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At the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust we put our patients at the heart of every element of health and care that we provide. The Trust works together as a community to deliver its vision which is "Working together to provide outstanding care for our community".
The Trust has been rated "Good" following a CQC inspection and has improved both its overall rating and its service quality. We value compassionate, aspirational, resourceful and excellent staff.
Job Overview
The Networks and Communications Manager is responsible for the strategic planning, design, configuration, maintenance, and deployment of the Trust's enterprise network infrastructure, alongside its communications and voice systems. This role combines strong leadership with advanced technical expertise to ensure resilience, security, and performance of the Trust's network architecture, while supporting integrated communication and mobile solutions.
Positions: Permanent | Full time – 37.5 hours per week | Salary: £55,690 – £62,682 per annum | Closing date: 10/12/2025 23:59 | Job ref: 193-7632919COR
Responsibilities
* Lead the design, planning, configuration, and maintenance of the Trust's enterprise network infrastructure, including LAN/WAN, wireless connectivity, VoIP telephony systems, and associated communication platforms.
* Oversee network performance, capacity planning, and resilience, ensuring secure and reliable connectivity across all Trust sites and services.
* Manage device policies and ensure robust monitoring and lifecycle management of all IT hardware, including timely replacement of outdated equipment and provisioning for new starters.
* Develop and maintain the Trust's data and network security architecture, including firewalls, VPNs, remote access services and internet connectivity, ensuring compliance with NHS security standards.
* Provide leadership for the team delivering expert third‑line technical support for network and communications infrastructure, resolving complex issues and coordinating with external suppliers when required.
* Monitor and enhance network security protocols, including firewall rules, access control lists and intrusion prevention measures to safeguard systems and data.
* Drive the implementation of emerging network technologies and communication solutions, such as advanced VPN services and unified communications platforms.
* Ensure proactive maintenance and timely replacement of network hardware, including switches, routers and wireless access points, to maintain optimal service levels.
* Maintain and optimise core network services such as DNS, DHCP and IP address management, ensuring high availability and security.
* Align all network and communications initiatives with the Trust's DDaT strategy, supporting future objectives through upgrades and adoption of innovative technologies.
* Develop and enforce standardised configurations, operational procedures and documentation to ensure consistency and efficiency in network and communications management.
* Oversee mobile connectivity, telephony lines, paging systems and call logging platforms, ensuring seamless integration with the Trust's voice and data networks.
* Lead and prioritise multiple network and communications projects, ensuring delivery within agreed timescales, budgets and quality standards.
* Prepare business cases, technical specifications and budget proposals for network and communications projects, engaging stakeholders and negotiating with suppliers.
* Manage project risks and dependencies, ensuring alignment with the Trust's strategic goals and operational requirements.
* Represent the Trust in external forums and vendor engagements, ensuring effective collaboration and delivery of network and communications services.
* Provide advanced technical guidance to internal teams and departments, supporting decision‑making and troubleshooting complex infrastructure challenges.
* Evaluate and recommend network and communications technologies, hardware and services in line with NHS standards and the Trust's strategic direction.
* Deliver training and knowledge‑sharing sessions for technical and non‑technical staff to maximise the effective use of network and communication systems.
* Maintain comprehensive documentation of network architecture, standards and operational procedures, ensuring compliance and readiness for audits.
* Make critical decisions regarding network and communications infrastructure to safeguard patient care and operational continuity.
* Stay informed on technological advancements and NHS digital strategies to ensure the Trust's network and communications environment remains secure, scalable and future‑ready.
Person Specification
Education, Qualification and Training
* Evidence of postgraduate education to Masters level in or significant equivalent experience relevant to the role.
* ITIL V4.
* Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or higher (e.g., CCIE).
* CompTIA Network+ or CompTIA Security+ for foundational network and security management.
Desirable Criteria
* Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Telecommunications or a related field, or equivalent experience.
* Prince II Foundation.
* Vendor‑specific certifications for telecommunications systems (e.g., Avaya, Mitel or similar).
Knowledge, Training and Experience
Essential Criteria
* Extensive knowledge of network infrastructure design, implementation and management, including LAN, WAN, wireless networks and associated protocols (TCP/IP, MPLS, DNS, DHCP).
* Strong understanding of network security principles, including firewall configuration, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), VPNs and encryption technologies.
* Experience managing large‑scale enterprise telecoms environments, including PBX systems, VoIP technologies, unified communications platforms and video conferencing systems.
* Hands‑on experience with key network hardware and software technologies (e.g., routers, switches, wireless controllers, load balancers, firewalls) from vendors such as Cisco, Juniper or equivalent.
* Proficient in managing structured cabling systems, including fibre optic and copper networks, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
* Knowledge of NHS‑specific IT and telecoms systems, including experience working with Health and Social Care Network (HSCN) and NHS Digital standards.
* Proven experience in managing a team of network and telecommunications engineers, including responsibility for recruitment, training, performance management and professional development.
* Experience in project management, with a track record of leading large‑scale network infrastructure projects from inception to completion, while adhering to timelines, budgets and quality standards.
* Experience managing service providers and third‑party vendors, including negotiating contracts, managing SLAs and ensuring timely resolution of escalated issues.
* Operational management of network and telecoms services, ensuring high availability, reliability and compliance with NHS IT governance and security standards.
* Financial management experience, including budgeting, cost control and demonstrating value for money in managing network infrastructure and telecoms services.
Desirable Criteria
* Experience working within an NHS acute setting.
* Knowledge of SDN and NFV to manage and automate network functions.
* Experience with cloud‑based networking and telecommunications solutions (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
* Experience implementing DR and BCP strategies for network and telecoms services in an NHS environment.
* Knowledge of IT service management frameworks (e.g., ITIL) as applied to the healthcare environment, ensuring alignment with NHS best practices for incident, problem and change management.
* Experience with clinical and administrative systems integration, ensuring telecoms and network systems support interoperability between critical healthcare systems such as EPR, PACS and clinical decision support tools.
Skills And Abilities
Essential Criteria
* Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues efficiently.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of training and supporting users.
* Ability to prioritise workload to meet deadlines whilst maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to non‑technical audiences including senior management, clinicians and external stakeholders.
* Strong interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams within the NHS and with external vendors or suppliers.
* Experience delivering presentations and reports to NHS management and committees, ensuring that technical solutions are aligned with organisational goals.
* Experience of handling difficult situations and resolving effectively and diplomatically.
Staff Benefits
* Flexible working opportunities and a strong emphasis on your work, life balance.
* Annual leave – 27 days for new starters, plus bank holidays. Increasing to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years NHS service. Pro‑rata for part‑time staff.
* NHS pension scheme.
* Employee Assistance Programme.
* Money Advice Service.
* Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave for eligible staff.
* On‑site nursery (based at RBH).
* Full educational library services.
* Cycle to work scheme, lockable storage for cycles.
* Bus to work scheme.
* Excellent rail and bus links.
* A huge range of Health Service Discounts at hundreds of big brands from holidays to gadgets and restaurants to retail.
Additional Information
We welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where possible.
Applications will be processed via NHS Jobs and subsequently transferred to our preferred third‑party recruitment system.
Appointment to any position is conditional on the satisfactory completion of NHS Employment Checks. A 6‑month probationary period applies to all non‑executive appointments.
The Trust may close any vacancy prior to the advertised closing date due to the high level of responses.
We are committed to a smoke‑free environment and safeguarding vulnerable adults.
Authority: Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.
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