Network Specialist

NHS; North East; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Durham is seeking a Digital & Data Network Specialist to manage and deliver a secure digital network across multiple sites. This full-time role involves leading IT network services, mentoring engineers, and ensuring compliance with security standards. Ideal candidates should possess CCNP and CCNA certifications, along with extensive networking knowledge. The position offers a salary between £47,810 to £54,710 per annum.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Support for professional development

Work-life balance focus

Qualifications

• Highly developed specialist knowledge in network infrastructure and related protocols.
• Experience supporting applications through VPN and firewall appliances.
• Strong working knowledge of IT security principles.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice and maintain a robust network infrastructure.
• Work with the Network Manager to implement infrastructure strategies.
• Mentor senior engineers and ensure teams are up-to-date with best practices.

Skills

Cisco technologies

Network security

Technical leadership

Problem-solving

Education

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) in wireless technologies

Tools

VPN appliances

Firewalls

Routers and switches

Active Directory

Job description

Overview

As a Digital & Data Network Specialist at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) you will play a pivotal role in delivering and managing a modern, resilient and secure digital network across 100 Trust sites and partner networks. You will deliver and manage the Trust’s network infrastructure in conjunction with the Network Manager. The Trust utilises modern Cisco technologies with a recent overhaul of Switching, Routing and Wireless infrastructure using Cisco DNAC at the heart of the network. This role supports TEWV’s Digital and Data Journey to Change and contributes to delivering high quality care within an ambitious organisation.

We will support your professional development and work-life balance as you help us achieve TEWV’s three big goals: co-create a great experience for patients, carers and families; co-create a great experience for colleagues; and be a great partner.

Main duties of the job

The lead network engineer role involves:

• Providing specialist IT Network engineering services for TEWV’s digital networks and communications infrastructure, ensuring activities comply with best-practice technical, records and cyber security standards and are under robust contractual management with third-party suppliers and partners.
• Being part of the Network on-call rota.
• Providing expert guidance to Network Engineers, the Network Manager and stakeholders; investigating complex wireless networking issues across LAN/WAN, wireless infrastructure, firewalls, routing, switching, network resilience and capacity planning.
• Supporting digital infrastructure strategy and emerging network technologies; documenting the Trust’s existing network infrastructure and developing documentation to support future technology and the Trust’s digital strategy.
• Mentoring and providing technical leadership to the Network team and engineers as required.
• Ensuring network security, reliability and performance, and adopting industry best practices.

About us

We are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package and supporting work-life balance, with a focus on teamwork and recognition of staff contributions.

Details

Date posted: 24 September 2025 • Pay: Agenda for Change • Band 7 • Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 per annum • Contract: Permanent • Working pattern: Full-time

Location: Lanchester Road Hospital, Durham, DH1 5RD

Job responsibilities

The lead network specialist for the TEWV enterprise wireless network will support the health, delivery and maintenance of an enterprise network infrastructure to meet modern standards and provide the best possible service for staff, patients and carers. You will:

• Provide expert advice across a range of IT networks and technical areas; develop, monitor and maintain a robust network infrastructure in support of the Trust’s strategic direction.
• Work with the Network Manager to develop and implement infrastructure strategies; ensure the network is secure, reliable and performing optimally; identify and implement technical improvements including automation and monitoring.
• Mentor senior engineers in the network and infrastructure server team; ensure the network and infrastructure teams stay up-to-date with industry best practices to support high-quality patient care.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to document and communicate technical configuration documentation.

Qualifications

Essential

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) in wireless technologies

Knowledge

• Highly developed specialist knowledge and practical experience in network infrastructure and related protocols; experience supporting applications through VPN and firewall appliances.
• Expert working knowledge of router, switch, firewall and wireless technologies in an enterprise network.
• Good understanding of network security fundamentals.
• Understanding of virtual servers and virtual desktop infrastructure in a mixed Cisco and Microsoft Active Directory environment.
• Strong working knowledge of general IT security principles and practice.

Disclosures

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK will be considered alongside other applications. For details visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. Guidance on overseas criminal records checks is available.

Employer details

Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
Lanchester Road Hospital, Durham, DH1 5RD