Architecture Team Leader

Randstad Solutions Ltd; Remote; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an Architecture Team Leader to support network design and deployment for a 6-month project based in the UK. The ideal candidate will architect network solutions, collaborate with teams on technical delivery, and produce essential documentation. Key qualifications include a Bachelor's degree, CCNP certification, and significant expertise in firewall and cloud technologies. Candidates must hold an active SC clearance to be considered for this role.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Gym membership

Childcare vouchers

Qualifications

• CCNP-level certification in networking is a must.
• At least 9 years experience in LAN, WAN, and data centre environments.
• Expertise in firewall technologies like Palo Alto, Fortinet, and Checkpoint.

Responsibilities

• Architect network solutions and lead their implementation.
• Collaborate with architecture team on solution development.
• Deliver projects involving switching, routing, and firewall technologies.

Skills

Network architecture

Project and time management

Excellent communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Cisco

Palo Alto

Azure

AWS

Job description

Architecture Team Leader

📅 Contract Duration: 6 months
🔐 Clearance: SC - PLEASE ONLY APPLY IF YOU HAVE AN ACTIVE SC CLEARANCE!
🌍 Location: 100% Remote role, candidate must be based in the UK
📈 Reason for Contractor: Support peak workload requirements
💷Rate: £426 PAYE / £565 Umbrella (Inside IR35 Day Rate)

Role Overview

We are seeking a Network Architect to join the UK Architecture Team. You will provide High-Level (HLD) and Low-Level (LLD) network design and contribute to a variety of network architecture initiatives over a six-month engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• 🧭 Architect network solutions and lead their implementation
• 🔄 Collaborate with the wider architecture team on solution development
• 📡 Deliver projects involving switching, routing, and firewall technologies
• 📝 Produce HLDs, LLDs, and design Blueprints
• 🧩 Lead technical delivery to ensure customer requirements are met
• 🤝 Support colleagues on architectural and technical topics
• 👨🏫 Mentor and support team members to grow capability

Experience & Qualifications

• 🎓 Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• 🎖️ CCNP-level (or equivalent) certification – Cisco/Aruba/Juniper
• 🔥 NG firewall expertise (Palo Alto, Fortinet, Checkpoint), CCSE preferred
• 🌐 Bonus experience: Aruba Fabric Composer, VXLAN, NSX-T, AWS, Azure
• 🏢 9+ years in LAN, WAN, remote access & data centre environments
• 🔒 9+ years working with major firewall platforms
• 🧠 Proven architecture/design authority on large-scale projects
• 📝 Strong background in producing high-quality technical documentation
• ☁️ Solid knowledge of public, private & hybrid cloud

Additional Skills

• 📊 Strong project & time management
• 🗣️ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• 🖥️ Confident presenting to technical and leadership audiences
• 🤝 Able to work independently and collaboratively
• 🎯 Leadership capabilities
• 🧩 Strong problem-solving skills

What You Bring

• 🛡️ Deep network expertise
• 🧠 Analytical and structured thinking
• ⏱️ Excellent organisation skills
• 🤝 Strong team and customer-focused mindset
• 🔍 Curiosity and enthusiasm for learning new technologies

What We Offer

• 💷 Competitive compensation
• 🏦 Pension scheme
• 🎉 Access to Company Select benefits — private medical insurance, gym membership, childcare vouchers & more

IMPORTANT: Only candidates with a CURRENT and ACTIVE SC CLEARANCE will be considered. If you do not already hold active SC clearance, please do not apply, as your application cannot be progressed and will be automatically rejected.

Thank you for your understanding.