Head of Networks and Security
Professional Services
Directorate of Infrastructure
Salary: £59,139 to £66,537 per annum plus Market Rate Supplement Post Type: Full Time Contract Type: Permanent Closing Date: Wednesday 08 April 2026 Interview Date: Thursday 16 April 2026 Reference: TCP4
This job is only available to University of Bradford staff. It may be released externally should we not appoint internally.
University of Bradford
At the University of Bradford, our focus is on creating the conditions for social, cultural, and economic impact. We are committed to social inclusion. Our work to expand opportunity and enable students to reach their potential, has led to us topping the Social Mobility Index of English universities for the last five years. Our University Strategy sets out our ambitions for 2025, which we will achieve by using our proud heritage as a springboard and remaining steadfast in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Safeguarding
The University of Bradford is committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and Adults at Risk through robust safer recruitment practices.
Directorate
The IT Services team is committed to providing the best possible experience for staff and students. We support a mix of diverse systems and solutions which the University depends on. By joining the team, you can make a real difference.
What you will be doing:
You will be leading the Network and Security team to support the network and security systems within the university. You’ll work very closely with your colleagues in the Infrastructure Team along with other teams in the IT department.
Ensuring timely delivery of high-quality IT Security and Network solutions and enhanced changes to existing IT Services by providing leadership and hands on technical expertise in the change lifecycle for existing and future University services.
This a key strategic role for IT Services, having significant impact on significant University IT Security and Projects, ensuring the good day to day running of critical University services maintained by the team.
The team will cover a broad scope of work covering the whole of the design, delivery and support of the University IT Cyber Security and Network Services. Responsible for ensuring that services are delivered in line with both IT Service and University strategy and policy. We’re looking for someone who is prepared to challenge the status quo; ask why; and help drive improvements and efficiencies.
Qualifications/ experience:
1. Excellent influencing and communication skills and the ability to present to, and write reports for, executive-level and other senior staff
2. Experience in Managing and developing a team
3. Technical Mentoring and Training of Team members in complex network and security issues
4. Extensive experience of managing large, complex network implementations across an organisation.
5. Extensive experience in network design and implementation
6. Strong understanding of network security principles.
7. Experience with cloud networking and virtualized environments.
8. Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
9. Accomplished in designing secure networks wired and wireless (firewall/IPS/IDS) systems, endpoint security (Anti-virus, malware detection, data loss prevention) systems, security testing solutions etc.
10. A strong technical understanding of network infrastructure such as VPNs, firewalls, switches, routers, LANs, Intrusion Detection, vulnerability scanning
11. Knowledge of various operating systems such as Windows, Linux and Unix
12. Ability to monitor third-party suppliers for SLA adherence and compliance with established key risk and performance indicators
13. Extensive knowledge of infrastructure components, networks, applications, middleware and databases for identifying and addressing security threats
14. Organised with a proven ability to prioritise workload, meet deadlines, and utilise time effectively
15. Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to deal effectively with diverse skill sets and personalities, works effectively as a team player
Do not meet every single requirement? We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with everything in the job description or advert, we encourage you to arrange an informal conversation with the hiring manager. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Celebrating Diversity – The University of Bradford
At the University of Bradford, we recognise and embrace people that work in diverse ways so if you need any adjustments to our recruitment process, please speak to the recruitment team who will be happy to support you.
In Return we Offer:
16. 30 days holiday and 13 statutory and customary days (taken at Easter and Christmas).
17. Family-friendly policies
18. Great campus facilities including:
19. Unique fitness centre
20. Eye clinic
21. Physiotherapy & sports rehabilitation,
22. Counselling & mental health services
23. On site nursery
24. Food & drink outlets
25. Generous employer contribution pension schemes -
26. Generous benefit schemes, including car leasing, cycle to work, holiday purchase, home & technology scheme and shopping discounts
Find more information about the many other .
Additional Information: