Network Architect,Fabric

(Apply online only)/Day Outside IR35

6-12 Months Duration

2 visits per month to Office London/South East

We are seeking a visionary Network Architect to lead the design and strategic direction of our next-generation network infrastructure. This role will be pivotal in delivering a multi-year transformation programme focused on replacing legacy systems, enabling cloud-first operations, and fostering inter-trust collaboration. This is a strategic architecture role, not a hands-on implementation or BAU position.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Network Architecture Design

• Define the target network architecture, supporting cloud-first operations and minimal on-premise infrastructure.
• Architect solutions optimised for cloud-hosted clinical systems and the Microsoft Fabric analytics platform.
• Design inter-trust network integration models to enable shared resilience, economies of scale, and collaborative working.
• Develop a connectivity strategy balancing direct internet access, cloud on-ramps, and secure private links.
• Model support for emerging technologies including IoT, AI/ML, and advanced emergency communications.
• Design a zero-trust, cloud-native security architecture

Consolidated Roadmap & Transition Architecture

• Create a phased transformation roadmap, consolidating all current network initiatives.
• Design transition architectures that minimise operational disruption.
• Define migration waves prioritising quick wins, risk reduction, and cloud enablement.
• Establish decision frameworks and architectural principles for future investments.
• Identify dependencies with application migration and digital transformation programmes.
• Develop business cases and cost models for proposed architecture changes.

Inter-Trust Collaboration Design

• Architect trust-to-trust connectivity models for shared services and mutual aid.
• Design federated or unified network management approaches.
• Develop shared resilience and disaster recovery models.
• Create security and governance frameworks for inter-trust data sharing.
• Identify procurement and vendor management opportunities across trusts.

Cloud Connectivity & Optimisation

• Design optimal Azure connectivity architectures (ExpressRoute, VPN, internet).
• Support hybrid cloud networking during transition phases.
• Architect SD-WAN evolution for intelligent routing and application-aware networking.
• Develop strategies for on-prem to cloud migration (DNS, IP, routing).
• Create frameworks for cloud region selection, data residency, and compliance.

Essential Experience & Skills

Strategic Architecture

• Proven experience designing multi-year network strategies for complex organisations.
• Expertise in cloud migration architecture, especially Azure and Microsoft 365/Fabric.
• Experience with inter-organisational network integration and shared services.
• Strong understanding of cost-performance-resilience trade-offs.

Cloud & Modern Networking

• Deep knowledge of cloud connectivity patterns (hybrid, multi-cloud, cloud-native).
• Experience with Azure networking (ExpressRoute, Virtual WAN, Hub-Spoke).
• Familiarity with SD-WAN and SASE architectures.
• Understanding of zero-trust models and cloud-native security.

Technical Foundations

• Strong knowledge of Cisco, Meraki, and Fortinet platforms.
• Expertise in routing protocols, WAN design, IP addressing, VLANs, segmentation.

Professional Qualifications

• CCNP, CCIE, or equivalent senior networking certification.
• Azure Solutions Architect or similar cloud certification (desirable).
• TOGAF or equivalent enterprise architecture framework experience (desirable).

Desirable Experience

• NHS inter-trust collaboration or shared services experience.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Fabric and healthcare analytics platforms.
• Knowledge of Emergency Services Network (ESN) and critical infrastructure.
• Experience with ambulance service operations and BMS integration.
• Understanding of SASE and emerging network security models.
• Proven ability to develop business cases for infrastructure investment.

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