The Network Architect is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining high‑performance, secure, and scalable network infrastructures. This role ensures that enterprise network solutions align with business objectives, industry best practices, and future technology strategies. The Network Architect works closely with IT leadership, engineering teams, and external vendors to deliver reliable connectivity services across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Network Design & Architecture

• Develop end‑to‑end network architecture blueprints, including LAN, WAN, WLAN, SD‑WAN, firewalls, VPN, and data centre networks.
• Design scalable and resilient network solutions that support business growth and cloud adoption.
• Lead network modernisation initiatives, including migration to virtualised and software‑defined networking.
• Create and maintain documentation: diagrams, configurations, standards, and procedures.

Implementation & Engineering Support

• Oversee implementation of network solutions, ensuring compliance with architectural standards.
• Provide technical guidance to network engineers during deployment and troubleshooting.
• Conduct proof‑of‑concept testing for new technologies and network designs.
• Ensure high availability and performance of network components.

Security & Compliance

• Work with the cybersecurity team to design secure network architectures.
• Implement network segmentation, zero trust principles, and security best practices.
• Ensure compliance with relevant standards (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST, PCI‑DSS depending on industry).

Performance, Monitoring & Optimisation

• Evaluate network performance and capacity; plan upgrades and expansion.
• Optimise routing, switching, bandwidth utilisation, and network traffic flows.
• Develop standards for monitoring, alerting, and performance management.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the subject‑matter expert for network architecture during cross‑functional projects.
• Collaborate with cloud, infrastructure, security, and application teams.
• Manage vendor relationships and evaluate technology offerings.

Required Skills & Experience

Technical Expertise

• Deep knowledge of routing, switching, and network protocols (OSPF, BGP, MPLS, STP, QoS, IPv4/IPv6).
• Experience with enterprise network hardware (Cisco, Juniper, Aruba, Fortinet, Palo Alto, etc.).
• Strong understanding of SD‑WAN, virtual networking, and cloud networking (Azure/AWS/GCP).
• Proficiency with firewall technologies, VPNs, load balancers, and network security controls.
• Familiarity with automation tools (Ansible, Python, Terraform) is highly advantageous.

Professional Experience

• Typically 7–10+ years in network engineering or architecture roles.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering large‑scale enterprise networks.
• Experience supporting hybrid or multi‑cloud environments preferred.

Certifications (desirable)

• CCNP or CCIE (Routing & Switching, Security, or Enterprise)
• JNCIP/JNCIE
• CISSP or other security qualifications
• Cloud certifications (Azure Networking, AWS Advanced Networking)

Soft Skills

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to lead technical discussions and drive architectural decisions.
• Strategic mindset with attention to detail.

Benefits of the Role (Optional Section)

• Opportunity to lead enterprise‑level infrastructure transformation.
• Exposure to emerging technologies such as SD‑WAN, SASE, and cloud networking.
• Career progression into Lead Architect or Enterprise Architect roles.