Lead Network Engineer

Ordnance Survey; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 61,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension up to 12.07%

Performance bonus

28 days annual leave + holidays

Enhanced family leave

Hybrid working

Learning & mentoring

OS Maps subscription

Volunteering & fundraising

Job summary

Ordnance Survey is seeking a Lead Network Engineer to drive the architecture, design, and delivery of our enterprise network across data centres, cloud environments, and remote sites. The role includes mentoring engineers, shaping our network roadmap, and collaborating with cybersecurity and other teams.

You will lead a high‑calibre team, ensure secure, scalable networking, and guide investments in technology while balancing operational priorities with strategic goals.

Qualifications

• Experience leading enterprise network initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of BGP, VLANs, VPNs.
• Experience with network automation and monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture, design and delivery of enterprise network solutions.
• Act as a technical authority for network engineering.
• Oversee network performance, capacity and health.
• Provide leadership during complex incidents and root cause analysis.
• Drive automation and continuous improvement to increase reliability.
• Lead, coach and develop network engineers.

Skills

Enterprise network architecture

BGP/VLANs/VPNs

Routing & switching

Network security

Automation & scripting

Leadership & stakeholder mgmt

CCNP/CCIE or equivalent

Tools

Cisco ISE

Cisco Meraki

Cisco enterprise routing/switching

Check Point firewalls

F5 BIG-IP

Azure networking

Job description

Lead Network Engineer – Technology Operations

Full Time | £61,302.00 - £71,520.00 Hybrid working | Southampton

*This role will require SC clearance

About the role

Our Technology and Design team plays a vital role in keeping OS at the cutting edge of geospatial capability. We work across the business to deliver customer-centric technology services that make a real difference. Join us and you’ll have the opportunity to make an impact, supporting technology that underpins critical services and helping shape the future of networking at Ordnance Survey.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for an experienced and influential Lead Network Engineer to provide technical leadership and strategic direction for OS’s enterprise network infrastructure. You’ll lead the architecture, design and delivery of complex network solutions across our data centres, cloud environments and remote sites. As the principal technical authority for networking, you’ll help ensure our network services remain secure, resilient, scalable and fit for the future.

These responsibilities reflect the current Lead Network Engineer role profile. This is more than a hands‑on technical leadership role. You’ll lead and develop a team of network engineers and technicians, helping to build capability, share knowledge and create a collaborative and inclusive engineering culture. You’ll also work closely with teams across cybersecurity, infrastructure, development and applications while helping shape our network technology roadmap, investment priorities and future strategy.

You’ll work across a varied networking estate. Key technologies within the team include Cisco switching and routing, Cisco ISE, Cisco Meraki, Check Point firewalls, F5 BIG-IP and Azure networking, so experience across several of these technologies would be particularly valuable.

Essential skills and experience

• Extensive experience working with enterprise network infrastructure and leading complex or large‑scale network initiatives.
• Expert knowledge of networking protocols and technologies including BGP, VLANs and VPNs.
• Strong hands‑on expertise across routing, switching, wireless, firewalls and cloud networking.
• Strong understanding of modern network security principles including network segmentation and zero-trust approaches.
• Experience with network monitoring, automation and scripting.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills for complex network and service issues.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to balance operational priorities with longer‑term strategic objectives.
• Experience leading, coaching and developing engineers and supporting their professional development.
• Industry‑recognised networking certification such as Cisco CCNP/CCIE or equivalent experience.

Experience with the following would be particularly valuable

• Cisco enterprise switching and routing
• Cisco ISE
• Cisco Meraki
• Check Point firewalls
• F5 BIG-IP
• Microsoft Azure networking

You’ll have the opportunity to

• Lead the architecture, design and delivery of enterprise network solutions.
• Act as a technical authority for network engineering.
• Oversee network performance, capacity and operational health.
• Provide technical leadership during complex incidents and support root‑cause analysis.
• Drive automation and continuous improvement to increase reliability and efficiency.
• Lead, coach and develop network engineers and technicians.
• Identify capability and skills gaps and support development and succession planning.
• Work closely with cybersecurity and other technology teams to deliver secure, integrated services.
• Develop standards, documentation and technical best practice.
• Evaluate emerging networking technologies and work with technology partners and vendors.
• Contribute to strategic planning, investment, budgeting and network risk management.
• Define and maintain the network technology roadmap.

The rewards

• Competitive salary and pension (OS contribute up to 12.07%)
• Performance‑related bonus (where applicable)
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
• Enhanced family leave, including paid partner leave
• Hybrid and flexible working options
• Learning and development support, coaching and mentoring
• Free subscription to OS Maps and access to wellbeing support
• Volunteering leave and matched fundraising

Location & Working Pattern

The role is based from OSHQ in Southampton, with OS operating a hybrid working model. Regular office presence will be required because of the hands‑on nature of supporting our enterprise network infrastructure.

Security & eligibility

Given the nature of this role, the successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of UK national Security Clearance. You must therefore be willing and able to undertake the necessary security vetting process. Security vetting is conducted in accordance with the requirements of United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV). Further information about security clearance and the vetting process is available on the UK Government security vetting guidance. UKSV is the UK Government's provider of national security clearances.

OS conducts pre‑employment checks for anyone made an offer of employment, including identity, right to work, employment history and criminal record checks (via Disclosure & Barring Services (DBS)). This role requires the right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, OS cannot provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Inclusion at OS Research

Inclusion at OS Research shows that people from underrepresented groups often hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement.

Inclusion at OS

At Ordnance Survey, we’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive and welcoming workplace.

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that people may need during the recruitment process, and you will be asked whether you require any during the application process.

Closing date

Thursday 19th November 2026 at 23:59pm

Who we are

We are Ordnance Survey, Great Britain’s national mapping service and a pioneer in geospatial technology. With over 230 years of trusted data, we empower better decisions, deeper understanding, and meaningful connections to the places we live, move through, and care for. Three principles one direction Clear the path – Cut the noise. Simplify. Move at pace Seek the story – Listen. Understand. Speak up Do what matters – Focus on value Our principles unite us in delivering our Data & Destinations strategy with more simplicity, more clarity, and renewed momentum for each other and for our customers. They’re here to create more good days, and fewer harder ones but only if each one of us plays our part.

Skills required for this role

Automation, Automation, Cloud Networking, Coaching, Continuous Improvement, Continuous Improvement Approach, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Cross-Functional Communications, Cross-Functional Planning, Cross Functional Projects, Cross‑Functional Teamwork, Firewalls Configuration, Growth Mindset, IT Leadership, IT Networking, IT Strategic Planning, Learning Strategies, Network Administration, Network Architecture Design, Network Configurations, Network Development, Networking Relationships, Network Integration, Network Maintenance, Network Migrations {+ 22 more}

What if your next role helped shape the way millions of people experience the world?

Every day, our location data powers essential services, supports businesses, drives innovation, and helps keep communities safe. For over 225 years, we've been helping people navigate the world around them. Today, we're combining that heritage with cutting‑edge technology, data science, and digital innovation to solve real‑world challenges. From laptops to hilltops, blue lights to streetlights, and congestion to relaxation, our data helps people make better decisions, find their way, and respond to the challenges that matter most. Whether it's supporting the emergency services, enabling businesses to grow, or helping governments plan for the future, the work we do has a real impact on everyday lives. If you're looking for meaningful work, exciting challenges, and the opportunity to make a genuine difference, you'll find it here.