Network Architect

Service Care Solutions; Kidlington; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Network Architect to work with Thames Valley Police. This role involves providing technical leadership and design oversight across network infrastructure projects, focusing on Cisco and Fortinet technologies. Candidates should have a strong background in network design, public sector procurement, and technical leadership. This is a hybrid working position with a focus on project delivery.

Benefits

Hybrid Working

Professional development and ongoing training

Opportunity to work across a collaborative regional function

Qualifications

• Proven experience in network architecture and design using Cisco and Fortinet technologies.
• Strong background in SD-WAN, especially Fortinet solutions.
• Expertise in Cisco Catalyst Centre deployment and management.
• Deep understanding of network security principles and firewall configuration.
• Experience with public sector procurement and contract management.
• Technical leadership in national communications programmes (ESN/ESMCP).

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of complex network solutions.
• Provide technical assurance and review of third-party network designs.
• Design, deploy, and manage Fortinet SD-WAN environments.
• Deliver and support Cisco Catalyst Centre deployments.
• Act as the lead technical authority for ESN/ESMCP programmes.

Skills

Network architecture and design using Cisco

SD-WAN, especially Fortinet solutions

Cisco Catalyst Centre deployment

Network security principles

Public sector procurement

Technical leadership

Job description

Network Engineer

Location: Thames Valley Police HQ, Kidlington, Oxfordshire
Contract: 6 months fixed term with potential extension (Hybrid Working)
Pay Rate: Up to £650 per day
Start Date: ASAP (Subject to police vetting)

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Network Architect to join Thames Valley Police on a contract basis, providing expert technical leadership and design oversight across a range of network infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will have extensive experience with Cisco and Fortinet technologies, public sector procurement, and national emergency services communications programmes such as ESN/ESMCP.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and implementation of complex network solutions, ensuring alignment with business and technical requirements.
• Provide technical assurance and review of third‑party network designs (Cisco & Fortinet).
• Design, deploy, and manage Fortinet SD‑WAN environments; validate third‑party proposals.
• Deliver and support Cisco Catalyst Centre deployments.
• Apply strong network security expertise, ensuring best practices are embedded across all designs.
• Support public sector procurement, developing technical requirements for tenders and renewals.
• Act as the lead technical authority for ESN/ESMCP programmes, supporting the transition from TETRA Airwave to modern mobile communication platforms.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of ICCS platforms.

Essential skills and experience:

• Proven experience in network architecture and design using Cisco and Fortinet technologies.
• Strong background in SD‑WAN, especially Fortinet solutions.
• Expertise in Cisco Catalyst Centre deployment and management.
• Deep understanding of network security principles and firewall configuration.
• Experience with public sector procurement and contract management.
• Technical leadership in national communications programmes (ESN/ESMCP).
• Knowledge of legacy TETRA Airwave and ICCS systems.

Why Join Offerings:

• Hybrid Working
• The opportunity to work across a large, collaborative regional Accountancy function.
• Professional development and ongoing training.

Service Care Solutions is proud to assist in this recruitment campaign. If you meet the above criteria and would like to be considered, please apply now or reach out directly to discuss the role in more detail.

Harry Greenhalgh
Recruitment Lead – Police | Youth Justice | Domestic Abuse
Service Care Solutions
(url removed)
(phone number removed)