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- Tasks: Lead network transformation and oversee complex infrastructure programmes in a secure environment.
- Company: A UK policing organisation focused on innovative network solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, mostly remote work, and impactful projects.
- Other info: Candidates must undergo police vetting; ideal for those with a solid infrastructure background.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a mission-critical environment while leading cutting-edge network initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in WAN modernisation, strong Fortinet SD-WAN expertise, and leadership skills.
A UK policing organisation is seeking a Senior Solutions Architect to provide technical leadership and architectural oversight across a portfolio of complex network and infrastructure programmes. This is a customer‑side role, focused on setting direction, assuring supplier delivery, and supporting internal architects. It is not hands‑on; the emphasis is on leadership, governance, and informed decision‑making within a secure and highly regulated environment.
You will play a lead role across significant transformation activity, including:
- A large‑scale network modernisation programme transitioning from Cisco DMVPN/MPLS to Fortinet SD‑WAN
- Engagement with the Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP)
- Managed service transition, including supplier onboarding and off‑boarding
Responsibilities
- Provide architectural leadership across network and on‑premises infrastructure
- Assure and challenge supplier designs to ensure alignment with strategy and security standards
- Provide direction and oversight to internal Solutions Architects across multiple workstreams
- Oversee managed service transitions, maintaining service continuity and design integrity
- Act as a senior escalation point for complex technical and delivery issues
- Ensure solutions align to secure‑by‑design principles and OFFICIAL (SENSITIVE) requirements
Experience Required
- Experience leading WAN modernisation programmes (MPLS to SD‑WAN)
- Strong Fortinet SD‑WAN expertise
- Experience overseeing supplier transitions within managed service environments
- Cisco LAN expertise, including Catalyst Centre and ISE
- Broad on‑prem infrastructure knowledge (IBM servers/storage, VMware, Hyper‑V, Avaya Voice, CCaS)
- Experience working within secure or policing environments
- Ability to lead through complexity and provide direction on challenged programmes
- Demonstrable experience assuring third‑party delivery
Desirable
- Awareness of Airwave/TETRA and ESMCP
- Exposure to Microsoft Azure
Due to the nature of the environment, candidates will be required to undergo appropriate police vetting. Experience working within similarly secure or regulated settings will be important. This role would suit a senior architect with a strong infrastructure background who is comfortable operating at programme level within a mission‑critical environment. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates, please apply at your earliest convenience.
Senior Solutions Architect – Network / SD-WAN employer: Trades Workforce Solutions
Contact Detail:
Trades Workforce Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Solutions Architect – Network / SD-WAN
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or attend relevant meetups. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their current challenges, especially in network modernisation. This will help us tailor our responses and show we’re genuinely interested in their work.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice articulating your experience with SD-WAN and supplier transitions. We need to demonstrate our expertise clearly and confidently, especially since this role involves significant architectural leadership.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Solutions Architect – Network / SD-WAN
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience with WAN modernisation and SD-WAN expertise. We want to see how your background aligns with the specific requirements of the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects!
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 Senior Solutions Architect role. We love seeing candidates who can articulate their leadership style and how they’ve successfully navigated complex environments.
Showcase Your Technical Leadership: In your application, emphasise your experience in providing architectural leadership and overseeing supplier transitions. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their ability to lead through complexity and ensure alignment with security standards.
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 the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Trades Workforce Solutions
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially Fortinet SD-WAN and Cisco LAN. Brush up on your knowledge of WAN modernisation programmes and be ready to discuss your past experiences leading similar projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about providing architectural leadership and oversight. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead teams, assure supplier designs, and navigate complex technical challenges. Be ready to demonstrate how you've successfully managed transitions in a regulated environment.
✨Understand the Policing Environment
Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements and challenges of working within a policing or secure environment. This will show that you understand the context of the role and can align your solutions with security standards and governance.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think of situations where you had to make tough decisions or resolve conflicts during a project. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.