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- Tasks: Join our Infrastructure team as a Network Specialist, overseeing network operations and collaborating on exciting projects.
- Company: Penguin Random House UK is the largest publisher in the UK, publishing over 1,500 books annually.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, financial perks, wellbeing support, and access to free and discounted books.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on network operations while being part of a dynamic and supportive team culture.
- Qualifications: Bring extensive Cisco expertise, strong troubleshooting skills, and a passion for continuous improvement.
- Other info: This is a 12-month fixed-term contract with a competitive salary and potential for bonuses.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 66000 £ per year.
Our Infrastructure team is seeking a talented Network Specialist. In this exciting new role, you will be responsible for overseeing the Network Infrastructure across Penguin Random House UK.
You will become a vital part of our 20-member Infrastructure community, dedicated to maintaining our systems and collaborating with project teams across our Technology division to implement new and upgraded systems.
As a member of the Networks team, initially on a 12-month fixed-term contract, you will expand the team to five members and engage in all aspects of networking within Penguin Random House UK. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on our network operations and support our mission of keeping everything running smoothly.
To succeed in this role, you’ll be passionate about continuous improvement, both within your role and within your team, and you’ll be a true team player who’s passionate about the work you do to ensure the safety of our network ecosystem.
Key responsibilities:
- Troubleshoot network routing, switching, and Wi-Fi issues, with a specific focus on Cisco products.
- Design, build, configure, and support complex systems.
- Manage and secure networking appliances, including Palo Alto and Cisco ASA firewalls, Cisco ISE, and IPSec VPNs.
- Utilise strong knowledge of VMware NSX and micro-segmentation.
- Operate effectively in data centre environments and employ monitoring technologies.
- Apply ITIL and Prince2 methodologies to manage processes.
- Oversee change and product lifecycle management.
- Ensure compliance with data privacy practices and applicable laws.
What you will bring:
- Extensive technical expertise in Cisco technologies, including IOS, NXOS, DNA Centre, and APIC Fabric.
- Proficiency in Network Security.
- High degree of troubleshooting skills.
Application instructions: Please apply with your CV by 11:59pm on Monday 10th March. Please note we are looking for someone to join the team as soon as possible, but we are also happy to accommodate a reasonable notice period for the right candidate.
We anticipate a two-stage interview process which will include a virtual first-stage interview and in-person second stage interview. We are happy to discuss this further with you throughout the recruitment process.
Circa £55,000 dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits.
What you can expect from us:
Our people are the heart of our business, and we work hard to support a culture of responsibility and recognition. Our benefits include:
- Financial – income protection, life assurance, childcare allowance
- Wellbeing – healthcare cash plan, critical illness cover, health checks
- Lifestyle – enhanced parental leave, tech scheme, free and discounted books
While our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important. Hybrid working is our current practice with time spent working from home and in our London and Colchester offices with access to our Data Centres as required. Time required in the office will vary depending on projects and collaborative working sessions.
Our Infrastructure team cover a working pattern between 8am – 6pm with potential for on-call support as required. We are happy to discuss this further with you during the interview process.
About Penguin:
We’re the UK’s largest publisher; made up of some 2,000 people and publishing over 1,500 books each year. Our doors are open to all kinds of talent. In a constantly evolving industry, we work hard to stretch the definition of the word publisher. Here, you’ll work with a breadth of talent who all play their part to make each of our books a success. Together, we make books for everyone because a book can change anyone.
As a Disability Confident Committed organisation, we offer interviews to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role, and opt-in on their application form. The essential criteria for this role is listed as part of the ‘What you will bring’ section. There may be times when the volume of applications means we cannot take all eligible candidates to interview.
We encourage you to tell us about any reasonable adjustments you may need by emailing Remember, you only need to share what you are comfortable to for us to support your request.
Please note, we are not able to accept agency CVs for this role. Any CVs sent speculatively will not be eligible for a fee.
Company: Penguin Books Limited
Country: United Kingdom
State/Region: London
City: London
Postal Code: SW11 7BW
Job ID: 278068
Date: 28 Feb 2025
Location:
London, LND, GB, SW11 7BW
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Network Specialist (12-month FTC) employer: Penguin International
Contact Detail:
Penguin International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Network Specialist (12-month FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your extensive technical expertise in Cisco technologies during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully implemented or troubleshot Cisco products, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarize yourself with the ITIL and Prince2 methodologies, as these are crucial for managing processes in this role. You might want to prepare examples of how you've applied these methodologies in past experiences to show your understanding and capability.
✨Tip Number 3
Since the role involves working in a team environment, be ready to share your experiences as a team player. Think of instances where you collaborated effectively with others to solve network issues or improve systems, as this aligns with their emphasis on teamwork.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Penguin Random House UK’s current network infrastructure and any recent projects they’ve undertaken. This knowledge can help you ask insightful questions during the interview and show your genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Network Specialist (12-month FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive technical expertise in Cisco technologies and network security. Use specific examples of your troubleshooting skills and experience with Cisco products to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasize any previous roles where you managed and secured networking appliances or worked in data center environments. Mention your familiarity with ITIL and Prince2 methodologies as they are relevant to the responsibilities outlined.
Express Your Passion: Convey your passion for continuous improvement and teamwork in your cover letter. Explain how you can contribute to the Infrastructure team at Penguin Random House UK and why you are excited about this opportunity.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you submit your application by the deadline of 11:59pm on Monday 10th March. Double-check that your CV is up-to-date and formatted correctly before submitting it through our website.
How to prepare for a job interview at Penguin International
✨Show Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your extensive knowledge of Cisco technologies, including IOS, NXOS, and DNA Centre. Highlight specific experiences where you've successfully troubleshot network issues or implemented complex systems.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Since this role emphasizes being a team player, share examples of how you've worked effectively within a team. Discuss any collaborative projects you've been part of, especially those that involved cross-functional teams.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Familiarize yourself with Penguin Random House's values and culture. Be ready to explain how your personal values align with their mission of continuous improvement and support for a diverse workforce.
✨Prepare for Methodology Questions
Since the role involves applying ITIL and Prince2 methodologies, be prepared to discuss your experience with these frameworks. Think of specific instances where you've managed processes or overseen change management effectively.
