ICT Network Lead - Bicester & Otterbourne

National health service; Bicester, Otterbourne; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) is seeking an ICT Network Lead to manage and develop the core network infrastructure across multiple sites. You will lead on design, implementation and ongoing operation of on‑premises and cloud networking, ensuring security, resilience and high availability for frontline and clinical systems.

Based at office locations in the SCAS region with occasional travel, you will report to the Network and Infrastructure Manager and act as a

Qualifications

• Post Graduate Degree in IT, Networking, or equivalent experience.
• ITIL Foundation certification (or equivalent knowledge).
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Desirable PRINCE2 Foundation.

Responsibilities

• Operational support, maintenance and strategic development of the Trust's network infrastructure across multiple sites.
• Provide specialist expertise across on-premises and cloud networking technologies to ensure availability and security.
• Lead network design, implementation, optimisation and service improvement initiatives.
• Act as escalation point for complex technical issues and coordinate resolutions.
• Ensure the network provisions are documented and aligned with the functional design.

Skills

Networking expertise

TCP/IP & OSI

Incident management

Communication skills

Autonomous decision-making

Education

Postgraduate IT/Networking degree

ITIL Foundation

CPD evidence

PRINCE2 Foundation (Desirable)

Job description

Band 7 Full Time | 37.5 Hours per Week Permanent Location: Across SCAS sites with travel throughout the Trust area as required - Office Based Bicester or Otterbourne

Help Power the Technology Behind Life-Saving Care

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) delivers emergency, urgent care and NHS 111 services to millions of people across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire.

We're looking for an experienced ICT Network Lead to join our Digital Services team and play a pivotal role in managing, maintaining and developing the core digital network infrastructure that supports our frontline and critical operations.

From ambulance stations, contact centres to critical clinical systems and cloud services, your expertise will help ensure our technology remains secure, resilient and available when it matters most.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled infrastructure professional who enjoys combining hands-on technical leadership with strategic thinking and service improvement.

Main duties of the job

As ICT Network Lead, you will be responsible for the operational support, maintenance and strategic development of the Trust's network infrastructure across a complex multi-site environment. You will provide specialist expertise across both on-premises and cloud networking technologies, ensuring the availability, performance and security of business-critical systems. You will work closely with all aspects of the wider digital team, including but not limited to cyber-security, telecoms and infrastructure teams.

Working within the Digital Network & Infrastructure team and reporting to the Network and Infrastructure Manager, you will lead on network design, implementation, optimisation and service improvement initiatives while acting as an escalation point for complex technical issues.

You will ensure that the Trust networking provisions are operating effectively, co-ordinate resolutions, minimise impact upon operations and ensure the organisation has a fully documented functional design suite.

About us

At South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), every role contributes to helping people when they need us most. Whether delivering frontline care, supporting our Emergency Operations Centres, or working in corporate and support services, your work makes a meaningful difference every day.

Our values of Caring, Professional and Honest guide everything we do. We care for our patients, communities and each other, act professionally with pride and a commitment to excellence, and work honestly, building trust through openness, integrity and respect.

We offer a range of learning and development opportunities, wellbeing support, flexible working where service needs allow, membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, and a variety of staff benefits. We also work in partnership with our recognised trade unions,Unison, Unite GMB and RCN , which provide members with workplace support, representation and advice.

SCAS is proud to be an inclusive employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We strive to create a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are valued for who they are, and have opportunities to grow and succeed.

We're seeking a motivated and experienced network professional with a passion for delivering reliable digital services in a 24/7 operational environment.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Qualifications Essential Post Graduate Degree in IT, Networking, or equivalent experience
• ITIL Foundation certification (or equivalent knowledge)
• Evidence of continuous professional development
• Desirable PRINCE2 Foundation

Knowledge

• Knowledge Essential Extensive experience in network/infrastructure support (3rd line level)
• Experience working in a complex, multi-site organisation
• Proven experience in network design, implementation, and support
• Experience managing enterprise network technologies (LAN/WAN, firewalls, routing)
• Desirable NHS or public sector experience

Skills

• Skills Essential Advanced technical knowledge of networking (TCP/IP, OSI model, LAN/WAN)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage complex incidents and competing priorities
• Excellent communication skills, including explaining technical issues to non-technical users
• Ability to work autonomously and make complex decisions

The individual should possess a flexible approach to work, may be required to undertake out of hours working when situations dictate, and will participate in on-call technical support.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.