Network Architect Contract Opportunity - Inside IR35 - Initial 3 Month Contract - Hybrid (1-2 times per month in Sheffield or London) The Bridge IT have partnered with a leading Financial Services client to recruit a driven Network Solution Architect to play a leading role in the design and delivery of technical solutions across the organisation’s infrastructure and application landscape. This is a hands-on architecture role, with a strong focus on networking (Cisco), infrastructure, and the creation of high- and low-level solution designs for both internal teams and external third-party vendors. You will act as a key contributor in shaping our clients technology direction, while ensuring all solutions align with security, performance, and compliance standards. You will work across multiple projects and operational workstreams, partnering with internal teams and external service providers to design, document, and guide the implementation of high-quality, scalable, and secure technology solutions. Key Responsibilities: Lead the end-to-end design of solutions across infrastructure and application domains, from high-level architecture to detailed technical specifications. Produce comprehensive High-Level Designs (HLDs) and Low-Level Designs (LLDs) that serve as authoritative blueprints for implementation by internal teams and third-party vendors. Provide technical assurance and oversight of vendor deliverables, ensuring alignment with approved designs, enterprise architecture principles, and functional/non-functional requirements. Act as the subject matter expert for network and infrastructure design, including Cisco-based networking, security layers, and integration between systems. Define and document integration patterns, security configurations, and operational processes across both on-premise and cloud-based platforms. Collaborate with stakeholders to gather technical requirements, ensuring solutions are fit-for-purpose and aligned with business goals. Work closely with external vendors and service providers to communicate design intent, resolve technical issues, and oversee successful delivery. Evaluate technology options and make recommendations that balance innovation, cost, security, and long-term maintainability. Key Skills & Experience: Proven experience designing and delivering infrastructure and networking solutions in complex enterprise environments. Strong knowledge of Cisco technologies, including switches, firewalls, routing, and network segmentation. Expertise in producing HLDs/LLDs, technical documentation, and architecture artefacts to support development and delivery teams. Deep understanding of network integration, including firewall configuration, VPNs, load balancers, and secure connectivity with third-party systems. Experience working with and managing third-party vendors and MSPs, with the ability to provide clear technical direction and hold suppliers accountable to agreed designs. Broad infrastructure knowledge including servers, storage (SAN), Wi-Fi, CCTV, and UPS systems. Familiarity with Microsoft Azure, M365, and hybrid cloud environments. Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. Relevant technical certifications (Cisco, Microsoft, Azure) strongly preferred. If this role sounds of interest, please apply to hear more