Senior Network Engineer

IT & Digital is central to where we are going as a university and the experience, we offer to both our professional colleagues and our students. The work we do impacts significantly on both the personal and learning experience of those who study here. We are committed to developing and maintaining highly usable, fast, flexible, and personalised Information Systems services that reflect the changing needs of our growing university.

This role is based in the Infrastructure and Operations department of IT & Digital, but specifically within the Network Operations core function. The primary objective of Network Operations is to manage the University's IT network infrastructure to assist IT & Digital and the wider University in developing systems and services that align to supporting strategic objectives.

It is an exciting time to be joining the University, with a Cloud & Infrastructure Transformation programme' underway. Over the next 2-3 years network operations will play a key lead role in transforming the campus IT network infrastructure from a traditional to next generation IT network, based on Cisco Digital Network Architecture. Project and initiatives include implementing and managing security infrastructure technologies and best practices, upgrading IT network infrastructure equipment at data centre, core, distribution, and edge, along with upgrading campus wireless infrastructure and services to Wi-Fi 6.

About the role:
This Senior Network Engineer role is responsible for the design and management of the enterprise IT network infrastructure, data centre operations and security infrastructure. In the role you will be a technical lead, providing key input to technical design, implementation and decision making, along with mentoring technical engineers in the Network Operations Team.

The role requires detailed knowledge and expertise in on-premises and cloud networking and security infrastructure, specifically Cisco networking technologies such as data centre technologies (ACI) and routing and switching technologies.

About you:

You will be required to undertake some or all the duties below: -

• Design, specify, project lead, and deliver the appropriate network technologies for the University, in conjunction with the senior IT & Digital leadership team.
• Provide high level technical expertise in the development, support and maintenance of Cisco switching and routing equipment including hybrid-cloud, Data Centre, Core and Edge network environments.
• Provide technical expertise to projects which develop new IT services, including new services which meet academic requirements for teaching and research.
• Take a lead role in the research, evaluation, development, and deployment of new and emerging technologies relevant to key network, security and operations systems and services.
• Formulating processes to ensure the network infrastructure is secure, reliable, and resilient and is capable of rapid recovery in the event of planned or unplanned circumstances disrupting normal operations.
• Work with colleagues across the department, external contractors, and suppliers to provide advice and recommendations on new wired and Wi-Fi installations and redesign projects.
• Maintain personal credibility and authority to consult, influence and negotiate with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels.
• Proactively set and maintain best practice and development standards and provide advice to colleagues.
• Engagement with potential and existing suppliers of network and data centre infrastructure, providing technical evaluation and input to procurement processes, ensuring the best value for the University.
• Understand and implement IT security into all aspects of network operations.
• Deliver technical mentoring to junior members of the network operations team

Working at Manchester Met:
Manchester Met is a great place to work, and you will be part of a great team. We are ambitious for our staff; ourselves and we recognise the key contribution our colleagues make by Staff being one of our four strategic priorities.

In addition to a great working environment, you will have access to the University facilities including sport, library and wide range of benefits including health and wellbeing support.

We offer a competitive salary alongside an industry beating pension scheme. We also offer generous holiday packages, which include 35 days per year holiday, plus Christmas shutdown, plus bank holidays.

To apply:

Please apply by submitting a CV and covering letter.

If you would like to join our people and share our ambition, we would love to hear from you.

Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to supporting the rights, responsibilities, dignity, health and wellbeing of staff and students through our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. We are proud of our diverse community of staff, students and visitors.