A world-renowned cancer centre dedicated to providing outstanding care, pioneering research, and innovative treatments for cancer patients. We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Network Engineer to play a critical role in ensuring the reliability, security, and performance of our network infrastructure. As a key member of our Digital Services team, you will be responsible for managing and maintaining the Trust's data network (LAN, WAN, and Wi-Fi), providing technical expertise, and supporting the implementation of new network solutions to meet the evolving needs of the organisation.

You will have the opportunity to work on a variety of challenging and rewarding projects that directly impact patient care and clinical outcomes. You will collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including IT support teams, clinical and non-clinical staff, network equipment vendors, and external contractors, to ensure the successful implementation, maintenance, and optimisation of the network infrastructure.

If you are a motivated and experienced network engineer looking to make a significant impact in a world-leading cancer centre, we invite you to apply. Join us in our mission to improve cancer care and treatment for patients locally, nationally, and globally, and become a part of a passionate team dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.

Main duties of the job

Assist with the design, planning, and deployment of network infrastructure projects.

Conduct site surveys and develop technical specifications.

Manage the installation and commissioning of hardware and software.

Provide day-to-day management, administration, and development of the Trust's network.

Monitor network health, perform routine maintenance, and upgrade systems as needed.

Monitor and analyse network performance, throughput, and availability.

Track network metrics, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions to enhance efficiency and reliability.

Troubleshoot and resolve network issues promptly to ensure minimal disruption to services.

Implement and oversee security protocols to protect the Trust's data and systems.

Monitor for security breaches and take proactive measures to safeguard information.

Participate in project planning, execution, and monitoring to meet goals and deadlines.

Collaborate on the integration of voice, data, and video services.

Review network performance data regularly and implement changes to optimise operations.

Stay current with emerging technologies and assess their potential benefits for the Trust.

Create and maintain comprehensive records of network configurations, procedures, and best practices.

Assist in onboarding new staff by providing training and support.

About us

Our Digital team ethics are built on the foundation of trust, respect, and open communication. We recognise the value of diverse perspectives and encourage all team members to share their ideas and knowledge. By actively listening to each other and engaging in constructive dialogue, we foster a culture of continuous learning and growth, enabling us to stay agile and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of healthcare and technology.

Teamwork is a vital aspect of our working culture, as we understand that collaboration often leads to more effective problem-solving and higher-quality outcomes. We encourage our team members to work together, share responsibilities, and leverage each other's strengths to achieve our collective goals. This spirit of cooperation not only enhances our overall performance but also creates a sense of camaraderie and belonging among team members.

We are committed to maintaining a working environment that prioritises the well-being and professional development of our team, by providing access to resources, training, and mentorship, we invest in our team members' growth and empower them to reach their full potential. We also strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance, recognising that personal well-being is essential to sustained professional success.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities

As a Senior Network Engineer at The Christie, you will be integral to maintaining and enhancing the reliability, security, and performance of our network infrastructure. Your role will involve day-to-day management, development, and troubleshooting of the Trusts network. You will work closely with various departments to ensure that the network meets the needs of the organisation and supports the delivery of outstanding patient care. Additionally, you will play a key role in implementing new network solutions and ensuring the security of the Trusts digital assets.

You will bring your expertise to manage complex network issues, provide technical leadership, and support the development and implementation of strategic network projects. This role requires a proactive approach to identify areas for improvement and ensure that the network infrastructure is robust, scalable, and secure. By staying current with emerging technologies and best practices, you will contribute to the continuous improvement of the network services provided by the Trust.

Your main duties and responsibilities will include:

