Network Performance Analyst

At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen.

Network Performance Analyst

Permanent

Manchester: £53,978 - £59,853

Milton Keynes: £56,204 - £62,321

Hybrid – 2 days a week in the office

Think you can keep a national network running at its best?
Imagine being the person who ensures lightning-fast connectivity and smooth digital experiences for thousands of colleagues across the UK. If you're ready to step into a role where your expertise drives performance and resilience, we want to hear from you!

Join us in optimising the future of education technology.
As a Network Performance Analyst at AQA, you’ll be key to maintaining and improving the performance of our enterprise-scale network. You'll analyse trends, respond to incidents, and contribute to the design of new services. Your work will directly enhance productivity and the digital employee experience, playing a vital role in delivering assessment outcomes for millions of learners.

What’s in it for you?

• High-impact work: Monitor and fine-tune performance across LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, WLAN, and cloud-based networks.
• Tech-forward tools: Leverage monitoring platforms like SolarWinds, Entuity, NetFlow Analyzer, and Azure Monitor. Work hands-on with Cisco Umbrella, Meraki, and F5 firewalls.
• Security at the core: Apply your security knowledge to align with ISO27001, Cyber Essentials Plus, and NCSC guidance.
• Enjoy a flexible work environment with a 35-hour week and extensive opportunities for professional and personal development.
• Access to an enhanced contributory pension scheme which could see you paying in 7% and AQA contributing 11.5% (Other options are available).
• Receive 25 days of annual leave, increasing to 30 days with service, plus bank holidays and additional Christmas office closure.
• Comprehensive health coverage from day one, including Bupa PMI, Health Cash Plan, and Life Assurance.
• Participate in eco-friendly transport schemes, including electric vehicles and cycle-to-work options.

Certifications & skills we value:

• Must-have: CCNA (or equivalent experience).
• Nice-to-have: CCNP, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Network+, WCNA, ITIL Foundation (v4 or v3), Azure experience, CISA or informal audit/compliance exposure.

How do I apply?

Read the full job description and upload your most recent CV by following the link provided.

Closing date for applications will be Tuesday 22nd April.

AQA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone—regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background—is valued, respected, and supported to thrive.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place. Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description

Summary

Purpose:
As the Network Performance Analyst within the Enterprise Technology department under CSO, your role is responsible for monitoring, analysing and maintaining network performance. Using your knowledge and experience you will make recommendations for driving continuous improvement. You will contribute to the reliability and efficiency of our network services, which directly impacts the productivity and digital employee experience (DEX) of AQA's colleagues. Involved in the design of new products and services to manage the impact on capacity, ensuring availability of existing and new services. Your time will be shared between BAU and project activities to continually evolve the networks.

Landscape:
Reporting to the Infrastructure and Cloud Operations Manager, who in turn reports into the Head of Enterprise Services, within the Enterprise Technology Directorate. The role will ensure enterprise scale network operates effectively and complies to security standards. The role involves working closely with other technology teams, specifically other members of the Infrastructure and Cloud Operations team, colleagues in the EUC team, and suppliers to optimise network configurations and troubleshoot performance issues. The role requires proactive collaboration with other Enterprise and Assessment Technology teams and project managers in the design and delivery of new products and services that may change network capacity to ensure the availability of applications and services. Aligned and operating to industry standard frameworks and good practice including ITIL. As a security focused organisation, you will have a good understanding and be able to apply your knowledge of ISO/IEC27001, Cyber Essentials Plus and NCSC guidance to deliver secure, efficient and compliant services enabling ongoing alignment and certification.

Activities:
Investigate assigned 3rd line Incidents resolving within SLA, communicating progress throughout. Liaising with Enterprise Technology colleagues, suppliers and 3rd party information sources as required to achieve resolution. Providing technical support for complex network performance and connectivity issues. Design, implement and maintain systems and network monitoring and reporting. Configure and maintain effective monitoring processes to identify events/incidents and ensure timely resolution and/or make proposals for improvements. Design alerting to trigger events when network activity is exceptional / abnormal. Work with suppliers to optimise network services and support the management of suppliers. Document policies, troubleshooting guides and lead on the creation of standard operating procedures related to network performance monitoring. Participate in the planning and implementation of network performance enhancements. Support the creation of KPI’s and measurement for Infrastructure and Cloud services. The role involves working closely with other technology teams, specifically other members of the Infrastructure and Cloud Operations team, colleagues in the EUC team, and suppliers to optimise network configurations and troubleshoot performance issues. The role requires you to be proactive and work closely with other Enterprise and Assessment Technology teams and project managers in the design and delivery of new products and services that may change network capacity to ensure the availability of applications and services. Contribute ideas for continuous improvement that enhance colleague experience, security, supportability that will influence the Infrastructure and Cloud roadmap. Contribute to the safe introduction of new technologies into service that impact network capacity.

To be successful in this role, you will need to know:
Technical proficiency in networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP, SNMP, etc.), network performance metrics: latency, jitter, packet loss, throughput, bandwidth utilisation. Familiarity with Quality of Service (QoS) concepts. Familiarity with network devices like routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers. A good knowledge of network architectures (LAN, WAN, WLAN, SD-WAN). Comprehensive knowledge of tools for diagnosing network performance issues (e.g., traceroute, ping, Wireshark). Proficiency with network performance monitoring (NPM) tools: SolarWinds, Nagios, PRTG, Cisco Prime, NetFlow Analyzer, etc. Cloud-native tools like AWS CloudWatch or Azure Monitor. Understanding of application performance monitoring (APM) tools. Excellent problem-solving skills with the capacity to handle and resolve escalated support tickets for complex issues providing timely resolution. Effective troubleshooting of issues at all layers of the OSI model. Good knowledge of and the ability to apply ITIL, ISO/IEC27001, Cyber Essentials Plus and COBIT standards and frameworks into the delivery of the EUC service. Provide excellent customer service. Be collaborative and build strong relationships with stakeholders and departments across AQA. Exercise substantial personal responsibility and autonomy. Use substantial discretion in identifying and responding to complex issues and assignments as they relate to the deliverable/scope of work. Plan, schedule and monitor work to meet given objectives and processes to time and quality targets. Make decisions which influence the success of projects and team objectives, demonstrate an awareness of risk and takes an analytical approach to work. Communicate fluently, orally and in writing, and can present complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences when engaging with colleagues, users/customers, suppliers and partners. Security, privacy and ethics — fully understands the importance and application to own work and the operation of the organisation. Engages or works with specialists as necessary. Adherence to AQA values such as having a step-up mindset, making pragmatic decisions, and delivering at pace. Take responsibility for own personal professional development. Rapidly absorb and critically assess new information and apply it effectively. Ideally hold professional certifications relevant to the role: ITIL Foundation, CompTIA Network+, CCNA/CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Associate/Professional), Wireshark Certified Network Analyst (WCNA).

There may be a requirement to provide out of hours support on a rota basis.