At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead network architecture projects and present findings to senior executives.
- Company: Major financial services client with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive rate, flexible remote work, and potential for extension.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and advance your career.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a dynamic financial environment while showcasing your expertise.
- Qualifications: Expertise in Cisco networking and experience in financial services required.
Rate: £550-£600 Outside IR35
Duration: 3 months initially, view to extend
Location: London 1 day per week, 4 days remote (open to remote)
Overview
We are looking for a senior Network Architect for an engagement with a major financial services client. You will be an expert-level practitioner who is equally comfortable working at depth technically and presenting findings to senior executives. Both skills are essential for this engagement.
What the Role Involves
- Assess and document the current network estate across LAN, WAN, and Data Centre environments
- Identify fragmentation, technical debt, and architectural risk within the existing environment
- Produce a current state assessment and a clear future state architecture recommendation
- Validate existing designs and configurations against current best practice for financial services environments
- Engage with internal technology teams, architects, and engineering staff to gather information and validate findings
- Present findings and recommendations to senior stakeholders and executive audiences: translating technical complexity into business risk and impact
- Define a pragmatic, prioritised roadmap from current to target state
Technical Skills Required
- Cisco Platform Expertise
- Expert-level knowledge of Cisco networking across LAN, WAN, and Data Centre: this is non-negotiable
- Hands-on experience with Cisco ACI: policy model, fabric design, and operational management
- Familiarity with Cisco DNA Centre, ISE, and related campus and branch tooling
- Routing and Switching Protocols
- Strong command of BGP and OSPF in enterprise and data centre contexts
- Working knowledge of EIGRP and other legacy protocols: able to assess environments where these remain in use
- Understanding of SD-WAN architectures and migration considerations
- Architecture and Assessment
- Proven ability to assess fragmented, multi-vendor environments and produce HLD/LLD documentation independently
- Experience producing current state assessments and future state recommendations as formal deliverables
- Strong understanding of network security principles as they apply to financial services infrastructure
- Familiarity with cloud connectivity patterns (Azure/AWS) and hybrid architectures
Experience Required
- CCIE-level expertise: certified or equivalent demonstrated experience. Depth of knowledge is what matters
- Substantial background in financial services: banking, capital markets, or equivalent regulated environments
- Experience presenting to senior technology stakeholders: Heads of Architecture, CTOs, or equivalent
Senior Architect - Network Architect in London employer: RP International
Join a leading financial services firm that values innovation and expertise, offering a dynamic work culture where your contributions as a Senior Network Architect will directly impact strategic decisions. With a flexible working arrangement of one day in London and four days remote, you will enjoy a healthy work-life balance while benefiting from continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to collaborate with top-tier technology teams. This role not only allows you to leverage your Cisco expertise but also positions you at the forefront of architectural advancements in a rapidly evolving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Architect - Network Architect in London
✨Network Your Way In
Get out there and network! Attend industry events, webinars, or meetups related to network architecture. You never know who might be looking for a Senior Architect like you, and personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your Cisco expertise and experience in financial services. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex network issues and presented findings to senior stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Brush up on your technical skills and be ready to discuss routing protocols, SD-WAN architectures, and your hands-on experience with Cisco ACI. Practising common interview questions can help you feel more confident when it’s time to shine.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for job openings! Applying directly through us can give you an edge, as we’re always on the lookout for top talent like you to connect with amazing opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Architect - Network Architect in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience with Cisco networking and financial services. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing your CCIE-level expertise!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Senior Network Architect role. We love seeing candidates who can translate technical jargon into business impact, so make that clear!
Showcase Your Presentation Skills:Since presenting findings to senior stakeholders is key, include examples of when you've done this before. We want to know how you’ve communicated complex ideas effectively, so share those experiences in your application!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at RP International
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your Cisco networking knowledge, especially around LAN, WAN, and Data Centre environments. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with Cisco ACI and how you've tackled technical debt in previous roles.
✨Speak Their Language
When presenting your findings, remember to translate technical jargon into business terms. Senior executives want to understand the impact of your recommendations, so practice explaining complex concepts in a straightforward way.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to assess fragmented environments and produce high-level and low-level documentation. Highlight your experience in financial services and how it relates to the role.
✨Engage and Collaborate
Be ready to discuss how you've worked with internal technology teams and other stakeholders. Show that you can gather information effectively and validate your findings through collaboration, as this is key for the role.
