and maintain the technical roadmap for the assigned domain, driving strategic direction and long-term planning. Build and evaluate proposals for the introduction of new network technologies, assessing benefits, risks, and alignment to existing architectures. Proactively contribute to technology and product evolution by identifying how emerging technologies can enhance network architecture, products, and services. Provide design assurance and technical governance prior to integration into end-to-end solutions. Make informed recommendations on development and investment budgets for future financial years by understanding and articulating technology evolution and lifecycle impacts. Act as a technical authority and trusted advisor for stakeholders across engineering, delivery, and product teams. Ensure solutions are scalable, resilient, secure, and operate in line with architectural best practices.

Key Skills & Technical Expertise

Core Networking

Routing and Switching OSPF and BGP VLAN, VXLAN, VRF

Cisco Technologies

Cisco ISR Cisco Catalyst platforms (C9200, C9300, C9500) Cisco ASR1001 Cisco Nexus 7000 & 9000 series Cisco NX-OS

Data Centre & Connectivity

Data Centre Architecture and Design Cisco Nexus and VXLAN-based fabrics IPConnect F5 Technologies (load balancing and application delivery)

Experience & Competencies

Significant experience designing and delivering complex network architectures in large-scale or enterprise environments. Proven ability to operate as a technical lead, owning solutions end to end. Strong understanding of technology lifecycles and the impact of new technologies on existing architectures. Experience producing technical roadmaps and contributing to investment and budget planning. xehkeey Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex technical concepts. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities