Description
Lead Network Engineer (Broadcast & Enterprise)
About ITN
ITN produces news for ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5, and is one of the UK’s most respected broadcast organisations. Our Technology Division keeps ITN on air, supporting live studio production, outside broadcasts, field operations, and the systems that underpin everything from editorial to finance. We operate from our Gray’s Inn Road headquarters in central London, with infrastructure spanning complex multi-site connectivity, IP-based broadcast production, corporate services, and a growing portfolio of cloud and hybrid platforms.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced Lead Network Engineer to take technical ownership of ITN’s corporate and broadcast-critical network environments. This is a senior hands-on leadership role that requires a broad, in-depth understanding of modern networking technologies and proven experience delivering high-availability, low-latency networks at scale.
You will work across both enterprise/corporate IT and broadcast engineering domains, ensuring seamless operation of the networks that underpin live production, content delivery, and corporate services. A significant part of the role involves bridging the gap between traditional IT networking and the demands of real-time media transport. Someone who is as comfortable discussing BGP routing as they are exploring PTP synchronisation is exactly the kind of engineer we want to hear from.
You will lead a small team of network engineers, act as the primary escalation point for all network-related incidents and projects, and work closely with the Head of Engineering, Broadcast Engineering, project, and Cyber Security teams.
Key ResponsibilitiesNetwork Architecture & Operations
1. Provide technical leadership and architectural oversight for corporate and broadcast network infrastructure across all ITN sites
2. Design, implement, and operate mission-critical IP networks supporting live broadcast, streaming, and corporate services
3. Own network performance, capacity planning, and resilience for both broadcast and corporate systems
4. Define and maintain network standards, architectures, configuration baselines, and operational best practices
5. Ensure networks are secure, scalable, well-documented, and operationally robust
6. Manage relationships with external suppliers and carriers on circuit provision, SLA management, and connectivity projects
Broadcast & Live Event Networking
7. Take a lead role in planning and delivering network services for large-scale, high-profile live events where downtime is not an option
8. Act as the escalation point for complex network incidents, particularly in multicast and broadcast-centric environments
9. Lead the design and optimisation of multicast routing for streaming video and broadcast workflows
10. Collaborate with Broadcast Engineering and Production teams to ensure smooth integration of new systems into the IP production environment
11. Support special event planning, including elections, royal events, and major outside broadcasts, from a network and connectivity perspective
Team Leadership & Project Delivery
12. Manage a small team of network engineers. Be responsible for their day-to-day management, development, mentoring, and performance
13. Act as technical lead and escalation point for the wider network team on complex on incident & problem tickets
14. Contribute to the design and delivery of capital projects where network infrastructure is a critical-path item
15. Represent the network function in project and engineering forums, providing clear assessments of risk, resource requirements, and delivery timelines
This is a full-time, permanent role based at our Gray’s Inn Road headquarters. We operate a hybrid working model where appropriate to the role.
These are the main requirements of the role and is not an exhaustive list of duties. It is intended to reflect the nature, range, and context of the work, which will change over time. Key RequirementsCore Technical Skills & Experience (Essential)
16. Significant industry experience across a wide range of network technologies and architectures
17. Strong hands-on expertise in routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), switching, VLANs, and WAN connectivity
18. Solid experience with VXLAN/EVPN overlay architectures
19. Deep knowledge of multicast networking: PIM, SSM, IGMPv2/v3, Rendezvous Points, and troubleshooting at scale
20. Experience with VPN technologies (site-to-site and remote access)
21. Proven experience operating networks in high-pressure, live, or real-time environments where availability is paramount
22. Deep understanding of network resilience, failover, and high-availability design
23. Strong troubleshooting skills across Layer 2–4 and multicast domains
24. Experience leading or mentoring a small technical team
25. Confident communicator who can explain network concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders
Broadcast & Streaming Experience (Highly Desirable)
26. Deep knowledge of multicast in streaming video or live broadcast environments
27. Experience working in or alongside the broadcast or media industry
28. Understanding of, or strong interest in, IP-based broadcast standards and workflows including SMPTE ST 2110, PTP (IEEE 1588), and NMOS (IS-04/IS-05)
29. Familiarity with timing-sensitive networking and live production requirements
30. Familiarity with SDN principles and their application in broadcast IP fabrics
31. SMPTE membership or formal IP media training
Desirable Certifications
32. Arista ACE (Arista Certified Engineer)
33. Cisco CCNP or equivalent
34. Relevant vendor or industry certifications in network design or security
Technology Environment
35. You will operate in a multi-vendor, best-of-breed environment including:
36. Arista — Core broadcast and data centre fabric
37. Cisco — Corporate and campus networking
38. Palo Alto — Firewalls and security
39. Routed and switched networks spanning corporate, data centre, and broadcast domains