At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and secure enterprise network services across cloud and hybrid environments.
- Company: Join a leading firm focused on innovative network security solutions.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in cyber defence while working with cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in network security and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
As an experienced Network Security Engineer, you will play a key role in designing, implementing, securing, and optimising enterprise network security services across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.
Your expertise will be utilised to strengthen the organisation’s cyber defence capabilities, drive network security innovation, automate security operations, and ensure resilient, secure, and scalable connectivity solutions.
You will work closely with architecture, engineering, operations, cloud, and business teams to deliver secure network services, respond to emerging threats, and support the adoption of modern network security technologies.
The role requires a strong focus on automation, continuous improvement, operational excellence, and adherence to security and regulatory requirements.
- Primary Responsibilities
- Network Security Engineering & Delivery
- Design, implement, and maintain secure enterprise network infrastructure and security controls aligned to organisational strategy and security standards.
- Drive network security enhancements and modernisation initiatives within agreed budgets, timelines, and risk appetites.
- Support the delivery of secure connectivity solutions across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments.
- Collaborate with architects and engineers to develop High Level Designs (HLDs) and Low Level Designs (LLDs) into operational solutions.
- Network Security Operations & Governance
- Lead operational readiness and transition requirements from design/build phase to BAU
- Lead policy governance, including rule review, optimisation, recertification, and compliance management processes.
- Drive continuous improvement of network security operations through automation, policy simplification, and control standardisation.
- Identify opportunities to reduce operational risk through proactive firewall rule analysis, remediation, and optimisation activities.
- Partner with Infrastructure, Security Architecture, Engineering, and Cyber Defence teams to deliver secure network services and strategic security initiatives.
- Collaborate with leadership teams to align network security capabilities with broader technology, resilience, and cyber security strategies.
- Security Automation & Engineering
- Develop and implement automated solutions for network security administration, policy management, compliance validation, and operational processes.
- Drive the adoption of Infrastructure as Code (Ia C), Security as Code, and automated governance controls across network security platforms.
- Contribute to enterprise-wide initiatives focused on network visibility, security posture improvement, and operational efficiency.
- Security Operations & Risk Management
- Monitor, analyse, and respond to network security incidents, vulnerabilities, and emerging threats.
- Support threat detection, containment, remediation, and post-incident reviews.
- Ensure network security controls remain effective, compliant, and aligned with evolving cyber threats.
- Conduct security assessments, rule reviews, and network segmentation activities.
- Security Architecture & Standards
- Ensure network architectures comply with security standards, secure-by-design principles, and software development lifecycle requirements.
- Support the implementation of Zero Trust, defence-in-depth, and least privilege security models.
- Maintain awareness of current industry threats, vulnerabilities, and security technologies.
- Strong understanding of SWG controls
- Strong understanding of TLS interception
- Proxy & Secure Web Gateway Technologies
- Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
- Strong understanding of authentication method at enterprise level
- Strong understanding of content controls (request and response mode)
- Network Security Automation (Python, Power Shell, APIs, Terraform)
- Cloud Security & Secure Connectivity
- Identity Integration (Entra ID, Conditional Access, MFA)
- Clipboard controls
- File upload and download restrictions
- Session protection
- Secure application access controls
- Downstream SWG
- Conditional Access
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms
- Network Security Operations
- Strong operational experience supporting enterprise network security environments.
- Experience managing security incidents, policy changes, exceptions, and operational support within regulated organisations.
- Understanding of compliance management, governance processes, audit requirements, and regulatory controls.
- Experience working within ITIL-aligned Incident, Problem, Change, and Service Management frameworks.
- Understanding of compliance management, governance processes, audit requirements, and regulatory controls.
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills across technical and executive audiences.
- Ability to influence and drive security improvements across infrastructure, cloud, engineering, and operational teams.
- Strong analytical approach to risk identification, remediation, and operational optimisation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex technical issues in a clear and concise manner.
- Demonstrated ability to balance security, operational resilience, regulatory obligations, and business requirements.
- Experience implementing SWG within large-scale enterprise environments.
- Experience with Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA), SASE, and Security Service Edge (SSE) technologies.
- Experience within large-scale financial services, banking, or other highly regulated environments.
- Knowledge of regulatory frameworks including PCI-DSS, ISO27001, NIST Cyber Security Framework, CIS Controls, and relevant financial industry regulations.
- Experience supporting network security transformation, cloud migration, and hybrid networking programmes.
- Security Automation & Engineering
• Experience automating network security processes, including
- Policy validation
- Compliance reporting
- Security control enforcement
- Operational workflows
- Proficiency in Power Shell, Python, Bash, and API-based integrations to support automation objectives.
- Experience with automation platforms and configuration management tools such as Ansible, Terraform, Chef, or equivalent solutions.
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills across technical and executive audiences.
- Ability to influence and drive security improvements across infrastructure, cloud, engineering, and operational teams.
- Strong analytical approach to risk identification, remediation, and operational optimisation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex technical issues in a clear and concise manner.
- Demonstrated ability to balance security, operational resilience, regulatory obligations, and business requirements.
- Experience implementing SWG within large-scale enterprise environments.
- Experience with Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA), SASE, and Security Service Edge (SSE) technologies.
- Experience within large-scale financial services, banking, or other highly regulated environments.
- Knowledge of regulatory frameworks including PCI-DSS, ISO27001, NIST Cyber Security Framework, CIS Controls, and relevant financial industry regulations.
- Experience supporting network security transformation, cloud migration, and hybrid networking programmes.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Network Security Specialist in Knutsford employer: Smartedge Solutions
Smartedge Solutions is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of the United Kingdom. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and leadership training, ensuring that our team members thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact in the regulatory affairs landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Network Security Specialist in Knutsford
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Smartedge Solutions, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Smartedge Solutions
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Smartedge Solutions. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Network Security Specialist in Knutsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Smartedge Solutions insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Smartedge Solutions that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Smartedge Solutions
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Smartedge Solutions to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Smartedge Solutions.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
