Lead Technical Architect (Networks) in Hemel Hempstead

Come join us and make a difference in the world! Applicants must be primarily home-based but will be required to visit customer sites and our offices around 10 times a month. NEC Software Solutions is a market-leading developer and supplier of mission-critical solutions to blue light emergency services around the world, ultimately helping them to protect and save lives. Additionally, our customer portfolio extends to many significant non-blue light, Government and non-government service providers, including British Transport Police (BTP), Highways England (HE), Civil Nuclear Police (CNC), Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) and UK Coastguard (HMCG).

As a Technical Consultant you will be responsible for:

• Designing and delivering secure network and security solutions
• Leading engineers and providing technical direction and mentorship
• Collaborating with stakeholders to plan and deliver projects
• Managing incidents, SLAs, monitoring, and infrastructure maintenance
• Supporting Cisco, Palo Alto, and enterprise network platforms

Due to strict security clearance requirements, regrettably we can only consider applicants that have lived in the UK for 5 consecutive years or more.

Job activity & responsibilities:

• Design, architect, and deliver secure network and infrastructure solutions across customer environments, based on Cisco Catalyst switching platforms, Palo Alto firewalls, and Cisco Firepower platforms operating both ASA and FPR code, ensuring solutions are technically robust, scalable, and aligned with operational and security best practices.
• Configure and implement network security patches and upgrades across network devices, security appliances, and supporting systems.
• Lead and guide a team of network engineers, providing technical direction, mentorship, and oversight to ensure engineering activities are delivered to a high standard.
• Work closely with Project Managers, Customer Service Managers, stakeholders, and customers to scope, design, plan, and deliver network and security solutions.
• Use and maintain operational tooling including Checkmk, Graylog, Linux systems, and Microsoft Active Directory to support monitoring, observability, and infrastructure management.
• Use the organisation’s incident management systems and processes to coordinate incident response activities, ensuring incidents are managed effectively and resolved within contracted SLA timescales.
• Provide technical leadership during incident investigations and major incidents, coordinating engineering response and driving root cause analysis where required.
• Support project planning activities including technical scoping, effort estimation, solution costing, and quotation input where required.
• Create, maintain, and review technical documentation including architecture designs, work plans, and technical notes.
• Coordinate with internal teams across engineering, service management, project delivery, and support functions to ensure successful delivery of customer solutions.
• Maintain professional engagement with customers, providing clear communication on both technical and operational matters while representing the organisation in a professional manner.
• Adhere to organisational processes, operational standards, and security procedures at all times.
• Maintain a professional approach and attitude in all aspects of work and promote a safe and organised working environment in line with Health and Safety regulations.

Qualifications What are we looking for:

• Able to obtain or hold SC and/or NPPV security clearance.
• Proven hands-on experience designing and delivering enterprise network solutions.
• Advanced networking certifications such as CCNP Enterprise, CCNP Security, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of routing and switching protocols (BGP, OSPF, VRF, VLANs).
• Experience with next-generation firewalls such as Palo Alto and Cisco Firepower.
• Strong understanding of network security principles, segmentation, and VPN technologies.
• Experience producing technical designs and Visio network architecture diagrams.
• Hands-on experience with packet capture and analysis tools (e.g. Wireshark).
• Experience with network monitoring and logging platforms (e.g. Checkmk, Graylog).
• Proven experience working within ITIL service management environments.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and self-motivation.

Additional Information: We pride ourselves in offering an excellent benefits package. When you join the team at NEC Software Solutions, you are provided with the following:

• 25 days paid holiday with the option to buy/sell (FTE)
• 4 x basic salary life assurance cover (with the option to increase cover at an additional cost)
• A selection of flexible benefits to suit your individual needs