At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy and design of network infrastructure across Europe.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation focused on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to shape the future.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on network solutions in a high-tech environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in enterprise network strategy and strong technical skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
The Head of Networks will own the strategy, design, and delivery of the organisation’s network infrastructure across all European data centres, offices, and customer environments. This pivotal leadership role ensures that all network solutions are secure, scalable, resilient, and aligned with business growth.
You will lead a team of skilled network engineers, define the enterprise networking roadmap, and collaborate with cross-functional teams — including Security, Infrastructure, and IT Operations — to deliver a high-performance, high-availability network platform that underpins mission-critical business and customer operations.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic Leadership
- Define and execute the strategic vision for enterprise and customer network infrastructure across multiple European sites and data centres.
- Develop and maintain a multi-year network roadmap, aligning technology capabilities with business strategy and digital transformation initiatives.
- Establish network standards, policies, and governance frameworks to ensure consistency, compliance, and scalability across the enterprise.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives, driving innovation, automation, and standardisation in network design and operations.
- Architecture, Design & Delivery
- Oversee the end-to-end design, implementation, and optimisation of LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, VPN, and wireless solutions across all environments.
- Manage enterprise routing, switching, VLAN segmentation, firewall policies, telephony systems (ISDN/SIP), and internal/external internet access.
- Ensure network resilience through robust backup, redundancy, and disaster recovery mechanisms.
- Lead network capacity planning, performance optimisation, and technology refresh cycles.
- Own the full lifecycle of network-related projects, from requirements gathering through to procurement, budgeting, vendor management, and security assessments.
- Security, Compliance & Governance
- Partner with Information Security teams to enhance network security posture, addressing vulnerabilities and implementing intrusion detection/prevention systems.
- Ensure ongoing compliance with ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, and other relevant regulatory standards.
- Drive a proactive approach to incident response, monitoring, and continuous threat detection.
- Oversee audit readiness and maintain comprehensive network documentation and asset inventories.
- People & Stakeholder Leadership
- Build, develop, and mentor a high-performing network engineering team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous learning.
- Set clear objectives, manage performance, and align team skills with evolving business and technology needs.
- Act as the trusted technical adviser to senior stakeholders and executives on network strategy, connectivity, and resilience.
- Cultivate strong relationships with key vendors, partners, and service providers to ensure quality and cost-effective delivery.
- Essential Experience & Skills
- Proven track record in leading enterprise network strategy and operations across multi-site or data centre environments.
- Deep technical expertise in TCP/IP, routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP), LAN/WAN, MPLS, VPNs, SD-WAN, firewalls, and network segmentation.
- Experience managing Cisco and Juniper network technologies, including Cisco IOS/NX-OS and JunOS platforms.
- Strong background in network monitoring, capacity management, and incident response.
- Hands-on experience with network security frameworks, firewall configuration (Cisco ASA, Palo Alto, Fortinet, etc.), and telephony (SIP/VoIP) systems.
- Familiarity with cloud and hybrid networking (Azure, AWS, GCP) environments preferred.
- Strong understanding of ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, and ITIL-aligned service delivery processes.
- Leadership & Soft Skills
- Strategic thinker with the ability to balance technical depth and business acumen.
- Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, capable of influencing at C-suite level.
- Proven ability to lead teams, develop talent, and build a high-performance culture.
- Commercially aware, with experience managing budgets, vendors, and service contracts.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Network Engineering, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
- Professional certifications preferred: Cisco: CCNP, CCIE; Juniper: JNCIP, JNCIE; Other relevant certifications: ITIL, CISSP, Azure/AWS Networking certifications.
- Opportunity to define and lead network strategy across a pan-European enterprise.
- Work with modern technologies in a high-availability, security-focused environment.
- Influence strategic infrastructure initiatives and shape the organisation’s digital future.
- The ideal candidate is resilient, innovative, and commercially minded, with a collaborative approach and the ability to think laterally.
- If you are passionate about shaping and growing network ecosystems within the Data Centre space, apply now and be part of our growth journey!
Head of Networks - Data Center in Cardiff employer: AirSearch
Join a forward-thinking organisation in London that prioritises innovation and excellence in network infrastructure. As the Head of Networks, you will lead a talented team in a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and continuous learning, while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and development. With a focus on modern technologies and strategic initiatives, this role offers a unique chance to shape the future of enterprise networking across Europe.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Networks - Data Center in Cardiff
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Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges AirSearch might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Networks - Data Center in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at AirSearch.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at AirSearch. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at AirSearch
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
