At a Glance
- Tasks: Define and deliver a rationalised voice and UC target state for trading floor requirements.
- Company: Dynamic organisation in the financial sector with a focus on innovative communication solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible freelance role with hybrid working options and competitive pay.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on complex projects with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact by transforming critical voice systems in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with Cisco CUCM, WebEx, and trading turret platforms required.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
The organisation operates a complex, fragmented voice environment comprising two separate legacy stacks — on-premises Cisco CUCM, BT trading turret platforms, and disparate voice recording systems. A planned migration to Cisco WebEx cloud was paused due to inadequate change management planning. This role will define and deliver a rationalised voice and UC target state, with particular focus on trading floor voice requirements.
Key responsibilities
- Assess the current voice and UC estate across both banking entities: CUCM, Cisco Cubes, WebEx, trading turrets, voice recording.
- Define a target-state voice architecture aligned to the broader infrastructure transformation.
- Develop a structured migration plan to Cisco WebEx (or alternative cloud UC platform), incorporating full change management, user communications, and phased rollout.
- Ensure integration requirements are fully assessed prior to any migration: voice recording, turret integration, adjunct services, front office workflows.
- Manage end-user impact and change communications — particularly for trading floor users where voice is business-critical.
- Evaluate and rationalise voice recording platforms, ensuring regulatory compliance requirements are met.
- Work with the network team to ensure QoS, connectivity, and resilience requirements are addressed in the network design.
Requirements
- Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM): design, administration, and migration.
- Cisco WebEx (cloud UC): deployment, migration from on-premises, integration.
- Cisco Cube (session border controller) configuration and dial plan design.
- Trading turret platforms: BT ITS or equivalent — integration and interoperability.
- Voice recording platforms: Redbox, Verint, NICE, or equivalent — regulatory compliance context.
- SIP trunking, dial plan design, and PSTN gateway architecture.
- QoS for voice and UC across LAN/WAN environments.
- Understanding of MiFID II / FCA voice recording obligations in financial services.
Advantageous
- CCNP Collaboration or equivalent.
- Experience with soft client migration (Java-based to WebEx or Teams).
- Knowledge of front office / trading floor communication requirements.
- Microsoft Teams voice integration experience.
Soft skills
- Strong project and change management discipline — able to design and execute structured migrations with appropriate user engagement.
- Ability to manage stakeholder expectations across trading floor, IT, and compliance audiences.
- Methodical and risk-aware, with particular sensitivity to business-critical voice systems.
Voice & Unified Communications Engineer / Architect - freelance - hybrid, London, UK employer: Comgent
As a leading organisation in the financial sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that values innovation and collaboration. Our London-based team enjoys flexible working arrangements, competitive remuneration, and ample opportunities for professional development, particularly in cutting-edge technologies like Cisco WebEx. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a critical area of our business while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Voice & Unified Communications Engineer / Architect - freelance - hybrid, London, UK
✨Join Industry-Specific Online Communities
Dive into forums like the Telecommunications Industry Association or join LinkedIn groups focused on networking. Engaging with these communities not only helps you stay updated on trends but also lets you connect directly with potential clients or collaborators in the telecommunications sector.
✨Showcase Your Expertise Through a Portfolio
As a freelancer in telecommunications, create a solid online portfolio showcasing your past projects, technical skills, and contributions. Add case studies or examples of networks you've improved or built. This helps potential clients see what you bring to the table before they even reach out!
✨Attend Networking Events and Conferences
Make it a point to attend telecommunications conferences or local meetups. These events are golden opportunities for us to network with industry professionals and get our names out there. Plus, you might just find a client who’s looking for someone with your skills!
✨Leverage Freelance Platforms
Don’t forget to set up profiles on freelance platforms like Upwork or Freelancer. Make sure to highlight your telecommunications experience and specific skills. This is where many companies go to find freelancers, and a well-crafted profile can really make you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Voice & Unified Communications Engineer / Architect - freelance - hybrid, London, UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tech Skills:In the telecommunications and networking world, we need to see your technical expertise straight away. Make sure your CV highlights specific networking technologies you've worked with, like Cisco or Juniper, and any certifications (CCNA, CCNP, etc.) are front and centre. This field is all about demonstrating your hands-on experience, so if you've got any relevant projects, mention those too!
Craft a Stellar Portfolio:As a freelancer, potential clients will want to see what you can do. Create a portfolio that showcases your past projects in telecommunications—this could be network setups, troubleshooting cases, or innovative solutions. Include detailed descriptions and if possible, visuals. This is your chance to stand out and show what sets you apart from other candidates.
Rates and Availability Are Key:Unlike traditional jobs, freelancing means you set your own pace. In your application, don't forget to mention your expected rates and your availability for projects. Clients appreciate clarity, and it helps them assess if you're a fit for their needs right off the bat!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect why you're passionate about a freelance role in telecommunications. Talk about relevant experiences, your problem-solving approach, or any unique insights into the industry. Personalising it for Comgent can really make you memorable, so take the time to connect your skills and enthusiasm with what they’re looking for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Comgent
✨Show Off Your Tech Skills
In the telecommunications-networking field, we need to demonstrate our technical know-how. Be prepared to discuss the specific tools and technologies you’ve used in past projects, like Cisco routers or network simulation software. Bring tangible examples of how you've helped clients optimise their networks.
✨Have Your Portfolio Ready
As a freelancer, your portfolio is your best mate during interviews. Make sure you have case studies or project summaries ready to show what you've accomplished in the telecommunications realm. Highlight key metrics that demonstrate the impact of your work—this will speak volumes to potential clients.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Interviewers will likely throw some real-world scenarios your way—like troubleshooting a network outage or designing a new network for a client. Practice answering these types of questions to showcase your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. We want to see how you handle issues on the fly!
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Rates
Freelancing means we have to talk about money upfront. Be clear and confident about your rates and how they reflect the quality of your work. Be prepared to negotiate based on the project requirements, but don't undersell yourself. Know the value you bring to the table!
