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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead network operations and design solutions while guiding the team.
- Company: Join a high-profile client in the manufacturing sector, making an impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work options and competitive pay, including holiday benefits.
- Why this job: Combine strategic thinking with hands-on leadership in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong expertise in network architecture and operations is essential.
- Other info: This is an urgent contract opportunity for a skilled professional.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Job Description
Urgent Contract Opportunity – Network Operations / Solution Architect Lead
Location: Paddington / London / Milton Keynes (Hybrid)
Duration: 6 Months
Inside IR35 (including holiday pay)
Manufacturing experience preferred
We’re seeking an experienced Network Operations / Solution Architect Lead to join our client on a high-profile contract, providing both strategic oversight and hands-on technical leadership within their network function.
This role bridges operational delivery and strategic architecture – you’ll be:
- Designing solutions & creating network diagrams
- Pricing options & presenting risks/benefits to leadership
- Leading, coaching & guiding the Networks team
- Stepping in hands-on when needed
Key Focus Areas:
- SD-WAN (2.0): resilience, security, Zscaler & operability
- Integration projects: (e.g., International Paper merger) – modulation & impact assessment
- Supporting key initiatives (80/20, EUDR, I-Hub) requiring network input
- ITIL-aligned service delivery across the team
- Balancing cost, governance & service excellence
What You’ll Bring:
- Strong Network Architecture & Operations expertise (WAN, LAN, WiFi, SD-WAN)
- Experience with integration projects & Zscaler
- Ability to clearly present options, risks & recommendations to leadership
- A hands-on approach – not just strategic, but operational when required
This is an urgent requirement – an exciting opportunity for a professional who can combine strategic thinking, technical know-how, and leadership skills.
Network Operations Architect employer: Randstad Digital
Contact Detail:
Randstad Digital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Network Operations Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network Operations Architects need to demonstrate a strong understanding of both strategic and operational aspects. Brush up on your knowledge of SD-WAN, Zscaler, and integration projects, as these are key focus areas for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Since this position involves leading and coaching a team, be prepared to showcase your leadership skills. Think of examples where you've successfully guided a team through challenges or implemented new processes.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with ITIL-aligned service delivery principles. Being able to discuss how you’ve applied these in past roles will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
As this is an urgent requirement, make sure to express your availability clearly. Highlight your readiness to step in hands-on when needed, as this shows your commitment to the role and the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Network Operations Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in Network Architecture and Operations, particularly with WAN, LAN, WiFi, and SD-WAN. Use specific examples from previous roles that demonstrate your hands-on approach and strategic thinking.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address the key focus areas mentioned in the job description. Explain how your background in integration projects and your familiarity with Zscaler make you a strong candidate for this role.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Emphasise your leadership experience in your application. Provide examples of how you've led teams, coached colleagues, or guided projects to success, especially in network functions.
Highlight Relevant Certifications: If you have any relevant certifications related to network operations or architecture, be sure to include them in your application. This can help demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad Digital
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with network architecture and operations in detail. Highlight specific projects where you've designed solutions, particularly focusing on SD-WAN and integration projects. This will demonstrate your hands-on technical knowledge.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, especially related to network resilience and security, and be ready to explain how you addressed them.
✨Communicate Clearly with Leadership
Practice presenting complex technical information in a way that's easy for non-technical stakeholders to understand. Be ready to discuss how you would present options, risks, and recommendations to leadership effectively.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Teamwork
Since the role involves leading and coaching a team, prepare examples of how you've successfully guided teams in the past. Discuss your approach to balancing strategic oversight with hands-on involvement when necessary.
