Head Of Network & Infrastructure

Job Overview

To be responsible to the Deputy Director for Workplace and Platforms for effectively managing and developing the network and core infrastructure services in support of the strategic and operational business requirements of UKHSA.

Ensuring the security and optimum performance and resilience of the network and infrastructure services, leading the UKHSA's network modernisation with a focus on SD-WAN & SASE evolution, cloud networking modernisation & strategy. Drive the continuous improvement of physical and virtual networking capabilities for the UKHSA network services both on premise and on public cloud infrastructures. Provide technical leadership for the LAN and WAN/SDWAN functions incorporating the strategic development of Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualisation (NFV). Lead the network automation strategy, designing and implementing automation capability for deployment/provisioning of the network, the UKHSA on-prem servers, and support the agency’s multi-cloud strategy. Promote the use of IaC (infrastructure as code) and centralising configuration technologies to reduce the management overHead of the core infrastructure services.

Main duties of the job

• Manages the security of the UKHSA’s network and IT resources.
• Manages resources to ensure adequate cover for both day-to-day BAU workload and project delivery.
• Delivers robust, efficient and professional operational IT service to key stakeholders
• Manages the infrastructure elements of the IT project pipeline and monitors on-going progress against plan to ensure delivery on time and within budget.
• Maintains documentation of systems, maps and architectural diagrams, procedures, end user documentation and technical information.
• Reviews and responds to out-of-hours critical alerts as required.
• Manages the UKHSA’s network equipment and services, servers (physical and virtual), network storage devices, network communications equipment.
• Oversees the connectivity and services for UKHSA's Internet, VPN, and public cloud direct connect infrastructures, ensuring seamless access to general online resources and facilitating dedicated interconnections to the UKHSA Cloud Platform's hyperscale platforms, such as AWS and Azure
• Leads the transition from MPLS to SD-WAN technologies and champions the adoption of VPN-less zero trust network architectures
• Manages the UKHSA’s Telecoms equipment and services and aligns the UKHSA network infrastructure with GPA IT and Telecoms services.
• Designs, plans and develops network and infrastructure services within the context of the IT strategy by e.g.: contributing expertise to strategy development and design of projects and solutions; inputting to business cases; managing projects in the realisation of agreed strategic objectives.
• Manages the provision, configuration and deployment of hardware resources by e.g.: liaising with third-party suppliers for procurement; evaluating; and implementing of solutions
• Actively manages hardware refresh lifecycles including forward looking budget forecasting
• Effectively manages people by building a high-quality working relationship and providing a blend of support, development and performance management that enables individuals to work at their best.
• Effectively recruits and selects staff in line with the UKHSA’s recruitment and selection processes, ensuring that their individual values and behaviours align with the values of UKHSA.
• Leads and supports the agency's multi-cloud network strategy.
• Oversees the networking requirements of IACS and laboratory environments.
• Champions the establishment and integration of unified fabric networking.
• Directs the design and management of the organisation's enterprise network topology.
• Cultivates strong relationships with external suppliers and consultancy partners.
• Produces and oversees a robust patching strategy for all physical and virtual environments in line with UKHSA security requirements
• Actively promotes the use of cloud-based infrastructure where appropriate supporting the agencies multi-cloud strategy
• Ensures that relevant systems are in place to maintain effective communication within the Technology team, with stakeholders and with others across UKHSA.
• Ensures that the organisation’s business and information systems are utilised for the benefit of the team, directorate and UKHSA.
• Manages the assigned budgets in compliance with related policies and procedures.
• Effectively manages project/business performance by planning, co-ordinating, delivering, evaluating and communicating as appropriate.
• Actively learns and develops to stay up to date with developments in area of expertise and to meet the changing needs of the job, team and organisation by participating in appraisal and appropriate learning activities.
• Encourages and supports the development of others, your team and the organisation by engaging in and contributing to UKHSA as a learning organisation and to its positive culture.
• Represents the team and UKHSA in a professional and positive manner with both internal and external stakeholders and in doing so reflects the values of the organisation.
• Supports the network requirements to transition from traditional data centre centric models to cloud-based operations, highlighting the journey of software-defined infrastructures as they align with contemporary cloud architectures.
• Undertakes any other duties that may reasonably be required, and are commensurate with the grade of the job, in furtherance of the objectives of UKHSA.
• Ensures compliance with the UKHSA’s policies, procedures and contract of employment.

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