• Assist with the design, planning, and deployment of network infrastructure projects. This includes conducting site surveys, developing technical specifications, and managing the installation and commissioning of hardware and software to ensure robust and efficient network operations.
• Make informed decisions about network design to ensure compatibility with new technologies and to optimise performance and scalability across the Trusts various sites.
• Provide day-to-day management, administration, and development of the Trusts network.
• Ensure seamless network operations by regularly monitoring network health, performing routine maintenance, and upgrading systems as needed.
• Monitor and analyse network performance, throughput, and availability using advanced tools and techniques to track network metrics, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions to enhance overall network efficiency and reliability.
• Generate detailed reports on network performance to inform strategic decisions and support continuous improvement efforts within the IT department.
• Utilise your technical expertise to troubleshoot and resolve issues, ensuring minimal disruption to network services and maintaining high levels of user satisfaction.
• Work closely with colleagues and third-party vendors to address and resolve network issues promptly and effectively, ensuring the smooth operation of IT services.
• Implement and oversee security protocols to protect the Trusts data and systems from unauthorised access, cyber threats, and other vulnerabilities.
• Continuously monitor for security breaches and take proactive measures to safeguard sensitive information.
• Participate in project planning, execution, and monitoring to meet project goals and deadlines while adhering to budget constraints.
• Collaborate on the integration of voice, data, and video services to create a cohesive and efficient communication infrastructure.
• Contribute to the development and execution of strategies to ensure network resilience and rapid recovery in the event of a disruption.
• Regularly review network performance data to identify areas for enhancement and implement changes to optimise network operations.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and assess their potential benefits for the Trust, making recommendations for upgrades and improvements.
• Share your knowledge and expertise with less experienced colleagues, providing guidance and support to help them develop their skills and grow professionally.
• Create comprehensive and up-to-date records of network configurations, procedures, and best practices to ensure consistency and reliability in network management.
• Assist in onboarding new staff by providing training and support to help them integrate smoothly into the team and become effective contributors.
• Coordinate with vendors to ensure the timely and accurate installation of network components, adhering to project specifications and timelines.
• Work with different teams to understand their needs and design network solutions that support the organisations objectives and improve operational efficiency.
• Serve as a subject matter expert, offering advice and support to colleagues and external partners on network issues and strategies.
• Adhere to established protocols and guidelines to maintain the integrity and security of the Trusts IT infrastructure.
• Engage in continuous professional development to stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Relevant professional certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or equivalent
• Proven experience in network engineering, including design, implementation, and management of complex network infrastructures.

Desirable

• Certification in ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) Foundation or higher.
• Experience with network security certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).

Experience

Essential

• Significant experience in a network engineering role, preferably within the NHS or a similar large, complex organisation
• Proven track record of designing, implementing, and managing network infrastructure projects.
• Extensive experience in troubleshooting and resolving complex network issues, ensuring minimal disruption to services.
• Experience with network security protocols and measures, including the administration of firewalls and access controls
• Demonstrated experience in managing and supporting converged network architectures

Desirable

• Previous experience working within a healthcare environment, understanding the unique challenges and requirements of clinical network systems.
• Familiarity with disaster recovery planning and implementation within an IT context.
• Experience in mentoring and training junior staff, fostering professional development within the team.

Skills & Abilities

Essential

• Proficient in network design, configuration, and management, including routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points.
• Strong analytical skills to diagnose and resolve complex network issues quickly and efficiently
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with IT colleagues, clinical staff, and external vendors
• Meticulous approach to network monitoring, configuration, and documentation to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Desirable

• Capability to contribute to the strategic planning of the network infrastructure, aligning with the Trust's overall goals and objectives
• Experience in leading and mentoring junior staff, adopting a collaborative and supportive team environment

Knowledge

Essential

• In-depth understanding of networking protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP) and industry standards
• Extensive knowledge of network hardware (e.g., routers, switches, firewalls) and software tools for network management and monitoring
• Comprehensive understanding of network security principles, including firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and encryption methods
• Familiarity with IT infrastructure components such as servers, storage systems, and virtualisation technologies

Desirable

• Awareness of relevant regulatory requirements and standards, such as GDPR and NHS Digital guidelines, ensuring compliance in all network activities
• Knowledge of cloud networking concepts and experience with cloud service providers (e.g., AWS, Azure).

Communication

Essential

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to nontechnical stakeholders and produce detailed technical documentation
• Proficiency in preparing detailed technical reports, network performance statistics, and documentation for various audiences
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain positive relationships with colleagues, users, and external partners.
• Excellent customer service skills to provide responsive and helpful support to end-users, addressing their network-related issues promptly and professionally

Desirable

• Experience in presenting technical topics at meetings, workshops, or conferences
• Ability to negotiate with vendors and suppliers to ensure the best outcomes for the Trust

Personal and People Development

Essential

• Commitment to ongoing professional development to stay current with emerging technologies, industry best practices, and advancements in network engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative in identifying personal learning needs and seeking out opportunities for skill enhancement
• Ability to actively participate in performance development reviews, setting personal objectives aligned with the Trust's goals and striving to meet them.

Desirable

• Experience in leadership training or development programmes to enhance managerial skills
• Active participation in professional networks or organisations related to network engineering, to share knowledge and stay informed about industry trends

Freedom to Act

Essential

• Ability to make independent decisions regarding network design, configuration, and troubleshooting within the framework of the Trust's policies and procedures
• Empowered to identify potential network issues and take proactive measures to prevent or mitigate their impact, ensuring minimal disruption to services.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant IT policies, guidelines, and regula
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