Principal Network and Infrastructure Specialist

We're looking for a Principal Network and Infrastructure Specialist to take ownership of a diverse and business-critical network estate, spanning core switching, enterprise Wi‑Fi, and voice systems across key sites including transport hubs, offices, and partner locations. From managing Cisco-based switching environments and VLAN configurations to supporting Aruba wireless networks, you'll be at the heart of keeping people, places, and services connected. This isn't just about maintaining infrastructure, it's about leading it. You'll drive the evolution of network services across both on‑premise and cloud environments, acting as the go‑to expert for troubleshooting, optimisation, and transformation. Working closely with internal teams and partners such as Midland Metro Limited, you'll ensure resilient, secure, and high-performing connectivity that supports critical public services.

Note: This is a 6‑month fixed‑term contract.

• Lead, manage, and continuously develop the organisation's network, voice, and connectivity infrastructure across cloud and on‑premises environments, ensuring alignment with the Tech and Insights strategy and industry best practice.
• Provide expert technical leadership and 3rd‑line support for highly complex infrastructure issues and transformation projects, making independent, informed technical decisions to maintain resilient and secure services.
• Ensure the network infrastructure is secure, reliable, and recoverable by overseeing performance, monitoring, backup, disaster recovery, and compliance with cyber security, data protection, and governance standards.
• Drive the adoption of modern, scalable architectures and automation, identifying opportunities for improvement, managing risks and dependencies, and delivering solutions that provide value for money.
• Oversee and support the delivery of infrastructure services through effective collaboration with internal teams, contracted resources, and external suppliers, while contributing to skills development and knowledge resilience within Digital and Data.

• Extensive experience within networking and infrastructure environments, including but not limited to cloud virtual networking, LAN/WAN, firewalls, voice and wireless technologies.
• Extensive experience administering, configuring, and designing a multisite and hybrid cloud enterprise network environment.
• A good understanding of network and infrastructure roadmaps and the ability to evaluate the applicability for business productivity solutions in accordance with the Digital and Data strategy.
• Experience of deploying hybrid cloud networking and infrastructure solutions, such as managed service WANs, multisite enterprise LANs, enterprise wireless solutions, virtual cloud networking and secure resilient network environment and technologies.
• Experience with core network technologies such as data and voice networks, routing, Layer 3 switching, firewall configuration, VLANs, software‑defined network technologies and secure resilient design principles.
• Extensive knowledge of supporting layer 2/3 Cisco and HP Aruba network environments and virtual networking.

The role is based at 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD, with a requirement for at least two days a week spent in the office.

Salary ranges are advertised with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. Potential year‑on‑year salary increases are possible. Benefits include the Local Government Pension Scheme, 28 days paid annual leave plus statutory days, an employer‑sponsored car benefit scheme, healthcare plans, and the opportunity to purchase a bicycle at a discounted rate.