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For Companies 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 employer: RP International
Contact Detail:
RP International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Architect - Network Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals! Attend meetups, webinars, or conferences related to network architecture. This is a great way to connect with potential employers and get insider info on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects and achievements in network architecture. This can be a game-changer when you're discussing your experience with hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising your presentation skills. Since you'll need to explain complex technical concepts to senior executives, being able to communicate clearly and confidently is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We have loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it’s a straightforward way to get your application noticed.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Architect - Network Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Network Architect role. Highlight your Cisco expertise and experience in financial services, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in assessing network environments and presenting to senior stakeholders.
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 experience with Cisco ACI and your ability to translate technical jargon into business impact. We want to see your personality come through!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, don't shy away from showcasing your technical skills. Detail your command of routing protocols like BGP and OSPF, and any experience with SD-WAN architectures. This will help us see your depth of knowledge and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 Assessment Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've assessed fragmented, multi-vendor environments in the past. Bring examples of your current state assessments and future state recommendations to the table, as this will demonstrate your ability to deliver formal documentation.
✨Engage and Collaborate
Highlight your experience working with internal technology teams and architects. Be ready to share how you've gathered information and validated findings collaboratively, as teamwork is key in these roles.