At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex network and security projects, producing designs and documentation.
- Company: Focus Group is a rapidly growing technology services provider valued at $1bn.
- Benefits: Strong career development and support for certifications in a collaborative environment.
- Other info: The role is based in Shoreham-by-Sea with a hybrid work setup.
- Why this job: Join a high-performing team working on varied and interesting projects.
- Qualifications: Experience with firewall platforms and proven delivery of SD-WAN solutions required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Focus Group is a rapidly growing £300m technology services provider, backed by Hg Capital and recently valued at $1bn. Supporting over 30,000 UK businesses, we’re investing heavily in top technical talent and we’re looking for a Senior Network Specialist to join our Networking & Security team.
This is a senior, hands-on position where you’ll take ownership of complex, multi-site network and security projects end to end. Working in a hybrid setup from Shoreham, you’ll act as the technical lead across SD-WAN, SASE, firewalls, and core networking, delivering high-quality solutions for SME and enterprise customers.
You’ll produce detailed designs and documentation, lead implementations, support delivery teams during key project phases, and work closely with Solution Architects to turn designs into real-world solutions.
What you’ll bring:
- Strong experience with firewall platforms (FortiGate, Cisco, SonicWall, WatchGuard)
- Proven delivery of SD-WAN and SASE/SSE solutions
- Solid networking fundamentals (BGP, OSPF, VLANs, IPsec, QoS, DNS, DHCP)
- Experience leading end-to-end project delivery
- Relevant certifications (e.g. CCNP, NSE 4+, Aruba)
- Clear communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Desirable:
- Experience with Fortinet NSE 7+, cloud networking (Azure/AWS), or Zero Trust/ ZTNA solutions.
Why join us?
You’ll be part of a high-performing technical team with real ownership, working on varied and interesting projects. We offer strong career development, support for certifications, and a genuinely collaborative environment.
At Focus Group you can be proud of what you do, how you do it and feel a true part of the team. We work hard to create an inclusive, collaborative and rewarding environment where you are inspired to achieve brilliant things and really make a difference to the future of our business.
We’re proud to have built an outstanding place to work where people thrive and are recognised for their achievements.
Network Specialist employer: Focus Group
Focus Group, located in Shoreham-by-Sea, offers a competitive salary and strong career development opportunities. The company has been recognised as one of the UK’s best 100 Companies to Work for in 2021, highlighting its commitment to culture and employee recognition.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Network Specialist
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Focus Group values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Focus Group 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.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Focus Group!
✨Direct Apply to Focus Group
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Focus Group website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Network Specialist
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 Focus Group.
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 Focus Group. 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 Focus Group
✨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.
