Network Architect/Principal Network Engineer

at  University of York

IT SERVICES – NETWORKS & DATA CENTRES

Looking for a job with a purpose? Make a difference and join our friendly, experienced, multi-skilled team of network professionals and play a critical role in keeping the University of York community connected.
The University of York has set out its vision to become a University for Public Good. IT Services actively supports that commitment. We’re looking for individuals who want to be part of making a difference, using industry-leading technology to support our vision and deliver exceptional services. Working at a learning organisation, we offer a collaborative, flexible environment where growth is supported, teams care for each other, and inquiring minds can thrive.
With specialists focused on IT, Estates Development, Estates Operations, and University-wide Facilities, the Directorate of Technology, Estates and Facilities (DTEF) delivers solutions across both the physical and digital landscapes. Our primary goal is to provide services and facilities that meet the needs both of the University and the broader community, as well as support the University’s strategic objectives and commitment to public good by creating a stimulating learning, living and working environment.
Within DTEF, the IT Services department is critical to delivering those objectives, providing infrastructure and services that support all aspects of the customer experience.

The Network & Data Centres team is responsible for the University’s business critical network services that underpin almost every activity of the University community, alongside our campus data centres from which many of our critical digital services are provided. Our extensive campus network currently consists of:

• Over 70,000 wired outlets
• Over 8,000 network devices, including more than 5,000 wifi access points
• Over 24,000 concurrent wifi connections at peak (and growing)
• More than 300 wiring centres, connected by many kilometres of ducting and optical fibre infrastructure

We are in the early stages of an ambitious modernisation programme for our campus network. Could you play a leading role in helping us realise the many benefits of that?

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATION NEEDED

• Level 6 qualification. (Qualifications at this level include a degree. Please view the full list). We also welcome applicants with equivalent non-uk qualifications or equivalent professional experience.
• Substantial experience of designing, delivering and operating enterprise network services at large, complex organisations comparable to the University.
• Significant knowledge of network and related security technologies and their application in large, complex organisations comparable to the University.
• Experience in managing business-critical services and projects, successfully delivering on time and to budget.
• Experience of working as part of a multi-skilled IT network team within a large and complex organisation.
• Experience in establishing and managing relationships with external partners and suppliers.
• Proven ability to quickly adapt to changing environments and circumstances.
• Ability to create and share relevant information with colleagues at differing levels.
• Ability to collate and understand requirements for non-standard provisions and services, subsequently designing and deploying solutions to meet those needs.
• Ability to prioritise workloads with the minimum of supervision, with good time management skills - for yourself and colleagues under your management/direction.
• Demonstrable ability to analyse and resolve issues with a dynamic and proactive approach, either as part of a team or working independently.
• Excellent customer-facing skills, with a focus on improving customer experience.
• Evidence of upholding our behaviours as specified in the job description.
  Interview date: To be confirmed
  For an informal discussion about the post, please contact: Mark Franklin, Head of Networks & Data Centres on mark.franklin@york.ac.uk
  The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.
  We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.
  We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

ROLE

As a leading research-led university, our community relies on excellent network connectivity to support its wide range of activities.
This key role in our business critical team will be responsible for architecting our network infrastructure, working closely with the Head of Networks & Data Centres to ensure that it aligns with our Enterprise Architecture principles and the University’s overall business objectives. You will lead on network engineering activities in the team, ensuring that your teammates are appropriately skilled to understand and deliver on the agreed architecture and related technology. Close collaboration with other teams within IT Services and from across the wider University will also be essential, together with developing and nurturing relationships with a number of strategic external delivery partners.
You will represent the Networks & Data Centres team on a number of relevant groups, e.g. the Technical Design Authority, and will deputise for the Head of Networks & Data Centres as required.
With an ability to prioritise their own activities as well as those of others, alongside a desire to deliver key customer-focussed services, the post holder will play a key role in ensuring network related services are delivered effectively and efficiently, supporting the business objectives of the University.
This role offers opportunities to learn new technologies or implement your existing skills in a different environment. We are committed to supporting our staff’s development and encourage applications from people who can bring new experiences and ideas, with the right attitude and aptitude.

The Network & Data Centres team is responsible for the University’s business critical network services that underpin almost every activity of the University community, alongside our campus data centres from which many of our critical digital services are provided. Our extensive campus network currently consists of:

• Over 70,000 wired outlets
• Over 8,000 network devices, including more than 5,000 wifi access points
• Over 24,000 concurrent wifi connections at peak (and growing)
• More than 300 wiring centres, connected by many kilometres of ducting and optical fibre infrastructur