Principal Network Engineer (Section Leader)

Liverpool John Moores University; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in the UK is looking for a Principal Network Engineer to lead and design enterprise-grade data networks. This role involves managing Next Generation Firewall security policies, mentoring specialist teams, and ensuring network security and performance. Ideal candidates will possess strong leadership skills and extensive experience in network environments. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the innovation within the university's strategic vision.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Pension scheme

Induction and development support

Family-friendly policies

Qualifications

• Experience leading technical teams in network environments.
• Strong understanding of data networking principles.
• Ability to translate technical concepts into business outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and design enterprise-scale data networks across on-premise and cloud.
• Manage security policies for Next Generation Firewall platforms.
• Deliver change in live production environments.

Skills

Leadership skills

Network design

Next Generation Firewall management

SSL certificate management

Stakeholder management

Job description

About Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a distinctive, unique institution, rooted in the Liverpool City Region and with a global presence. Our students and staff, past, present, and future, are the beating heart of our city and can be found in every corner of every industry and community. We couldn’t exist anywhere else and have shaped the city in which we belong. Working with the people of Liverpool to improve lives and support communities is at the heart of why we were founded and why we exist today.

Role Overview

The Principal Network Engineer is a leadership and technical role responsible for the strategy, design, delivery and ongoing operation of Liverpool John Moores University’s enterprise data network across on‑premises data centres and cloud environments. The role leads a team of specialist engineers, acts as the senior technical authority for the network estate, and ensures high levels of security, resilience, availability and performance to support the university’s teaching, research and business operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and design enterprise‑scale data networks across on‑premise and cloud environments.
• Manage Next Generation Firewall platforms and security policies.
• Operate server load balancing/Application Delivery Controllers.
• Handle SSL certificate lifecycle management and maintain excellent IPv4 routing knowledge.
• Lead, mentor and develop specialist technical teams with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Translate complex technical concepts into clear business outcomes.
• Deliver and govern change in live production environments using IT service management best practice.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Pension scheme.
• Induction and development support.
• Family‑friendly policies.

Why Join LJMU

This is an exciting time to join the university as we deliver the LJMU Strategy 2030 and its vision of LJMU as an inclusive civic university transforming lives and futures, placing students at the heart of everything we do.

Open Invitation

If you feel that this is the role you have been looking for and your skills and experience can make a real difference at LJMU, we look forward to hearing from you.

Equal Opportunity Statement

LJMU is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and communities irrespective of age, transgender status, disability, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity and religion or belief. All our appointments are made on merit.

Please note all of our vacancies will be closed to applications at midnight on the advertised closing date, unless otherwise stated.