Network Architect

ZipRecruiter; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tech firm is seeking a Network Architect in Manchester to design and maintain secure network infrastructures. You will collaborate with IT and cybersecurity teams to establish networking strategies while enhancing current systems and mentoring junior staff. This hybrid role offers competitive salaries and various benefits in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Bonus scheme

Holiday entitlement

Pension plan

Healthcare

Employee benefits platform

Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in network design, implementation, and administration.
• Deep knowledge of routing and switching protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF, EIGRP).
• Experience with cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP) and network security tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain enterprise-level network architectures (LAN, WAN, WLAN, Cloud).
• Evaluate current network systems and recommend improvements.
• Lead the selection and deployment of network hardware and software.

Skills

Routing and switching protocols

Firewall management

VPNs

Load balancing

SD-WAN

Cloud networking

Network security principles

Network monitoring tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, or related field

Tools

SolarWinds

Wireshark

NetFlow analyzers

Job description

Job Description

We are currently looking for a Network Architect to join our team and help us design, implement, and maintain high-performing and secure network infrastructures that support our business operations and growth. This role is hybrid based at one of our offices in the UK (Manchester or Whitley), Spain (Madrid), Denmark (Skanderborg), Sweden (Malmo), or Germany (Telgte).

What will you be doing in this role?

As our Network Architect, you will design and maintain enterprise-level network architectures (LAN, WAN, WLAN, Cloud, and hybrid solutions), evaluate current network systems, and recommend improvements to optimize performance, scalability, and security. Collaborating with IT leadership, cybersecurity teams, and other stakeholders to define networking strategies and standards is vital.

In addition, you will lead the selection, design, and deployment of network hardware and software, including routers, firewalls, switches, and load balancers.

The ideal candidate:

The successful candidate will be proactive, collaborative, and an excellent communicator, both verbally and written, with proven experience in network design, implementation, and administration. You will be technically skilled, with a deep knowledge of routing and switching protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF, EIGRP), and proficient in firewall management, VPNs, load balancing, and SD-WAN. Experience with cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP), network monitoring and management tools (SolarWinds, Wireshark, NetFlow analyzers), and an understanding of network security principles and tools (firewalls, IDS/IPS, NAC) is vital.

Main responsibilities:

• Design and maintain enterprise-level network architectures (LAN, WAN, WLAN, Cloud, and hybrid solutions)
• Evaluate current network systems and recommend improvements to optimize performance, scalability, and security
• Collaborate with IT leadership, cybersecurity teams, and other stakeholders to define networking strategies and standards
• Lead the selection, design, and deployment of network hardware and software, including routers, firewalls, switches, and load balancers
• Define and maintain network documentation, diagrams, and configuration guidelines
• Ensure network compliance with security protocols, data protection regulations, and industry standards
• Conduct network capacity planning, performance tuning, and risk assessments
• Lead or participate in incident response and root cause analysis for critical network issues
• Guide and mentor network engineers and support staff in best practices
• Engage with vendors to evaluate and procure technology solutions
• Provide guidance on networking for VoIP and UC systems, ensuring bandwidth, QoS, and reliability
• Evaluate, deploy, and support VoIP solutions, including call managers, session border controllers, SIP trunks, and QoS configurations

Key skills and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, or related field, or equivalent experience
• Proven experience in network design, implementation, and administration
• Deep knowledge of routing and switching protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF, EIGRP)
• Proficiency in firewall management, VPNs, load balancing, and SD-WAN
• Experience with cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Strong understanding of network security principles and tools (firewalls, IDS/IPS, NAC)
• Experience with network monitoring and management tools (SolarWinds, Wireshark, NetFlow analyzers)

Desirable certifications include CCNP/CCIE, JNCIP/JNCIE, or equivalent. Experience in hybrid cloud environments and network automation (Ansible, Python, Terraform), and familiarity with Zero Trust Networking are a plus.

If you're unsure about your skills or experience, please apply, and our team will review your application.

What we offer:

Benefits vary by region but are competitive. UK benefits include hybrid working, a competitive salary, bonus scheme, holiday entitlement, pension, healthcare, employee benefits platform, and development opportunities.

About us:

Tunstall is a market-leading health and care technology provider, committed to diversity and inclusion, with over 3,000 colleagues across 18 countries. Join us and be part of our mission to make a difference.