Network Architect (Cisco ACI)

Job Description

As a Network Architect (Cisco ACI), you will be responsible for the operational stability, performance, and evolution of enterprise‑scale network environments. You will lead network architecture operations within run environments, drive complex implementations, manage major incidents, and ensure compliance with internal governance and client security standards. This role requires deep technical expertise combined with strong stakeholder engagement and leadership capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

Network Operations & Architecture

• Design, manage, and optimize enterprise network solutions including LAN, WAN, WLAN, VPN, firewalls, load balancers, and network segmentation.
• Provide hands‑on leadership for:
  • Firewall and load balancer configuration, tuning, and optimization (Palo Alto, Check Point). 
  • Cisco ACI architecture, operations, and lifecycle management.
  • BlueCat DDI (DNS, DHCP, IPAM) administration and support.
• Maintain accurate and current network topology diagrams and documentation.
• Monitor network performance, troubleshoot complex and escalated issues, and ensure high availability and uptime.
• Perform risk assessments, vulnerability analysis, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Interpret design requirements and translate them into detailed configurations and builds.
• Support project managers in developing technical project plans and delivery milestones. 

Incident Response & Problem Management

• Act as the escalation point for Priority 1 and Priority 2 incidents, leading technical resolution and root‑cause analysis.
• Support incident, problem, and change escalations, ensuring adherence to service management processes.
• Collaborate closely with client teams on problem tickets, recommending architectural improvements and preventive controls.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, internal standards, and client security policies.
• Maintain operational documentation, enforce access controls, and ensure audit readiness (e.g., SOC 2 or equivalent).

Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership

• Partner with client IT leadership, delivery teams, and offshore support teams to ensure service continuity and operational excellence.
• Communicate complex network concepts clearly to technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Present architectural solutions, recommendations, and risk assessments to senior client stakeholders and oversee successful implementation. 

Job Description - Grade Specific

Required Qualifications & Experience

• 12+ years of experience in enterprise network engineering and operations. 
• 10+ years preferred in large‑scale network and security environments. 5+ years of DevOps experience supporting network or infrastructure automation and operations. 
• Proven expertise with:
  • Cisco ACI
  • Firewalls (Palo Alto, Check Point) 
  • Load balancers, VPNs, NAC solutions 
• Strong understanding of network protocols, segmentation, performance tuning, and high‑availability design.
• Experience with Cisco network platforms, SD‑LAN/SD‑WAN, and network blueprinting frameworks (e.g., ISA‑95).
• Exposure to banking or regulated financial environments strongly preferred.
• Experience working within formal security and compliance frameworks (SOC 2 or similar).

Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional problem‑solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to work independently with senior stakeholders and collaboratively within cross‑functional teams.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment.
• Strong ownership mindset with a focus on quality, resilience, and continuous improvement. 

What You’ll Love About Working Here

• You will be a part of a diverse collective of free-thinkers, entrepreneurs and industry experts. You will love the exposure to the scale of transformation, the depth of expertise, and the opportunities for growth.
• We aim to build an environment where employees can enjoy a positive work-life balance. We embed hybrid working in all that we do and make flexible working arrangements the day-to-day reality for our people.
• At the heart of our mission is your career growth. You will have countless learning and development opportunities from thinktanks to hackathons, and access to 250,000 courses with numerous external certifications crafted to support you in exploring a world of opportunities.
• We realise a Total Reward package should be more than just compensation. We offer a range of core and flexible benefits and have a Peer Recognition Portal called ‘Celebrate’.