At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of network infrastructure in a major banking group.
- Company: Join a leading financial services firm in London with a dynamic hybrid work culture.
- Benefits: Freelance flexibility, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to challenge norms and drive innovation.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on cutting-edge network architecture in the banking sector.
- Qualifications: 8-10 years of Cisco networking experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
A major banking group operating in EMEA is undergoing a significant infrastructure transformation programme, converging two separate network environments (a legacy three-tier Cisco campus network and an ACI spine-leaf fabric) alongside the integration of a European banking subsidiary. This is a hands-on senior architecture role requiring both strategic thinking and the ability to roll up sleeves and engage at detailed engineering levels.
Requirements
- Deep expertise in Cisco networking: Nexus (7K, 5K, 2K, 9K), IOS, NX-OS
- Strong working knowledge of Cisco ACI — ability to assess hybrid/pseudo-ACI deployments and define target-state app-centric or network-centric design
- Expert-level routing and switching: OSPF, BGP, EIGRP (including identification and remediation of misconfigurations)
- Data centre network design: spine-leaf, three-tier, convergence strategies
- Firewall architecture: Palo Alto (PA-40 series), Cisco ASA (legacy and migration)
- WAN/MPLS concepts and managed service architectures (NTT or similar providers)
- IP address management (IPAM) and DNS/DHCP strategies
- Network security design principles
- Familiarity with SD-WAN, cloud networking (Azure, AWS), and hybrid connectivity
Advantageous
- Cisco CCIE (Routing & Switching or Data Centre) or equivalent demonstrable expertise
- Experience with network automation and orchestration tooling
- Knowledge of co-location and proximity hosting environments
- Understanding of financial services network requirements (trading floor, market data, payment systems)
- Able to operate with ambiguity — comfortable in environments without fully defined organisational structure
- Strong communication skills: able to articulate complex technical problems to non-technical senior stakeholders
- Commercial awareness — understanding of total cost of ownership, vendor contracts, and infrastructure spend
- Collaborative and pragmatic, with the confidence to challenge incumbents and advocate for sound design principles
- Self-starter capable of providing direction to others with limited supervision
Senior Network Architect - freelance - hybrid, London, UK employer: Comgent
As a leading banking group in EMEA, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that encourages innovation and collaboration. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while ensuring that our employees are supported through comprehensive professional development opportunities and a commitment to work-life balance. Join us in London, where you will be at the forefront of a significant infrastructure transformation, contributing to meaningful projects that shape the future of financial services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Network Architect - freelance - hybrid, London, UK
✨Network Your Way In
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend networking events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at companies you’re interested in. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with Cisco networking and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can roll up your sleeves and tackle real-world challenges!
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Prepare yourself for some deep technical discussions during interviews. Brush up on your knowledge of routing protocols and network security principles. We want to see that you can think strategically while also diving into the nitty-gritty details when needed.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Network Architect - freelance - hybrid, London, UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Network Architect role. Highlight your deep expertise in Cisco networking and any relevant experience with ACI and data centre design. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
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 your past work that align with the job description, especially around network architecture and transformation.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be dealing with non-technical stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. In your application, mention instances where you've successfully explained complex technical issues to non-technical audiences. We love clear communicators!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Comgent
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Cisco networking knowledge, especially around Nexus and ACI. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've implemented these technologies, as well as any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
This role requires both hands-on skills and strategic insight. Prepare examples of how you've successfully designed network architectures in the past, particularly in complex environments. Highlight your ability to think critically about convergence strategies and integration.
✨Communicate Clearly with Non-Techies
You’ll need to explain complex technical concepts to senior stakeholders who may not have a technical background. Practice simplifying your explanations and use analogies where possible to ensure clarity and understanding.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
This position values collaboration and pragmatism. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked effectively in teams, especially in ambiguous situations. Share instances where you’ve challenged the status quo and advocated for sound design principles.
