Lead Network Architect

On behalf of The Home Office, we are looking for a Lead Network Architect for a 12-month contract based in Greater London - Hybrid working 2 days per week.

SC Clearance is an essential requirement for this role; as a minimum, you must be willing and eligible to undergo checks. Please note, due to the exceptional requirements of this position (short-term nature of this role and speed at which we require a postholder in situ), preference may be given to candidates who meet all of the essential criteria and hold active security clearance.

The Network Architect (contractor) will primarily be engaged in the DRS Exit Project and other supportive roles in various other projects/demands within N&I and Policing. The DRS Exit Project is a critical policing data centre decommissioning programme that involves migrating the Vodafone managed policing DR data centre to the Crown Commercial Data Centre known as HODC1. This project requires meticulous coordination with various technical teams in N&I, PPPT, stakeholders, and suppliers, with the N&I network engineering team being a key part of the transition process. There is a main tiger team and multiple sub tiger teams focusing on the DRS transition to HODC1, and Network Engineering is part of the tiger group.

Responsibilities

As a Lead Network Architect, your main responsibilities will be:

1. The Network Architect will lead the DRS Exit Project on behalf of the N&I Engineering Team and collaborate closely with the delivery partner Capgemini, as well as other policing technical teams in N&I and PPPT.
2. As the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the transition programme, the architect will oversee technical aspects, ensuring swift completion of tasks, addressing challenges, blockers, and dependencies. They will also actively participate in technical hands-on activities with our delivery partner Capgemini.
3. Overall, the role of the Network Architect encompasses leading the DRS Exit Project, collaborating with multiple stakeholders, addressing technical challenges, and contributing to various network engineering initiatives.

Essential Qualifications

1. In-depth understanding of TCP/IP, OSI model, subnetting, and routing protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF, EIGRP).
2. Extensive experience in LAN/WAN network design, implementation, and troubleshooting.
3. Proficiency in firewall technologies, including but not limited to Cisco ASA, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Juniper, and Check Point.
4. Ability to establish and enforce network governance processes, standards, and policies.
5. Ability to define and implement network security architectures to protect the organization's data and infrastructure.
6. Experience in ensuring network compliance with regulatory standards and industry best practices.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.