Southern Health and Social Care Trust is now recruiting for an IT Assistant Network Manager to join their team. Band: 7 Directorate: Performance & Reform Reports to: IT Comms Manager Accountable to: Head of IT Hours: 37.5 per week Job Summary In this role, you will report to the IT Comms Manager and will provide expert advice and be responsible for the management of the SHSCT Network Infrastructure (Comms) and its associated hardware and software. You will be responsible for all aspects of the Comms Infrastructure within the Trust, including: - identification - support and resolution of highly complex technical issues - Software Defined Access (SDA) - network segmentation - Data Centre Management - capacity planning - proactive improvements to the Trust Network - and working closely with IT Teams and senior business stakeholders to define infrastructure requirements. You will have operational responsibility for all aspects of the Comms Network Infrastructure within the Trust and assist in planning all network activity. Additionally, you will provide the lead on maintenance, installations, configuration, design and all relevant management tools or technologies, as the senior technical lead in the team. Essential Criteria Have a university degree in an IT related discipline or recognised professional qualification in an IT related discipline AND have worked for 2 years at Band 5 level or above role in an IT related field AND must have at least 3 years practical experience of LAN / WAN / VPN / Internet and Firewall design, configuration, implementation and support OR have an HNC/HND or equivalent/higher qualification in an IT related discipline and have worked for 3 years at a Band 5 level or above role in an IT related field AND must have at least 4 years practical experience of LAN / WAN / DATA CENTRE, CISCO WIRELESS configuration, implementation and support. OR Have worked for 5 years at a Band 5 level or above role in an IT related field AND must have at least 5 years practical experience of LAN / WAN / DATA CENTRE, CISCO WIRELESS configuration, implementation and support. Experience in delivering objectives which have led to a significant improvement in service. Have a minimum of 2 years experience in staff management. Experience of providing IT Network Solutions within the NHS or comparable service. In depth and proven experience of taking a lead role in developing and implementing Network related systems and services, Network Management and Monitoring Tools, Cisco Prime, Cisco ISE, Software Defined Access/Cisco DNA. Proven experience of managing complex Networks and recommending, designing and implementing significant improvements Demonstrate relevant specialist knowledge and experience in the design, development, testing, implementation and support of large IT Network Solutions. Have worked with a range of stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes Extensive experience of using and supporting IT Network Infrastructure in a highly complex environment. Ability to write good technical documentation Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment. This criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by The Organisation which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post. Have an ability to provide effective leadership. Demonstrate evidence of highly effective planning and organisational skills Demonstrate a commitment to the provision of high quality and safe services with an ability to drive a culture of continuous improvement Have excellent communication skill to meet the needs of the post in full. Experience of working in project management environment across multi-disciplinary Teams Experience of change management activities associated with operation services Be competent in a range of Network management toolsets related to support and maintenance and willing to learn new skills in this area. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of IT Technologies. For more information and to apply, please visit our website. The closing date for applications is Friday 27th February 2026 at 4:00 PM. Be Proud. Be Part of It.