WAN Architect

JR United Kingdom; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Global Technology Services Provider is seeking a talented WAN Architect to work on secure and critical projects within the UK Defence and National Security sector. You will design and deliver innovative network solutions, ensuring compliance and providing technical leadership throughout the project lifecycle. This hybrid role offers excellent remuneration and opportunities for career development in a globally recognized technology leader.

Benefits

Performance-related bonus scheme

Hybrid working model offering flexibility

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in designing and delivering complex network solutions.
• Proven expertise with Cisco and Juniper technologies.
• Understanding of the project lifecycle and operational acceptance.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement medium to large-scale network solutions.
• Develop high-quality design documentation for network solutions.
• Manage technical risks and lead solutions through governance reviews.

Skills

Network Design

Stakeholder Management

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

CCNA/CCNP certification

JNCIA-Design/Junos certification

Tools

Cisco

Juniper

Job description

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WAN Architect – Secure & Critical Projects

Location: Basingstoke (Hybrid Model with regular travel to customer & company sites)

Salary: Up to £65,000 per annum + £6,000 Car Allowance + Performance Bonus

Clearance: You would need to be eligible for, or currently hold SC Clearance

Are you a talented WAN Architect looking to make a real impact? Ready to design and deliver cutting-edge network solutions for high-profile projects within the secure UK Defence and National Security sector?

We are partnering with a leading Global Technology Services Provider who are seeking a skilled WAN Architect to join their project delivery team.

In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in designing and implementing medium to large-scale, cost-effective network solutions that underpin critical national services.

This is a fantastic opportunity to leverage your technical expertise, providing leadership and ensuring the successful delivery of complex network infrastructures.

What you'll be doing:

• Take technical ownership of WAN solution design, from understanding intricate business and technical requirements through to successful delivery.
• Develop robust, high-quality design documentation (HLDs, LLDs) for multi-vendor network solutions (e.g., Cisco, Juniper).
• Lead solutions through internal and external governance reviews, ensuring compliance and best practice.
• Collaborate effectively with project managers, wider programme teams, and customers to ensure solutions are delivered on time and meet expectations.
• Architect innovative and sometimes non-standard solutions incorporating LAN, WAN, WiFi, VPN, Voice, Video, Cyber, and Security technologies.
• Manage technical risks and dependencies, demonstrating strong commercial and financial awareness.
• Act as a key technical point of contact, communicating calmly and concisely with diverse stakeholders, including customers.

What we're looking for:

• Demonstrable experience in designing and delivering complex network solutions, translating customer needs into tangible technical designs.
• Proven design expertise with technologies from multiple global network vendors (Cisco, Juniper strongly preferred).
• Strong foundational networking knowledge, ideally backed by industry certifications (e.g., CCNA/CCNP, JNCIA-Design/Junos, or equivalent experience).
• A solid understanding of the end-to-end project lifecycle, from initial requirements gathering to Operational Acceptance.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills, with a proactive and decisive approach.
• Ability to take ownership, manage priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced project environment.
• Ideally, previous experience working within the UK Defence or National Security sector (SC or DV clearance, or eligibility for clearance, would be highly advantageous).

What's on offer:

• Competitive base salary up to £65,000.
• Performance-related bonus scheme.
• Hybrid working model offering flexibility.
• The chance to work on significant, impactful projects within a secure and stimulating environment.
• Career development opportunities within a globally recognised technology leader.

Ready to take the next step in your Network Architecture career?

If you are a proactive WAN Architect with a passion for delivering excellence, we want to hear from you!

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