Network Architect - Operational Design Authority & Strategy
£95,000 - £100,000 + 5% variable payNorth West (travel required to Barrow up to 3 days per week, expenses covered)Hybrid working
About the Role:
We’re looking for an experienced Network Architect with proven operational and design authority expertise in a managed services environment. This is a high-impact role where you’ll provide technical direction, client-facing strategy, and design assurance across large, complex accounts.
You’ll act as the Operational Design Authority, ensuring solutions are aligned with service line strategy, industry standards, and client needs. This role is not purely project-focused - you’ll be working at the intersection of technology, strategy, and operations, influencing both technical outcomes and stakeholder confidence.
What You’ll Do:
Act as Design Authority for network services within managed services accounts
Provide technical leadership and strategic guidance to clients and stakeholders
Lead during major incidents, working with business and technical leaders
Oversee adherence to service line strategy, standards, and practices
Manage relationships across internal and external stakeholders, aligning solutions with commercial and contractual requirements
What You’ll Bring:
Strong background as a Network/Domain Architect in a managed services environment
Experience as a Service Line Design Authority across large accounts, bids, or transitions
Understanding of contracts and commercials in service delivery
Ability to lead incident response and engage with senior stakeholders
Client-facing consulting skills with a focus on technology strategy
Technical expertise required:
Cisco ACI software-defined networks (multi-site & multi-pod)
Firewalls: Palo Alto, Checkpoint, Cisco Firepower, Cisco ASA, AnyConnect
Enterprise Wi-Fi technologies (e.g., Cisco WLC)
Networking protocols: IPSEC, HSRP, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP
Security & Eligibility:
Must be a sole UK national
Eligible for SC clearance (or already SC cleared)
Must have lived in the UK continuously for the past 5 years
What’s on Offer:
Competitive salary (£95k-£100k + variable pay)
Travel expenses fully covered
Hybrid working (blend of office, client site, and home)
Professional development with extensive training and certification opportunities
A culture that values wellbeing, inclusion, and continuous learning
RSG Plc is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.