Job overview
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria
Responsible to the Head of Architecture and Technology, this position is responsible for the highly complex area of Networks and Security. The support and technical transformation of the technical environment is a key component of both the clinical and IT strategy.
As the technical lead of Networks and Security the role is a highly specialised one and will lead a team of IM&T specialists to deliver individual client projects from inception to implementation as well as helping to define the future direction of this area within the Trust. They co-ordinate and control the design process and ensure standards and targets are met and where necessary define or redefine these standards. They also manage individual projects ensuring correct resourcing, budgetary control and scheduling of a highly complex programme of work.
Working across University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, the position will look to work collaboratively ensuring that LAN / WAN networking and security best practice are upheld for both organisations. We will also be looking strategically where we can share efficiencies and technology to further expand and improve the services we offer to our staff in the future.
Main duties of the job
·Provide highly specialist expertise and advice to the IT colleagues, Clinicians, Directorate Managers and Directors across the range of responsibilities.
·Lead on policy development for the delivery of procedures & systems that support the delivery of an effective and efficient service, meeting standards as specified by the Trust and wider NHS
·Working alongside the Head of Infrastructure to develop and plan the future technology roadmap for the Trust
·Ensuring the 24/7 availability of the trusts networking platforms to ensure efficient and uninterrupted access to key trust applications and services
·Monitor the performance and capacity of the networks and undertake activities to secure and enhance the availability of services
·Managing the business and usual activity for the team to ensure the appropriate level of response and support to the users
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
·Working alongside the Head of Infrastructure to develop and plan the future technology roadmap for the Trust
·Ensuring the 24/7 availability of the trusts networking platforms to ensure efficient and uninterrupted access to key trust applications and services
·Monitor the performance and capacity of the networks and undertake activities to secure and enhance the availability of services
·Managing the business and usual activity for the team to ensure the appropriate level of response and support to the users
·Leading the team of network engineers and specialists and to be a point of technical contact and escalation where needed. The role will also be responsible for evaluating the skillset, and coordinating and developing the staff through training and knowledge transfer
·The post holder will have a high degree of autonomy and will be expected to plan and organize a demanding workload and manage conflicting priorities with minimal supervision.
·Ensuring the operational effectiveness of the Networks and security platforms to ensure efficient and uninterrupted access to key trust applications and services
·Monitor the performance and capacity of Networks and Security platforms and manage the hardware and software lifecycle and refresh planning
·Managing Networks and Security leads to ensure the business as usual activities are running efficiently.
·To develop proposals and recommendations for the use of specific software or applications to meet client needs and present these proposals to the target audience using negotiation and persuasion skills to ensure that the client understands the options presented and to ensure that the best outcome is reached.
·To provide information and advice to clients with regard to 3rd party procurement projects. To lead on delivering any aspect of these procurements that falls within the jurisdiction of the IT Networks function and to monitor these plans and make adjustments as required. To understand and discuss highly complex requirements and to make recommendations to managers with varying degrees of technical knowledge and to inform and persuade these managers as to the best solution.
·To plan and deliver complex training to a variety of managers with a varying range of IM&T skills and to be able to deliver this training to large audiences when necessary.
·To define policies and standards for all aspects of Networks projects and to ensure that they are put in place.
·Ensuring the adoption of national and international standards for scoping and systems analysis. Leading on understanding the problem domain and how to best document the requirements of the requesting manager.
·To be the last stop for extremely complex problems or issues with any Trust Networks or their integration to the server estate. To be able to identify root causes and to recommend, plan and implement solutions using resources from the team where appropriate.
·Responsible for the development, maintenance and interpretation of a large number of diverse and highly complex information and data sources. To have a thorough understanding of the NHS, its data items, its Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s), its working practices and its legislation relating to data and information handling. To make recommendations on the impact of new legislation both internal and external which may impact on the infrastructure team or its working practices.
·Working to the latest cyber security standards to ensure the trusts security posture is in the best possible position. This includes working with counterparts on joint projects and technologies, such as AV, SIEM, MDM, NAC etc. to ensure stable and secure business operations.
·Working with specialist 3rd party partners on delivering technical solutions and keeping up to date with emerging technologies
·The position will work with managers, clinicians and operational staff to ensure wide understanding of, and commitment to, the Trust’s IT strategy and appropriate participation in the associated IT programmes, communicating highly complex issues to groups of staff within the Trust and other care settings
·In collaboration with the Head of Architecture and Technology of IT be responsible for the appropriate allocation of resources including human and financial.
·Contribute to strategic and contingency planning for the wider IT function, which may have an impact on other areas.
See JD for complete responsibilities including people management
Person specification
Experience and Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Educated to masters’ level or equivalent level of extensive experience of working at a senior level in specialist area.
2. Knowledge and understanding of NHS structure and organisation
3. Technical: Deep knowledge of Juniper Junos OS, routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), switching, SD-WAN, VXLAN. and DHCP / DNS
4. Troubleshooting: Diagnosing and resolving complex network issues, performing root cause analysis, and incident resolution.
Desirable criteria
5. Quality Improvement qualification e.g. Lean Practitioner (D)
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
6. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
7. SkillsEvidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications