Network Technical Lead

Parliamentary Digital Services

The Opportunity

At the Parliamentary Digital Service, we make a profound impact on UK democracy. Its work enables UK Parliament to run smoothly, function efficiently and operate transparently. And when you join us in this new, unique and rarely recruited-for role, you’ll be key to the ongoing success of everything we do – as you take the lead on our perimeter network redesign project. This protects our network and user data, so your expertise will be hugely important to everyone who works in the UK Parliament.

Ready to hit the ground running and capable of communicating highly technical information to non-technical audiences, you’ll help the team oversee the implementation of Parliament’s network projects, while delivering the real changes that will improve our defences against cyber security threats. But your work won’t stop there. You’ll also:

• consult with your colleagues regarding plans and schedules, and implement and supervise all maintenance and installation work associated with the Parliamentary Network Infrastructure while following all the necessary safety and security procedures. This will include major configuration changes, upgrades and environmental and electrical services
• advise on and assist with the assessment of the impact of planned technical changes, and help to ensure that potential compromising or weakening of existing security controls is minimised. You’ll also assist with the evaluation, testing and implementation of these changes
• influence the design and development of new and changed systems and services to optimise operational efficiency, contribute to the definition of associated standards and techniques, and recommend the operational and maintenance acceptance of new systems and services
• manage and prioritise the response to enquiries by users, specialists and other stakeholders, and deal with the full range of operational exceptions and error conditions
• manage the resolution of unexpected or extraordinary events, and escalate any which need specialist or management attention
• liaise with developers, clients, users and service management to discover information relevant to determining capacity requirements of new or existing services, ongoing developments, service levels and ad hoc sizing requirements

What You Need

If you possess a solid understanding of modern cyber security network issues and information security threats and mitigation techniques, then we want to hear from you. You should also have:

• proven experience of network security infrastructure architectural design and collaboration with 3rd parties, network design and implementation (LAN and Perimeter), network cloud security, perimeter security, segmentation, NAC, and the ability to produce technical documentation
• a strong sense of customer service and their needs, and the ability to keep them in mind when taking actions or making decisions
• the ability to deliver results within agreed timescales and work within tight deadlines
• experience of defining and reporting progress against targets, providing highlights as necessary and taking actions to resolve exceptions
• strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to establish positive working relationships and influence and persuade at all levels
• experience of delivering diversity and inclusion initiatives within the workplace
• the ability to pass security clearance, backed by the right to work in the UK

About The Team

You’ll be joining a small team of around five people, all of whom are dedicated to ensuring the defence and security of the Parliamentary Digital Service. A diverse mixture of long and short term staff with a range of backgrounds and nationalities, the team is highly adaptable and flexible, and capable of prioritising to meet tight deadlines and cope with fluctuations in its workload. We’re working to embed our values of confidence, care, curiosity, and community in everything we do.

About Us

UK Parliament is steeped in history and tradition. It is an important part of UK life and we need to ensure as many people as possible can engage with its work. This is why we are at the start of a huge transformation programme powered by technology. The Parliamentary Digital Service (PDS) works with the House of Commons and the House of Lords with all their IT and digital needs. We are here to realise the digital ambitions of a modern Parliament and welcome you to join us in building a digital democracy.

Our Package

Please refer to our Candidate Information Pack for a full list of our benefits which include:

• up to 35 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays
• generous maternity pay policy up to 6 months full pay
• great pension scheme options (contributory and non-contributory)
• on-site subsidised gym, nursery, catering, post office, travel office and GP
• flexible options including hybrid working and family friendly policies

How To Apply

Please make sure you’re clear on the requirements of the role. These can be found in the Job Description and Candidate Information Pack. To apply, you will need to show how you meet up to the first five criterion. Our application process is anonymous to prevent bias. You are not required to upload a CV but instead, you will enter your work and education history.

Apply By:

Interviews: W/C 5th August

Format: Panel Interview (Remote)

Our Culture

For our people, we provide an amazing opportunity to bring their talents to an institution that sits right at the heart of society in the UK. We are helping to change UK Parliament and strengthen democracy. What matters here is your potential for growth and your commitment to playing your part in our ongoing success.

We are passionate about providing an environment which promotes inclusion, diversity and equality. Regardless of your age, gender, ethnicity, beliefs or any of the other things that make you, you. We welcome applications from people who feel under-represented in the workforce. This includes those who may feel disadvantaged because of their socioeconomic circumstances.