(Apply online only)/Day Outside IR35
6-12 Months Duration
2 visits per month to Office London/South East
We are seeking a visionary Network Architect to lead the design and strategic direction of our next-generation network infrastructure. This role will be pivotal in delivering a multi-year transformation programme focused on replacing legacy systems, enabling cloud-first operations, and fostering inter-trust collaboration. This is a strategic architecture role, not a hands-on implementation or BAU position.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Network Architecture Design
Define the target network architecture, supporting cloud-first operations and minimal on-premise infrastructure.
Architect solutions optimised for cloud-hosted clinical systems and the Microsoft Fabric analytics platform.
Design inter-trust network integration models to enable shared resilience, economies of scale, and collaborative working.
Develop a connectivity strategy balancing direct internet access, cloud on-ramps, and secure private links.
Model support for emerging technologies including IoT, AI/ML, and advanced emergency communications.
Design a zero-trust, cloud-native security architecture
Consolidated Roadmap & Transition Architecture
Create a phased transformation roadmap, consolidating all current network initiatives.
Design transition architectures that minimise operational disruption.
Define migration waves prioritising quick wins, risk reduction, and cloud enablement.
Establish decision frameworks and architectural principles for future investments.
Identify dependencies with application migration and digital transformation programmes.
Develop business cases and cost models for proposed architecture changes.
Inter-Trust Collaboration Design
Architect trust-to-trust connectivity models for shared services and mutual aid.
Design federated or unified network management approaches.
Develop shared resilience and disaster recovery models.
Create security and governance frameworks for inter-trust data sharing.
Identify procurement and vendor management opportunities across trusts.
Cloud Connectivity & Optimisation
Design optimal Azure connectivity architectures (ExpressRoute, VPN, internet).
Support hybrid cloud networking during transition phases.
Architect SD-WAN evolution for intelligent routing and application-aware networking.
Develop strategies for on-prem to cloud migration (DNS, IP, routing).
Create frameworks for cloud region selection, data residency, and compliance.
Essential Experience & Skills
Strategic Architecture
Proven experience designing multi-year network strategies for complex organisations.
Expertise in cloud migration architecture, especially Azure and Microsoft 365/Fabric.
Experience with inter-organisational network integration and shared services.
Strong understanding of cost-performance-resilience trade-offs.
Cloud & Modern Networking
Deep knowledge of cloud connectivity patterns (hybrid, multi-cloud, cloud-native).
Experience with Azure networking (ExpressRoute, Virtual WAN, Hub-Spoke).
Familiarity with SD-WAN and SASE architectures.
Understanding of zero-trust models and cloud-native security.
Technical Foundations
Strong knowledge of Cisco, Meraki, and Fortinet platforms.
Expertise in routing protocols, WAN design, IP addressing, VLANs, segmentation.
Professional Qualifications
CCNP, CCIE, or equivalent senior networking certification.
Azure Solutions Architect or similar cloud certification (desirable).
TOGAF or equivalent enterprise architecture framework experience (desirable).
Desirable Experience
NHS inter-trust collaboration or shared services experience.
Familiarity with Microsoft Fabric and healthcare analytics platforms.
Knowledge of Emergency Services Network (ESN) and critical infrastructure.
Experience with ambulance service operations and BMS integration.
Understanding of SASE and emerging network security models.
Proven ability to develop business cases for infrastructure investment.
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