Network & Security Architect - (7991)

Fixed Term Contract for 2 years

The Infrastructure and Operations team within our IT& Digital Directorate is expanding!

We are hiring a Network and Security Architect to become part of our collaborative culture, diverse teams, and well-connected community.

Managing the Network Access Control, you will occupy a pivotal position at the intersection of business strategy and technical execution. Your primary focus will be to ensure secure network access control, identity management, and policy enforcement and will include the design, implementation, and management of a Cisco ISE deployment within the organisation's IT infrastructure, whilst also balancing a holistic understanding of the organisation's security goals.  As a Network and Security Architect, you'll become part of an expert network and have all the support and opportunity you need to become a leader in your field.

Your Role:

Project Planning and Design

• Assessing organisational network requirements.
• Designing secure and scalable Cisco ISE architectures.
• Preparing detailed technical documentation and project roadmaps.

Deployment and Implementation

• Installing and configuring Cisco ISE servers and appliances.
• Integrating Cisco ISE with existing network infrastructure (e.g., routers, switches, and wireless networks).
• Ensuring compatibility with authentication protocols like RADIUS, TACACS+, and 802.1X.
• Configuring and testing network access policies (e.g., role-based access control).

Testing and Troubleshooting

• Conducting system and integration tests to verify functionality.
• Diagnosing and resolving issues related to authentication, policy enforcement, and network access.

Maintenance and Support

• Performing software updates and system upgrades for Cisco ISE.
• Monitoring system performance and compliance with security policies.
• Providing ongoing support and training to the IT team or end users.

Security and Compliance

• Implementing network segmentation and endpoint profiling.
• Ensuring compliance with industry standards and organizational security policies.

Collaboration and Reporting

• Coordinating with cross-functional teams, including network, security, and IT operations teams.
• Reporting project status and presenting findings or recommendations to stakeholders.

Skills and Experience you will bring:

• Strong knowledge of Cisco ISE and Catalyst Centre architecture, installation, and configuration.
• Networking: In-depth understanding of networking protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP), VLANs, and Layer 2/3 switching.
• Authentication Protocols: Proficiency in 802.1X, RADIUS, and TACACS+.
• Network Security: Familiarity with firewalls, VPNs, and endpoint protection systems.
• System Integration: Experience with integrating ISE with Active Directory, LDAP, and certificate management systems.
• Scripting and Automation: Basic scripting knowledge (Python, PowerShell) for automating repetitive tasks.
• Proven and accomplished experience in LAN/WAN/Wireless and Security.
• Demonstrable Project Management experience of mid to large scale deployments and management of robust identity and access management solutions.
• Experience of working with diverse teams to achieve alignment on project goals.
• Problem-solving capabilities for diagnosing network and security issues.
• Ability to analyse network logs and identify access-related anomalies.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

To learn more about this exciting opportunity and benefits we offer, please read the JD and Candidate Pack provided below.

If you would like to join our people and share our ambition, we would love to hear from you.

To have an informal chat about the role, please contact David Harvey, Network Operations Team Lead, on d.harvey@mmu.ac.uk

To apply, please submit your latest CV with a cover letter detailing your suitability, on the portal. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we sometimes close our vacancies early. It is therefore advisable to apply as early as possible if you would like to be considered for a role.

We believe in working together, sharing knowledge and valuing everyone's contributions. Develop your skills, further your knowledge and be part of a team who are transforming lives, every single day!

Manchester Met University is committed to creating an intentionally inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We understand the importance of having a diverse workforce and the benefits it can bring to ensuring diversity of thought and innovation in everything we do. We, therefore, encourage applications from people from ethnic minority groups, disabled people and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.

Recruitment Agencies: The University has engaged an approved list of recruitment agencies to support the recruitment of its vacancies from time to time. The University does not accept speculative applications from recruitment agencies outside of this list.

Please note that the University is closed from 21 December 2024 and will reopen on 02 January 2025. Any recruitment queries received will be responded to after this date.