At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise the Trust's network infrastructure for critical operations.
- Company: Join South Central Ambulance Service, a vital NHS foundation trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, NHS pension, and continuous professional development.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care through reliable digital services.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate degree in IT or Networking and extensive network support experience.
The predicted salary is between 49387 - 56515 £ per year.
South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) delivers emergency, urgent care and NHS 111 services to millions of people across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire.
We're looking for an experienced ICT Network Lead to join our Digital Services team and play a pivotal role in managing, maintaining and developing the core digital network infrastructure that supports our frontline and critical operations. Your expertise will help ensure our technology remains secure, resilient and available when it matters most.
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled infrastructure professional who enjoys combining hands-on technical leadership with strategic thinking and service improvement.
Main duties of the job
As ICT Network Lead, you will be responsible for the operational support, maintenance and strategic development of the Trust's network infrastructure across a complex multi-site environment. You will provide specialist expertise across both on-premises and cloud networking technologies, ensuring the availability, performance and security of business-critical systems. You will work closely with all aspects of the wider digital team, including but not limited to cyber-security, telecoms and infrastructure teams.
Working within the Digital Network & Infrastructure team and reporting to the Network and Infrastructure Manager, you will lead on network design, implementation, optimisation and service improvement initiatives while acting as an escalation point for complex technical issues. You will ensure that the Trust networking provisions are operating effectively, co-ordinate resolutions, minimise impact upon operations and ensure the organisation has a fully documented functional design suite.
About us
At South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), every role contributes to helping people when they need us most. Our values of Caring, Professional and Honest guide everything we do. We care for our patients, communities and each other, act professionally with pride and a commitment to excellence, and work honestly, building trust through openness, integrity and respect.
We offer a range of learning and development opportunities, wellbeing support, flexible working where service needs allow, membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, and a variety of staff benefits. SCAS is proud to be an inclusive employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Join SCAS and help us deliver exceptional care when it matters most.
What We're Looking For
We're seeking a motivated and experienced network professional with a passion for delivering reliable digital services in a 24/7 operational environment. The individual should possess a flexible approach to work, may be required to undertake out of hours working when situations dictate, and will participate in on-call technical support.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Essential: Post Graduate Degree in IT, Networking, or equivalent experience
- Essential: ITIL Foundation certification (or equivalent knowledge)
- Essential: Evidence of continuous professional development
- Desirable: PRINCE2 Foundation
Knowledge
- Essential: Extensive experience in network/infrastructure support (3rd line level)
- Essential: Experience working in a complex, multi-site organisation
- Essential: Proven experience in network design, implementation, and support
- Essential: Experience managing enterprise network technologies (LAN/WAN, firewalls, routing)
- Desirable: NHS or public sector experience
Skills
- Essential: Advanced technical knowledge of networking (TCP/IP, OSI model, LAN/WAN)
- Essential: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Essential: Ability to manage complex incidents and competing priorities
- Essential: Excellent communication skills, including explaining technical issues to non-technical users
- Essential: Ability to work autonomously and make complex decisions
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
ICT Network Lead - Bicester & Otterbourne employer: National Health Service
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals in North Wales. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compassionate care, staff have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in both acute and community paediatrics. The Health Board's integrated approach ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving health outcomes for the local population.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ICT Network Lead - Bicester & Otterbourne
✨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 National Health Service 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 National Health Service 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 National Health Service!
✨Direct Apply to National Health Service
Let's not forget to apply directly through the National Health Service 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 ICT Network Lead - Bicester & Otterbourne
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 National Health Service.
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 National Health Service. 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 National Health Service
✨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.
