Network Architect

Network Architect

Posted Today by LT Harper - Cyber Security Recruitment

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£94 Per hour
Outside
Undetermined
London Area, United Kingdom
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Aruba (Network Management Software) Automation Business Requirements Cloud Computing Cloud Technology Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Management Microsoft Azure Network Architecture Nice (Unix Utility) Stakeholder Engagement Stakeholder Management VMware Certified Associate Wide Area Networks

Summary: The Network Architect role focuses on leading the design and implementation of SD-WAN and SD-LAN solutions for a client, requiring extensive experience in Software-Defined Networking. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in delivering network transformations and will be responsible for ensuring the architecture meets business requirements while integrating with existing infrastructure. This position demands both technical expertise and strong stakeholder engagement skills. The role is outside IR35 and offers a competitive daily rate.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the end-to-end network architecture for SD-WAN and SD-LAN solutions
  • Design scalable, secure, and resilient network architectures aligned with business requirements
  • Define network standards, blueprints, and reference architectures
  • Evaluate and select SD-WAN / SD-LAN platforms and vendors where required
  • Plan and oversee SD-WAN and SD-LAN deployments, including migration from legacy networks
  • Provide hands-on technical leadership during implementation and cutover phases
  • Ensure seamless integration with existing infrastructure (data centers, cloud, security, WAN, LAN, Wi-Fi)
  • Address performance, QoS, resiliency, and high-availability requirements
  • Act as the technical authority for SD-WAN / SD-LAN within the project
  • Translate business and application requirements into network design
  • Engage with client stakeholders, vendors, and delivery teams
  • Provide clear documentation and architectural guidance
  • Ensure designs follow security, compliance, and operational best practices
  • Define operational models, monitoring, and support handover requirements
  • Identify risks and provide mitigation strategies

Key Skills:

  • Proven hands-on experience delivering multiple SD-WAN and SD-LAN implementations
  • Deep understanding of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) principles
  • WAN optimization, routing, and traffic engineering
  • LAN switching, wireless, and segmentation
  • Network security concepts (firewalls, segmentation, zero trust)
  • Strong experience with leading SD-WAN / SD-LAN vendors (e.g. Cisco, Aruba, Fortinet, VMware, Juniper, or similar)
  • Experience integrating SD-WAN with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
  • 8+ years in network engineering/architecture roles
  • Demonstrated experience as a Network Architect or Lead Engineer
  • Track record of successful enterprise-scale network transformations
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Ability to lead technical discussions and influence design decisions
  • Comfortable working in client-facing environments
  • Analytical, detail-oriented, and solutions-focused
  • Relevant certifications (e.g. CCNP/CCIE, Aruba, VMware, Fortinet) - desirable
  • Experience with automation and network programmability - desirable
  • Experience working in large enterprise or multi-site environments - desirable

Salary (Rate): £94.00/hr

City: London Area

Country: United Kingdom

Working Arrangements: undetermined

IR35 Status: outside IR35

Seniority Level: undetermined

Industry: IT

Detailed Description From Employer:

Network Architect – SD-WAN / SD-LAN - £500 - £700 a day (Outside IR35)

Role Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Network Architect with deep expertise in Software-Defined Networking , specifically SD-WAN and SD-LAN , to lead the design and implementation of a modern, scalable network architecture for our client. The ideal candidate is a well-seasoned practitioner who has successfully delivered multiple SD-WAN and SD-LAN transformations and understands the technology end-to-end —from strategy and design through implementation, migration, and optimization.

Key Responsibilities

  • Architecture & Design
  • Lead the end-to-end network architecture for SD-WAN and SD-LAN solutions
  • Design scalable, secure, and resilient network architectures aligned with business requirements
  • Define network standards, blueprints, and reference architectures
  • Evaluate and select SD-WAN / SD-LAN platforms and vendors where required
  • Implementation & Delivery
  • Plan and oversee SD-WAN and SD-LAN deployments , including migration from legacy networks
  • Provide hands-on technical leadership during implementation and cutover phases
  • Ensure seamless integration with existing infrastructure (data centers, cloud, security, WAN, LAN, Wi-Fi)
  • Address performance, QoS, resiliency, and high-availability requirements
  • Stakeholder & Client Engagement
  • Act as the technical authority for SD-WAN / SD-LAN within the project
  • Translate business and application requirements into network design
  • Engage with client stakeholders, vendors, and delivery teams
  • Provide clear documentation and architectural guidance
  • Governance & Best Practices
  • Ensure designs follow security, compliance, and operational best practices
  • Define operational models, monitoring, and support handover requirements
  • Identify risks and provide mitigation strategies

Required Skills & Experience

  • Technical Expertise
  • Proven hands-on experience delivering multiple SD-WAN and SD-LAN implementations
  • Deep understanding of: Software-Defined Networking (SDN) principles
  • WAN optimization, routing, and traffic engineering
  • LAN switching, wireless, and segmentation
  • Network security concepts (firewalls, segmentation, zero trust)
  • Strong experience with leading SD-WAN / SD-LAN vendors (e.g. Cisco, Aruba, Fortinet, VMware, Juniper, or similar)
  • Experience integrating SD-WAN with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
  • Professional Experience
  • 8+ years in network engineering/architecture roles
  • Demonstrated experience as a Network Architect or Lead Engineer
  • Track record of successful enterprise-scale network transformations
  • Soft Skills
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Ability to lead technical discussions and influence design decisions
  • Comfortable working in client-facing environments
  • Analytical, detail-oriented, and solutions-focused
  • Desirable (Nice to Have)
  • Relevant certifications (e.g. CCNP/CCIE, Aruba, VMware, Fortinet)
  • Experience with automation and network programmability
  • Experience working in large enterprise or multi-site environments
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