VodafoneThree - Network Architect

Employment type: Full time

Job Description

Location: Farnborough/Newbury, or regional site (Birmingham, Livingston, Bristol, Northern Ireland) - *Hybrid working
Salary: Excellent basic salary plus bonus and Vodafone benefits
Working hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week – Monday to Friday

Security Clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and hold SC (Security Clearance).

Hybrid

We believe that through collaboration and connection with our colleagues we can achieve great things. Our hybrid working approach allows our people to work both in the office and at home, providing the flexibility and resources you need to succeed in your role. We don't require you to be in on specific days; instead, we ask people to come into the office 2-3 days each week, for at least 8 days per month. You should work with your line manager to understand what their expectations are for you, your specific role and your team.

Who We Are

We’re here to build a network the UK can count on – one that connects people, places and potential. Because no matter where you live, what your background is, or how you get online – we think everyone deserves the same chance to stay connected, and with VodafoneThree, that future’s being built – today.

We’re creating more than the UK’s best network. We’re helping close the digital divide, empower communities and drive meaningful progress.

We believe that everyone should feel they belong. Whoever you are and whatever your story, there’s space for you here. We’re building a workplace where different perspectives are welcomed, voices are heard, and everyone feels safe to show up as themselves.

You’ll join a team that genuinely cares – about each other, about our customers, and about the future we’re building. From day one, you’ll be welcomed, valued and encouraged to bring your whole self to work.

Why VodafoneThree

Join us and you’ll be at the heart of change. That means building responsibly, investing sustainably and creating opportunities that last.

We’re not just expanding connectivity; we’re reimagining what a connected nation looks like. With £11bn invested in 5G and digital infrastructure, your work will directly power businesses, services, and communities across the country.

You’ll work on real challenges, with real impact, across every corner of the country. Wherever you join us, whatever your role, you’ll be helping to build a future that works better for everyone.

We move at pace, because what we’re building matters – and we’re learning as we go. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we’re just getting started.

Join Vodafone Business Security Enhanced and strengthen the cyber security of the UK's Critical National Infrastructure and public sector organisations.

What you’ll do

The Network Architect will lead the architecture, design and assurance of network solutions for a key client, ensuring scalable, secure and compliant network designs are defined, governed and delivered in line with customer requirements, while providing technical leadership across engineering, operations and security teams. Key activities include:

Define and own the architectural direction for network services, ensuring alignment to customer and business strategy.
Govern design standards, patterns and reference architectures, driving consistency, re-use and adherence to customer architecture principles.
Assure solution compliance with security, regulatory, performance and availability requirements, including oversight of risk and remediation activities.
Provide technical leadership and design authority across engineering, operations and security teams, ensuring alignment to architectural intent and resolution of complex issues.
Own stakeholder engagement and technical governance, communicating design decisions, risks and progress to internal and external stakeholders.

Who you are

Strong experience designing enterprise network security solutions, ideally using Fortinet (FortiGate, SD‑WAN, IPSec/ADVPN)- Essential
Solid understanding of IP networking and secure design, including routing , WAN/LAN and segmentation.- Essential
Experience defining design standards and scalable architectures, balancing customer needs with re-use and consistency- Essential
Knowledge of security and compliance requirements, including penetration testing, risk remediation, and logging/monitoring integration- Nice to have
Excellent communication and stakeholder skills, able to lead technical discussions and influence decisions across teams

The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain SC level security clearance

Worried that you don’t meet all the desired criteria exactly?
We know that everyone is unique, with multiple aspects to their identity and different experiences behind them. We are passionate about Inclusion for All and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, whatever their personal or professional background. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align exactly with every part of the job description, we encourage you to apply as you may be the right candidate for this role or another role, and our recruitment team can help you see how your skills fit in.

What we offer

We care about our people’s success by offering great pay, bonuses, up to 28 days off plus bank holidays, and paid time for charity work. You can personalise our benefits for you and your family, like discounts, vouchers, a pension plan and loads more. We help with your career through our amazing learning tools and top-notch parental leave policies.

Need to Know

We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and all offers of employment for this role are subject to background checks, including criminal (DBS) and financial checks to meet the regulators standards.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request as part of your recruitment journey, for example, extended time or breaks in between online assessments, a sign language interpreter, or assistive technology, please refer to the Accessibility section of our Careers website (https://careers.vodafone.com/uk/reasonable-adjustments/) for guidance.

We use AI in different parts of our business to boost innovation, improve efficiency, and create new opportunities. We know many candidates use AI to fine-tune their CVs or prepare for interviews, but what we really care about is your unique experiences and achievements.

During the interview, we want you to rely on your own knowledge and skills to show us who you really are—your personality, creativity, and abilities. Above all, we’re looking for authenticity and can’t wait to get to know the real you.