Senior Network Engineer

bpha; Bedford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A housing association in Bedford is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to design, implement, and maintain secure network infrastructure. You will ensure high performance and security of network systems while mentoring junior staff and collaborating across IT teams. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in network engineering and relevant certifications. The role offers competitive benefits including a substantial holiday entitlement and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Holiday entitlement of 28-33 days a year

Contributory pension scheme

Private healthcare

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior Network Engineer.
• Hands-on experience with network protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF).
• Experience with SD-WAN technologies and network security tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop network architecture strategies aligned with business needs.
• Implement and manage network security measures including firewalls and VPNs.
• Automate network tasks and processes using scripting tools.

Skills

Logical and analytical problem-solving skills

Excellent communication and customer service skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects

Strategic thinking and stakeholder management

Strong vendor relationship management

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Certifications such as CCNP CCIE or equivalent

Tools

Cisco

Fortinet

NETGEAR

ZYXEL

Microsoft Azure

Job description

Full Time (will consider Part-Time Applications)

Permanent

Design implement and maintain robust secure and scalable network infrastructure solutions. Ensure high availability performance and security of bphas network systems while mentoring junior staff and collaborating across IT teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop network architecture strategies aligned with business needs and industry standards.
• Implement and manage network security measures (firewalls VPNs IDS / IPS).
• Configure and maintain routers switches wireless systems and firewalls.
• Deploy scalable high-performance network solutions with minimal downtime.
• Conduct regular network maintenance updates and upgrades.
• Perform security audits and vulnerability assessments.
• Respond to and mitigate network security incidents.
• Automate network tasks and processes using scripting tools.
• Maintain comprehensive network documentation and diagrams.
• Collaborate with IT teams and third-party vendors on network-related projects.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to team members.
• Stay current with emerging network technologies and trends.

Key Performance Indicators

• High network uptime and minimal downtime.
• Successful delivery of network projects on time and within budget.
• Zero or minimal security breaches.
• Positive stakeholder feedback on network performance and documentation.
• Effective automation and continuous improvement of network processes.
• Accurate and timely documentation updates.
• Strong collaboration and communication across teams.

Essential Skills & Attributes

• Logical and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.
• Strategic thinking and stakeholder management.
• Adaptability and responsiveness to change.
• Strong vendor relationship management.
• Willingness to travel to remote sites as needed.

Essential Experience & Knowledge

• Proven experience as a Senior Network Engineer.
• Proficiency in network protocols (TCP / IP BGP OSPF).
• Hands-on experience with Cisco Meraki Fortinet NETGEAR ZYXEL.
• Experience with SD-WAN technologies and network security tools.
• Strong background in Microsoft Azure and automation tools.
• Experience leading network projects and scripting for automation.

Desirable Experience

• Windows Server administration.
• Experience with Amazon AWS or other cloud platforms.
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies (Scrum) or project management (PRINCE2 APM).
• ITIL Foundation certification.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree or equivalent experience.
• Certifications such as CCNP CCIE or equivalent (Essential).
• Full clean driving license (Essential).

Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a sufficient number of applications or find a suitable candidate before the advertised closing date. We encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

About us

bpha is a Housing Association located in the Oxford to Cambridge arc which is committed to providing its customers with high quality value for money services whilst continuing to develop energy efficient sustainable and affordable housing.

We are a leading provider and developer of affordable homes for rent sheltered residential care and shared ownership.

We work together with communities to improve opportunities independence and quality of life for our residents and to benefit the wider community. We bring people together and run and support a wide range of community activities.

All the money we make is used to invest in existing homes to enable us to build new homes and to deliver new and improved services.

We own or manage over 19500 homes and over 500 staff.

Our vision and values

To build communities where people can live happily in a home they can afford.

Our values underpin the work that we do and are ingrained in our culture at bpha. We are looking for people who can share these values and translate them into day-to-day practices for the benefit of our communities customers and fellow colleagues. So that we can realise our vision together.

We are ambitious

We are better together

We show empathy

We take responsibility

Benefits

• Holiday entitlement of 28-33 days a year plus public holidays
• Contributory pension scheme
• Competitive pay
• Life assurance cover
• Private healthcare
• Mental Health First Aid
• Counselling service
• Eye tests
• Discounted gym membership
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Free annual flu jabs
• Wellbeing activities and events
• Free fruit and refreshments
• Long service award
• Annual staff recognition awards
• Discretionary reward scheme
• Annual volunteering day
• Social events clubs and activities
• Breakout areas
• Onsite cafe / restaurant at headquarters
• Opportunities for professional training and qualifications
• Workshops and training sessions for new skills
• A fresh and modern eLearning platform

Documents

Required Experience :

Senior IC

Key Skills

EIGRP,Load Balancing,Routing Protocols,Network Engineering,BGP,LAN,Computer Networking,IPsec,OSPF,Cisco ASA,Juniper,MPLS

Employment Type

Unclear

Experience

years

Vacancy

1