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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead network operations and design innovative solutions for high-profile projects.
- Company: Dynamic tech company in the manufacturing sector with a hybrid work model.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, holiday benefits, and opportunities for hands-on leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by bridging strategy and operations in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Expertise in network architecture and operations, with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Exciting contract role with potential for career growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ 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 with industry professionals! Attend meetups or webinars related to network operations and architecture. This way, we can get insights into the latest trends and maybe even find out about job openings before they’re advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects, especially those involving SD-WAN and integration projects. We want to demonstrate our hands-on experience and strategic thinking to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to network architecture and operations. We should be ready to discuss how we’ve balanced cost, governance, and service excellence in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive opportunities listed there that you won’t find anywhere else.
We think you need these skills to ace Network Operations Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Network Operations Architect role. Highlight your experience with SD-WAN, integration projects, and any relevant manufacturing experience. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your hands-on approach and how you can bridge operational delivery with strategic architecture. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading and coaching the Networks team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've guided teams in the past and the impact it had on project outcomes. We love seeing that kind of initiative!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Randstad Digital
✨Know Your Network Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of WAN, LAN, WiFi, and SD-WAN technologies. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving integration and Zscaler. This will show that you have the hands-on experience they’re looking for.
✨Prepare to Present Solutions
Since you'll need to present options, risks, and recommendations to leadership, practice articulating your thought process clearly. Use examples from your past work to demonstrate how you’ve successfully designed solutions and created network diagrams.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to talk about your experience in leading and coaching teams. Think of specific instances where you guided a team through challenges or helped them achieve their goals. This will highlight your ability to balance strategic oversight with operational delivery.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with the manufacturing sector and any relevant initiatives like 80/20 or EUDR. Showing that you understand the business context will help you connect your technical expertise to their strategic goals, making you a more attractive candidate.
