Senior Network Consultant in Leicester

4C Strategies is one of the leading independent IT infrastructure and digital transformation consultancies in the UK public sector. As part of our continued growth, we are looking to expand our team with the recruitment of a Senior Network Consultant who can lead and support a wide range of client-side networking, connectivity, unified communications and infrastructure projects. This role offers the opportunity to work across complex enterprise and public sector environments, helping clients shape, procure, govern and deliver modern, secure and resilient network services. Projects may include wired and wireless LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, Data Centre connectivity, cloud connectivity, Zero Trust networking, cyber security, network security, service transition and managed network services.

This is a senior, client-facing role combining network consultancy, technical leadership, project assurance, procurement support and commercial awareness. The Senior Network Consultant will:

• Lead client-side network advisory and technical assurance activity across complex infrastructure and connectivity projects
• Develop clear network strategies, roadmaps, high-level designs, specifications and implementation plans
• Support clients with network audits, stakeholder engagement, requirements analysis, options appraisal and business case development
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders, translating complex technical options into clear, practical recommendations
• Support procurement activity, supplier engagement, tender evaluation, moderation and contract mobilisation
• Support business development, bids, frameworks and client presentations where network consultancy expertise is required

Key Responsibilities

• Network Strategy, Architecture & Assurance
• Define current-state and target-state network architectures across wired, wireless, WAN, SD-WAN, internet, cloud connectivity and Data Centre environments
• Develop network strategies and roadmaps that reflect client maturity, risk appetite, budget, cybersecurity requirements and operational constraints
• Create network principles, standards, high-level designs and technical artefacts to support transformation and procurement decisions
• Assess options across LAN, WLAN, WAN, SD-WAN, connectivity and managed service models
• Ensure recommendations address Zero Trust principles, cybersecurity, resilience, performance, scalability, service management, cost control and business continuity
• Advise clients on Zero Trust network approaches, secure access models, segmentation, identity-aware connectivity and cyber risk reduction
• Review supplier designs, budgets, licensing models and implementation proposals to provide independent technical assurance
• Maintain awareness of market developments, public sector requirements and emerging network technologies
• Client Advisory & Delivery
• Lead discovery, infrastructure documentation, security reviews, audits, stakeholder engagement, requirements analysis and technical assurance activities
• Produce clear strategies, business cases, options appraisals, technical specifications, evaluation models and implementation roadmaps
• Provide independent advice to senior leaders, technical teams, procurement teams and programme boards
• Support procurement activity including route-to-market advice, tender documentation, supplier engagement, evaluation, moderation and recommendation reports
• Provide technical and cyber security governance during implementation to help clients manage risk, resolve issues and realise intended benefits
• Work closely with client IT, estates, facilities, procurement and supplier teams to ensure network solutions are practical, deliverable and aligned to business need
• Sales, Growth & Marketing
• Identify and shape new opportunities where network consultancy, cyber security, infrastructure advisory or technical assurance services can add value
• Contribute to proposals, framework submissions, statements of work and client presentations
• Represent 4C in client meetings, market engagement sessions, supplier briefings and industry discussions
• Support marketing activity by helping shape network, connectivity, Zero Trust, cyber security, unified communications and infrastructure propositions
• Help grow 4C's reputation as a trusted, independent advisor for complex network and infrastructure programmes
• Reputation, People & Capability
• Build repeatable network consultancy, assurance and delivery approaches that improve quality and consistency across assignments
• Mentor consultants and support knowledge sharing across networking, connectivity, Zero Trust, cyber security, service management and digital infrastructure topics
• Contribute to internal capability development, templates, methods and quality assurance processes
• Promote pragmatic, client-focused recommendations that balance innovation, value, risk and deliverability
• Support knowledge transfer to clients throughout assignments so they are better equipped to manage services after delivery

What We're Looking For

• Strong experience in network consultancy, network architecture, technical assurance or senior infrastructure consulting
• Proven ability to lead client-side consultancy assignments from discovery and strategy through to procurement, assurance and implementation support
• Good understanding of network technologies, including wired and wireless LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, internet connectivity, cloud connectivity, Zero Trust networking, network security, cybersecurity and Data Centre networking
• Experience advising on secure network design, segmentation, access control, identity-aware connectivity and cyber resilience would be beneficial
• Experience producing high-quality reports, strategies, roadmaps, options appraisals, business cases, specifications, evaluation materials and governance documentation
• Ability to communicate confidently with boards, senior leaders, technical teams, suppliers and procurement stakeholders
• Commercial awareness and the ability to support bids, proposals and opportunity development
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with clients, suppliers and colleagues
• Relevant network, cloud, project or service management qualifications would be beneficial, such as Cisco, Aruba, Juniper, Fortinet, Microsoft, ITIL, PRINCE2 or equivalent experience
• A full driving licence and access to your own vehicle is essential due to client site travel

Package

• Pension contribution
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Option to purchase additional leave
• Private healthcare
• Employee Assistance Programme
• On-going professional development and CPD support

Location: Hybrid 1 day/week in the 4C Market Harborough office, plus client sites as required.