At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex network and security projects, delivering high-quality solutions for diverse customers.
- Company: Rapidly growing tech services provider with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, support for certifications, and a hybrid work setup.
- Other info: Recognised as one of the UK’s best companies to work for, fostering an inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Join a high-performing team and make a real impact on innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in networking, firewalls, and project delivery; relevant certifications preferred.
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.
The role 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. We’re delighted to have been named one of the UK’s best 100 Companies to Work for 2021 and a British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA) 2023 Vision Award Winner for London & South East for our commitment to culture and ESG.
Senior Network Specialist employer: Focus Group
Focus Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture in Shoreham-by-Sea, where you can thrive as a Senior Network Specialist. With a strong emphasis on career development, support for certifications, and the opportunity to lead impactful projects, you'll be part of a high-performing team that values collaboration and innovation. Recognised as one of the UK’s best companies to work for, we pride ourselves on creating an environment where your contributions are celebrated and your professional growth is nurtured.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Network Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a Senior Network Specialist role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and project delivery experience. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've tackled complex networking projects in the past. This will show that you’re not just a paper candidate but someone who can deliver real-world solutions.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Plus, it gives you a better chance to showcase your personality and passion for the role beyond just your CV.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Network Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Network Specialist role. Highlight your experience with firewalls, SD-WAN, and any relevant certifications. 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 passionate about networking and security. Share specific examples of projects you've led and how they relate to our needs at Focus Group.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, it's important to demonstrate your communication skills in your application. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible to show us you can bridge that gap.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Focus Group
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of firewall platforms like FortiGate and Cisco, as well as SD-WAN and SASE solutions. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these technologies and how you've successfully delivered projects in the past.
✨Showcase Your Project Leadership
Prepare to share specific examples of end-to-end project delivery you've led. Highlight your role in producing designs, documentation, and how you supported delivery teams during key phases. This will demonstrate your ability to take ownership and lead complex projects.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining technical concepts in a way that non-technical stakeholders can understand. This is crucial for a Senior Network Specialist role, as you'll need to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams. Think of examples where you've successfully done this.
✨Get Familiar with the Company Culture
Research Focus Group's values and recent achievements, like their recognition as one of the UK’s best companies to work for. Being able to align your personal values with theirs during the interview will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
