At a Glance
- Tasks: Audit and enhance network tooling, implement automation, and improve observability.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on transforming their network infrastructure.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid work, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team with a focus on innovation and efficiency.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising tools and driving automation in a cutting-edge environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with network automation tools and strong collaboration skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The organisation has accumulated a fragmented tooling estate with significant underutilisation — tools purchased but never properly deployed or embedded. This role will assess the current tooling landscape, define a target-state tooling strategy, and lead the implementation of automation and observability capabilities that will underpin both the transformation programme and the ongoing operational run state.
Key Responsibilities
- Audit the current network and infrastructure tooling estate, identifying duplication, gaps, and unlicensed/underutilised products.
- Define a target-state tooling strategy covering: network management, observability/monitoring, automation/orchestration, IPAM, and CMDB.
- Design and implement network automation workflows for standard operational tasks (port changes, firewall rule changes, VLAN provisioning).
- Build out network observability capabilities to provide deterministic visibility across the converged network environment.
- Work with the architecture team to define and implement a CMDB strategy, enabling accurate asset and service dependency data.
- Develop automation to support the transformation programme itself — migration tooling, configuration validation, and audit capabilities.
- Evaluate and rationalise managed service tooling used by the NTT-managed network.
- Provide tooling input into the change management process, enabling automated risk classification and impact assessment.
Requirements
Technical Requirements
- Network automation: Python, Ansible, or similar automation frameworks.
- Network management and monitoring platforms (e.g., SolarWinds, PRTG, Datadog, Grafana, or equivalent).
- CMDB design and implementation (ServiceNow or similar ITSM platforms).
- IPAM tools (Infoblox, phpIPAM, or similar).
- API-driven network management (REST APIs, NETCONF/YANG, Cisco DNA Centre or ACI API).
- Cisco ACI API and automation familiarity advantageous.
- Configuration management and version control for network infrastructure (Git-based workflows).
- Understanding of DevOps/NetDevOps practices.
- Advantageous experience in financial services or similarly regulated environments.
- Knowledge of ServiceNow integration with network management tooling.
- Familiarity with cloud-native observability tools.
- Scripting for reporting and cost analysis.
Soft Skills
- Pragmatic and delivery-focused — able to identify quick wins alongside longer-term capability builds.
- Able to work across infrastructure, operations, and architecture teams.
- Strong documentation skills.
- Capable of training and upskilling operational team members on new tooling.
Network & Infrastructure Tooling / Automation Specialist/ Architect - freelance - hybrid, London, UK employer: Comgent
As a freelance Network & Infrastructure Tooling / Automation Specialist/ Architect in London, you will join a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation and efficiency. The company fosters a collaborative work culture, offering opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement while working on transformative projects that have a real impact. With a focus on modern tooling strategies and automation capabilities, this role provides a unique chance to shape the future of network management in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Network & Infrastructure Tooling / Automation Specialist/ Architect - freelance - hybrid, London, UK
✨Tip Number 1
Network and Infrastructure roles are all about showcasing your technical prowess. Make sure to brush up on your Python and Ansible skills, and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past projects. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 2
Networking is key! Reach out to professionals in the field through LinkedIn or industry meetups. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that freelance gig. Don’t be shy!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by having a solid understanding of the tools mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with network management platforms like SolarWinds and Datadog. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to tackle any question!
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We’re here to help you every step of the way, so let’s get you that role!
We think you need these skills to ace Network & Infrastructure Tooling / Automation Specialist/ Architect - freelance - hybrid, London, UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role. Highlight your experience with network automation, tooling strategies, and any relevant frameworks like Python or Ansible. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this freelance role. Share specific examples of how you've tackled similar challenges in the past, especially around tooling and automation.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical prowess! Mention your experience with network management platforms and any familiarity with CMDB design. We love seeing candidates who can hit the ground running with the right tools.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Comgent
✨Know Your Tools Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specific tools mentioned in the job description, like Python, Ansible, and network management platforms. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects and how they can be applied to the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've identified gaps or inefficiencies in tooling estates before. Highlight your ability to audit and rationalise tools, and discuss any strategies you've implemented to improve automation and observability.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration
This role requires working across various teams, so be prepared to talk about your experience collaborating with infrastructure, operations, and architecture teams. Share specific instances where teamwork led to successful outcomes.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to network automation and CMDB strategies. Brush up on your knowledge of API-driven management and DevOps practices, and be ready to explain how you would approach designing and implementing these systems.
