Network Architect, Azure Fabric

Network Architect, Azure Fabric

Posted 1 day ago by Experis UK

£550 Per day
Outside
Undetermined
London Area, United Kingdom

Summary: The Network Architect role focuses on leading the design and strategic direction of next-generation network infrastructure, emphasizing cloud-first operations and inter-trust collaboration. This position is integral to a multi-year transformation program aimed at replacing legacy systems. The role is strategic in nature, not involving hands-on implementation or business-as-usual tasks.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Define the target network architecture supporting cloud-first operations.
  • Architect solutions optimized for cloud-hosted clinical systems and Microsoft Fabric.
  • Design inter-trust network integration models for shared resilience and collaboration.
  • Develop a connectivity strategy balancing direct internet access and secure private links.
  • Model support for emerging technologies including IoT, AI/ML, and advanced communications.
  • Create a phased transformation roadmap consolidating current network initiatives.
  • Design transition architectures that minimize operational disruption.
  • Establish decision frameworks and architectural principles for future investments.
  • Architect trust-to-trust connectivity models for shared services.
  • Design optimal Azure connectivity architectures and support hybrid cloud networking.
  • Develop strategies for on-prem to cloud migration and compliance frameworks.

Key Skills:

  • Proven experience in designing multi-year network strategies for complex organizations.
  • Expertise in cloud migration architecture, especially Azure and Microsoft 365/Fabric.
  • Strong understanding of cost-performance-resilience trade-offs.
  • Deep knowledge of cloud connectivity patterns and Azure networking.
  • Familiarity with SD-WAN and SASE architectures.
  • Strong knowledge of Cisco, Meraki, and Fortinet platforms.
  • Professional qualifications such as CCNP, CCIE, or equivalent senior networking certification.
  • Desirable experience with NHS inter-trust collaboration and healthcare analytics platforms.

Salary (Rate): £550/day

City: London

Country: United Kingdom

Working Arrangements: undetermined

IR35 Status: outside IR35

Seniority Level: undetermined

Industry: IT

Detailed Description From Employer:

£500-550/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 .