Network Infrastructure Lead

Hybrid

University of East London

We’re the University of East London (UEL) founded in 1898 and proud to change lives through education. Our goal is to advance industry 5.0 careers-first education and provide a clear path to the jobs and opportunities of the future. We’re committed to driving diversity in the 5.0 talent pipeline, working in partnership to promote talent wherever it is found and creating a balanced, inclusive, and green future.

But we can't achieve this goal alone. We need forward-thinking, innovative, and curious individuals like you to join our community and help us craft our future. As part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people who share your passion for creating positive change. We’re an inclusive and welcoming community that is constantly moving forward, never satisfied with the status quo.

About the School / Service

IT Services is a centralised resource working collaboratively with the University community to transform UEL's digital world in line with the University’s Vision 2028 strategic plan. Engaging in ground-breaking initiatives delivered within a dynamically developing cloud environment, IT Services work closely with staff, students, partners and other key collaborators to identify technological improvements to our learning and working environments. We implement, develop and provide support for systems and services within the university’s IT Service Portfolio.

Every member of staff will embrace the University’s values, ensuring their behaviour reflects the ethos of the University, one committed to building a learning community founded on equality of opportunity and celebrating the rich diversity of our student and staff populations.

About the Job

This role will take full, accountable ownership of the multi-million pound network replacement project and ensure it is delivered on time, on budget, and to the agreed standard, with pace and purpose.

This is a high-priority role with a non-negotiable focus on delivery. The postholder will be expected to work at pace, avoid unnecessary delays or bureaucracy, and ensure that the project progresses with urgency and clear outcomes. The role begins with securing a qualified delivery partner and continues through to implementation, handover, and sustainability planning. It is fundamental to the university’s digital future and the realisation of Vision 2028.

• Lead the procurement of a suitable external delivery partner, producing documentation, evaluating proposals, and managing contracts.
• Oversee the design and delivery of the new network (LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, data centre) across three sites.
• Engage stakeholders across the institution to define needs and translate them quickly and accurately into technical requirements.
• Evaluate the current network inventory; if inadequate, commission a targeted audit to inform design decisions.
• Identify internal resource requirements; The postholder must be prepared to produce a clear, evidence-based business case for recruitment and funding if needed.
• Manage third-party supplier performance tightly, escalating and resolving issues quickly.

About You

We are seeking a highly capable, delivery-driven and decisive Network Infrastructure Lead to lead the procurement, planning, and implementation of a full redesign and replacement of the university’s core network infrastructure across three physical sites.

You will be expected to promote a culture of continuous improvement within the team and the wider department, driving the implementation of key ITIL initiatives. Building strong working relationships with key stakeholders across the University will be crucial.

Benefits Package

At UEL, we believe that a great role is about more than just a salary. It’s about the complete package, including our outstanding work environment and inclusive culture.

We offer a genuinely competitive salary, dependent on experience (DOE), and a range of excellent benefits.

You can explore our full benefits package here:

https://uel.ac.uk/benefits-professional-services-positions

Equal Opportunities

UEL is an inclusive equal opportunities employer and are proud of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity achievements, including: zero gender pay gap, members of Stonewall and have won Athena Swan awards. We expect all employees of UEL to accept our EDI policy and will not tolerate discrimination in any form.

We're a disability confident employer and value all applications. Please let us know if you require any reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

So, if you’d like to take your career to the next level with us here at the University of East London and are inspired by our environment and commit to success, we want you to apply today!

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

Further Details
Job Description & Person Specification