Cloud Network and Firewall Lead (Azure & Palo Alto) in London

We are seeking a Cloud Network and Firewall Lead to architect, implement, and manage our hybrid network infrastructure across cloud and on-premises environments. This role is critical to ensuring secure, scalable, and high-performance connectivity throughout the organisation.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in Azure networking services and Palo Alto firewall technologies, leading network operations and driving continuous improvement in security posture and performance. You’ll collaborate across engineering, infrastructure, and security teams to deliver robust solutions aligned with best practices and evolving business needs.

What you'll be doing:

• Designing, implementing, and managing secure, scalable Azure network architectures, including VNets, ExpressRoute, VPN Gateways, Azure Firewall, and load balancers
• Leading the deployment and administration of Palo Alto firewalls, including policy creation, threat prevention, and rule optimisation
• Overseeing hybrid connectivity between on-premises and cloud environments, ensuring resilience and disaster recovery readiness
• Collaborating with cloud architects, security teams, and application owners to align network solutions with business and compliance requirements
• Monitoring and optimising network performance and security using tools such as Panorama, Azure Monitor, and network analytics platforms
• Driving automation of network provisioning and configuration using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools like Terraform or Bicep
• Managing firewall governance, including change control, rule reviews, and security posture assessments
• Leading incident response for network-related issues, conducting root cause analysis and implementing preventive measures

Qualifications

Who we're looking for:

• Extensive experience designing and managing Azure networking services in enterprise environments
• Deep technical expertise with Palo Alto Networks firewalls (physical, virtual, cloud) and Panorama
• Strong grasp of network security, routing, switching, and VPN technologies
• Proven ability to deliver hybrid cloud connectivity solutions (ExpressRoute, site-to-site VPNs, SD-WAN)
• Hands-on experience with Infrastructure as Code tools such as Terraform or Bicep for network automation
• Proficient in network monitoring and diagnostics using tools like Wireshark and Azure Network Watcher
• Demonstrated leadership in technical project delivery and cross-functional collaboration
• Relevant certifications (e.g. PCNSE, Azure Network Engineer Associate, CCNP) and strong communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences

Whatever your role, we reward performance and behaviour with a package that looks after all the things that are important to you. Here are some of the benefits we offer:

• The opportunity to participate in our annual, performance-related bonus plan and valuable share schemes
• Generous pension contribution
• Life assurance
• Healthcare Plan (permanent employees only)
• At least 25 days holiday, plus public holidays, 26 days after 2 years’ service. There’s also the option to buy and sell holiday
• Competitive family leave
• Participate in our electric car scheme, which offers employees the option to hire a brand-new electric car through tax efficient salary sacrifice (permanent employees only)
• There are the many discounts we offer – both for our own products and at a range of high street stores and online

In 2023, some of our workspaces were redesigned. Our offices are great spaces to connect and collaborate and have your wellbeing at the heart.

Additional Information

At L&G, we believe it's possible to generate positive returns today while helping to build a better future for all. If you join us, you’ll be part of a welcoming, inclusive culture, with opportunities to collaborate with people of diverse backgrounds, views, and experiences. Guided by leaders with integrity who care about your future and wellbeing. Empowered through initiatives which support people to develop their careers and excel.

We care passionately about outcomes rather than attendance and are therefore open to discussing all kinds of flexible working options including part-time, term-time and job shares. Although some roles have limited flexibility due to customer demand, we accommodate requests when we can. It doesn’t matter if you don’t meet every single criterion in this advert. Instead, think about what you excel at and what else you can bring in terms of strengths, potential and connection to our purpose.