It Network Manager

Ford & Stanley Recruitment; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK-based recruitment agency is seeking an experienced IT Network Manager to lead a high-performing network team focusing on Fortinet SD-WAN implementation and network resilience. This permanent role offers a hybrid work environment and a salary range of £65,000 to £75,000, along with benefits like a final salary pension and free rail travel across the network.

Benefits

Final salary pension

Free rail travel

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating, maintaining, and implementing Fortinet/Fortigate SD-WAN.
• Strong understanding of networking fundamentals and practical implementations.
• Leadership experience with the ability to coach and develop a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team responsible for network performance, security, and resilience.
• Drive the deployment and optimisation of Fortinet SD-WAN.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners for service delivery.

Skills

Fortinet/Fortigate SD-WAN

Networking fundamentals

Network security principles

Traffic management

Performance monitoring

Automation tools

Stakeholder engagement

Organisational skills

Job description

Overview

IT Network Manager - Fortinet SD-WAN. Ford & Stanley are partnered with one of the UK's busiest and most strategically important train operating companies to recruit an IT Network Manager. This role is pivotal in leading the team responsible for the performance, security, and resilience of a mission-critical network spanning over 200 sites — including stations, depots, offices, and data centres.

As the business completes its transition from legacy systems to a modern Fortinet SD-WAN infrastructure, this position offers the chance to shape the future of connectivity across the network. You'll work closely with the Head of IT, circuit providers, and switch support partners to ensure uptime is maximised and network traffic remains secure and efficient.

Opportunity

• Be part of a landmark year in UK rail history
• Lead a high-performing network team with broad operational impact
• Drive the deployment and optimisation of Fortinet SD-WAN across the business
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure seamless service delivery
• Take ownership of ad-hoc business projects and contribute to IT governance
• Enjoy high autonomy in a fun but focused team environment
• Hybrid working with flexibility and trust
• Final salary pension and free rail travel across the network

Candidate Specifications

• Proven experience operating, maintaining, and implementing Fortinet/Fortigate SD-WAN (critical requirement)
• Strong understanding of networking fundamentals and practical implementations
• Deep knowledge of network security principles and threat mitigation
• Familiarity with traffic management, performance monitoring, and automation tools
• Awareness of external threats and ability to maintain network resilience
• Passion for continuous improvement and leveraging full capability of existing infrastructure
• Leadership experience with the ability to coach and develop a team
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities
• Clear communicator with excellent stakeholder engagement skills
• Calm under pressure and hands-on in crisis situations

Location

Location: London Bridge (Hybrid - 3 days on-site)

Salary

Salary: £65,000 - £75,000 + final salary pension + free rail travel

Contract Type

Contract Type: Permanent