Our client, a prominent insurer in the London market, is seeking a skilled and experienced Network Specialist to join their dynamic IT team. This is an exciting opportunity for a talented professional to play a crucial role in shaping and maintaining the company's network infrastructure.
Role Overview:
As a Network Specialist, you will be responsible for planning, designing, developing, and ensuring the efficient operation of all network systems that support core organizational functions. This includes involvement in projects, continuous service improvement initiatives, and day-to-day operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the strategic design and implementation of network infrastructure to ensure high availability
- Provide 3rd line IT support and resolve escalated incidents promptly
- Plan, design, develop, and deploy new services and enhancements within the networking domain
- Own and manage systems for monitoring, backups, disaster recovery, and security patching of network infrastructure
- Conduct research on hardware and software products to support purchasing decisions and service improvements
- Develop and enforce policies and procedures for standardizing systems and software
- Maintain production system availability to agreed service levels
- Collaborate openly as per Agile and DevOps methodologies when required
- Manage, build, support, and maintain all components within the network environment
- Contribute to a culture of documentation and knowledge sharing
Required Skills and Experience:
- Strong technical skills in Cisco networking, routing (BGP, EIGRP), L2/L3/FCoE switching, VSS, wireless, and VPN
- Expertise with Cisco hardware (Catalyst 6807, 9600, 3850, 9300 switches, ISR 4000 series routers, Nexus 9000 FCoE, and UCS 6296 Fabric switches)
- Proficiency in Cisco security solutions (ISE, ASA, FTD, and FMC)
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical troubleshooting abilities in Cisco IOS and NX-OS operating systems
- Strong knowledge of network management tools (Cisco DNA, ThousandEyes, Solarwinds, IPAM, and Netflow)
- Excellent understanding of cloud-based platforms (AWS, Azure)
- Experience with Cisco UCS and UCS-X
- Proven experience in 3rd/4th line network support
- Knowledge of Cisco Call Manager and MS Teams Voice
- Ability to create LLD and HLD documents
Desirable Skills:
- Working knowledge of DevOps principles and technologies (Terraform, Ansible)
- Scripting skills in Python, YAML, and PowerShell
- Familiarity with Agile and Kanban methodologies
- ITIL V3/4 accreditation
- Public Cloud practitioner certifications
Personal Attributes:
- Excellent time management skills
- Team player with the ability to react swiftly to customer issues
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Systematic and logical approach to problem-solving
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Commitment to producing high-quality documentation
Working Arrangements:
- Location: London
- Hybrid working model: 2-3 days in the office per week
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00-17:00
- Weekend work may be required (approximately once a month)
- No on-call duties