IT Network Lead

TalentHawk; Horley; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tech firm in the UK is seeking a highly experienced IT Network Lead to manage enterprise network services. The successful candidate will have at least 10 years of experience in data communications and vendor management, ensuring operational efficiency and strategic alignment. This full-time role demands strong problem-solving skills in complex network environments and offers the opportunity to influence significant budgets.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in data communications and firewall network roles.
• Strong vendor management experience.
• Proven track record in problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Manage and optimise enterprise IT network services.
• Act as primary technical contact for network deployments.
• Approve network and security changes.

Skills

Data communications

Vendor management

Problem-solving

Firewall configuration

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced IT Network Lead to oversee the delivery, performance, and evolution of our enterprise-wide data communications, security, and voice networks. This is a senior role requiring at least 10 years’ experience in managing large-scale network environments, ensuring operational efficiency, resilience, and strategic alignment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and optimise enterprise IT network services to ensure performance, resilience, and cost efficiency.
• Act as primary technical contact for network deployments, changes, and vendor relationships.
• Collaborate with IT architects on roadmaps, major changes, and network evolution.
• Work closely with IT support teams to streamline incident, change, and request processes.
• Lead supplier management for telecoms, security, and professional services.
• Provide coaching and guidance to junior technical staff (non-direct reports).
• Approve network and security changes, ensuring compliance and minimal operational risk.
• Influence a multi-million-pound annual spend on network, voice, and related services.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum 10 years in data communications and firewall network roles, including configuration, provisioning, and incident management.
• Strong vendor management experience in telecoms, security, and professional services.
• Background in telecoms, ISP, or large enterprise environments.
• Proven track record in problem-solving complex network and security issues.
• Tactical thinker with an understanding of strategic impacts.

Impact & Scope

The IT Network Lead plays a critical role in maintaining operational capability across the organisation. Success in this role directly supports business continuity, safety, and efficiency, while errors could have significant operational and reputational impacts.

Working Pattern

Primarily business hours with occasional on-call and out-of-hours requirements.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Information Technology

Industries

• Computer and Network Security and IT Services and IT Consulting