Network /Infrastructure Architect

Overview Would you like to enrich the lives of learners? RM Technology has shaped future generations for over fifty years by implementing innovative technology solutions in schools and colleges. Founded in 1973, we’re a trusted Edtech partner, transforming teaching environments to be more productive, resilient, and sustainable. Our committed team pioneer, collaborate, and continually push the bar on products and services in the EdTech space. Visit us here to find out more: www.rm.com/education RM Broadband develops, delivers and supports RM‘s Internet services product portfolio, primarily focussed on the schools and education sector. RM Broadband have been providing Internet services since 1995 and currently supplies them to over 3000 sites and 1.5 million users. Services include leased line, FTTP, FTTC or 4G/5G Internet connectivity; RM SafetyNet web content filtering; managed firewalls; remote access VPNs and managed WAN services. Job Purpose As a Network Architect at R M , you'll be at the heart of how we design, evolve and run our network and infrastructure. This is a senior, hands-on technical role — roughly 7 0% networking-focused, with a broader remit that spans server infrastructure along with ISP tooling and systems . You'll combine deep technical expertise with strategic thinking and genuine leadership, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of our network and the services our customers rely on. Much of your time will be spent leading technical projects from initial concept through to live deployment — owning the architecture, driving delivery and ensuring the outcome meets both business and customer needs. You won't be handing work off once the design is done; you'll stay close to it throughout, adapting and problem-solving as the project evolves. We encourage early applications as the vacancy may close once the position has been filled or final interviews have been arranged. Responsibilities What you'll be doing : Technical leadership — You'll lead the design, implementation and ongoing development of our network, server infrastructure and ISP services in a project-driven environment where your decisions have real impact. As technical lead of our next-generation network evolution programme, you will drive the full upgrade of our network infrastructure. Subject matter expertise — You'll be the go-to authority on our network infrastructure, providing guidance across the business and helping teams make well-informed technical decisions. Strategy and direction — You'll define and drive the strategy for our core network, data centres, ISP systems and tooling, with a particular focus on enabling automation and orchestration. Operational Support - You'll provide 4th-line support for escalated incidents from our operations teams, including participation in an on-call rota. In major incidents, you'll be expected to step up and provide clear technical leadership under pressure. Mentoring and collaboration — You'll be a trusted mentor and coach to junior team members, fostering strong working relationships across our UK and India teams. You'll share knowledge, embed best practice and help build a culture of technical excellence. Innovation – You'll champion emerging technologies, leading and participating in trials of innovative solutions aligned to our strategic roadmap — from initial awareness through to selection and implementation. Continuous Improvement - You'll proactively identify and deliver improvements across our network — whether that's enhancing customer experience, streamlining operations, reducing cost or supporting business growth. Security and compliance – You’ll ensure security and compliance considerations are baked into architectural designs from the outset, contributing to compliance initiatives that keep our network and service secure from cyber threats. This role will occasionally require travel to sites across the UK — sometimes at short notice — to carry out maintenance, deliver project work or respond to incidents. A full UK driving licence is therefore essential. There are also occasional opportunities to visit our RM India operation, which can be a rewarding part of the role. Experience Knowledge, Skills & Experience JNCIP-SP or CCNP Service Provider or equivalent Significant experience developing and operating ISP or large enterprise related infrastructure. Proven ability to lead complex network projects and providing senior-level technical escalation . Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to simplify complexity and deliver practical solutions. Be a strategic thinker who can communicate network concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders. Deep expertise of service provider technologies, including MPLS, BGP, OSPF, IPv4 and IPv6, inter - provider connectivity. Extensive knowledge of Juniper networking, in particular the MX series routers, SRX firewalls and EX/QFX switches. Experience with next generation firewalls, in particular the Fortinet firewall stack and the ir deployment in SD-WAN configurations . Strong proficiency in Python and Ansible scripting - s pecifically developing for network automation and against vendor APIs. Solid knowledge of virtualisation platforms, container orchestration and related tooling. Hands-on experience with Linux environments (RedHat and Ubuntu ) , LVS load balancing, web proxies, SMTP and e-mail filtering, DNS. Familiarity with monitoring and observability stacks (Prometheus, Grafana, Zabbix, ELK or equivalents ). Excellent planning and organising skills to determine and manage project timescales and estimates. Excellent communications & influencing skills . Experience of working in an ISO27001 environment The following skills and experience are also desirable: JNCIE or CCIE NSE7 or equivalent What’s in it for you? At RM we have My Work Blend @RM which provides office-based colleagues with multi location and hybrid working options. As well as your office base, you can spend a proportion of your time working at other locations that suit your role and your life, including home, other offices, customer sites, distribution centres or on the move. We encourage you to discuss arrangements for this role with your potential line manager during the recruitment process. RM is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all permanent and temporary staff to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks. As well as a competitive salary and our core benefits package which includes private medical healthcare, life assurance and a Group Personal Pension Plan with higher contribution levels available, some roles are also eligible for a performance-related bonus. There are lots of voluntary benefits too. You could buy additional annual leave, join our dental plan, sign up for a health assessment, or take part in our cycle to work scheme. You could even earn yourself an extra bonus for successfully recommending a friend or family member for a position within RM. To better reflect the society that we serve, we’re committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. To achieve this, we create teams of talented people from different backgrounds and experiences and strive to be a business where our people can bring their whole selves to work, we also want to make the recruitment process as inclusive as possible for everyone. Should you require additional support with your application or through the interview process, please contact us at recruitment@rm.com . Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. What you'll be doing : Technical leadership - You'll lead the design, implementation and ongoing development of our network, server infrastructure and ISP services in a project-driven environment where your decisions have real impact. As technical lead of our next-generation network evolution programme, you will drive the full upgrade of our network infrastructure. Subject matter expertise - You'll be the go-to authority on our network infrastructure, providing guidance across the business and helping teams make well-informed technical decisions. Strategy and direction - You'll define and drive the strategy for our core network, data centres, ISP systems and tooling, with a particular focus on enabling automation and orchestration. Operational Support - You'll provide 4th-line support for escalated incidents from our operations teams, including participation in an on-call rota. In major incidents, you'll be expected to step up and provide clear technical leadership under pressure. Mentoring and collaboration - You'll be a trusted mentor and coach to junior team members, fostering strong working relationships across our UK and India teams. You'll share knowledge, embed best practice and help build a culture of technical excellence. Innovation - You'll champion emerging technologies, leading and participating in trials of innovative solutions aligned to our strategic roadmap - from initial awareness through to selection and implementation. Continuous Improvement - You'll proactively identify and deliver improvements across our network - whether that's enhancing customer experience, streamlining operations, reducing cost or supporting business growth. Security and compliance - You'll ensure security and compliance considerations are baked into architectural designs from the outset, contributing to compliance initiatives that keep our network and service secure from cyber threats. This role will occasionally require travel to sites across the UK - sometimes at short notice - to carry out maintenance, deliver project work or respond to incidents. A full UK driving licence is therefore essential. There are also occasional opportunities to visit our RM India operation, which can be a rewarding part of the role. Knowledge, Skills & Experience JNCIP-SP or CCNP Service Provider or equivalent Significant experience developing and operating ISP or large enterprise related infrastructure. Proven ability to lead complex network projects and providing senior-level technical escalation . Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to simplify complexity and deliver practical solutions. Be a strategic thinker who can communicate network concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders. Deep expertise of service provider technologies, including MPLS, BGP, OSPF, IPv4 and IPv6, inter - provider connectivity. Extensive knowledge of Juniper networking, in particular the MX series routers, SRX firewalls and EX/QFX switches. Experience with next generation firewalls, in particular the Fortinet firewall stack and the ir deployment in SD-WAN configurations . Strong proficiency in Python and Ansible scripting - s pecifically developing for network automation and against vendor APIs. Solid knowledge of virtualisation platforms, container orchestration and related tooling. Hands-on experience with Linux environments (RedHat and Ubuntu ) , LVS load balancing, web proxies, SMTP and e-mail filtering, DNS. Familiarity with monitoring and observability stacks (Prometheus, Grafana, Zabbix, ELK or equivalents ). Excellent planning and organising skills to determine and manage project timescales and estimates. Excellent communications & influencing skills . Experience of working in an ISO27001 environment The following skills and experience are also desirable: JNCIE or CCIE NSE7 or equivalent What's in it for you? At RM we have My Work Blend @RM which provides office-based colleagues with multi location and hybrid working options. As well as your office base, you can spend a proportion of your time working at other locations that suit your role and your life, including home, other offices, customer sites, distribution centres or on the move. We encourage you to discuss arrangements for this role with your potential line manager during the recruitment process. RM is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all permanent and temporary staff to share this commitment. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks. As well as a competitive salary and our core benefits package which includes private medical healthcare, life assurance and a Group Personal Pension Plan with higher contribution levels available, some roles are also eligible for a performance-related bonus. There are lots of voluntary benefits too. You could buy additional annual leave, join our dental plan, sign up for a health assessment, or take part in our cycle to work scheme. You could even earn yourself an extra bonus for successfully recommending a friend or family member for a position within RM. To better reflect the society that we serve, we're committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. To achieve this, we create teams of talented people from different backgrounds and experiences and strive to be a business where our people can bring their whole selves to work, we also want to make the recruitment process as inclusive as possible for everyone. Should you require additional support with your application or through the interview process, please contact us at recruitment@rm.com . Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.