Senior Network Engineer, University of Sunderland

This review provides an insightful look into the Network Specialist opportunity at the University of Sunderland, designed to help prospective candidates navigate their career decisions.

The Opportunity: Network Specialist at the University of Sunderland

The University of Sunderland, a distinguished institution recognized as a top 30 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2024), is undergoing an exciting period of growth and strategic development. With a global presence and a commitment to delivering life-changing opportunities, the university offers a dynamic environment for its staff. This Network Specialist role is central to ensuring the university's operations are underpinned by highly available, secure, and strategic network solutions that connect its diverse user base to essential technologies.

Key Advantages for Your Career Path:

• Strategic Impact: As a key advisor on network architecture design and management, you will be instrumental in establishing a robust and secure connectivity foundation for the entire university. This role offers significant visibility and the opportunity to shape the technical direction.
• Expertise and Leadership: You will be recognized as an expert in network solutions, providing strong technical leadership internally and externally. This position is ideal for individuals looking to leverage and further develop their skills as a network governance authority.
• Broad Technical Scope: The role demands significant experience across complex enterprise networks, including large-scale wireless deployments, Layer 1-3 hardware infrastructure, protocols, and advanced network security technologies and firewalls. This is an excellent opportunity to work with a wide array of cutting-edge technologies.
• Problem-Solving and Optimization: Candidates with strong analytical and problem-solving skills will thrive, with ample opportunity to troubleshoot, optimize network performance, and ensure seamless operational needs are met.
• Collaborative Environment: Success in this role hinges on the ability to collaborate effectively within and across technical teams, fostering a shared sense of purpose and achieving collective objectives.

Key Considerations for Potential Candidates:

• Experience Requirements: The position requires significant, hands-on experience in delivering and maintaining complex, secure enterprise networks. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate a deep understanding of the listed technical domains.
• Analytical and Communication Skills: While technical prowess is essential, strong analytical abilities and the capacity to communicate complex technical information clearly to various stakeholders are equally crucial for success.
• Commitment to Inclusivity: The University of Sunderland places a high value on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. Candidates who share these values and are eager to contribute to an inclusive workplace culture will find this a particularly rewarding environment.

What the University Offers You:

Beyond the intrinsic rewards of the role, the University of Sunderland offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional growth, personal well-being, and financial security:

• Generous Leave: Enjoy 36 days of annual leave, plus an additional 5 closure days during the Christmas break and 8 Bank Holidays, promoting excellent work-life balance.
• Financial Security: Enrolment in a competitive pension scheme to secure your future.
• Lifestyle Benefits: Access to the "My Lifestyle Benefits Platform" for daily online discounts, plus exclusive schemes for discounted purchases of cars, bikes, and technology.
• Health and Well-being: Support for your health through discounted private medical insurance, health cash plans, and financial well-being guidance.
• Active Lifestyle: Discounted membership to CitySpace Fitness, a state-of-the-art facility for sports and social activities.

This Network Specialist role at the University of Sunderland presents a compelling opportunity for experienced professionals seeking to make a significant impact within a leading educational institution, offering both professional advancement and a supportive, inclusive community.