Alexander Ash are looking for a Lead Network Architect to define and drive the end-to-end network architecture for a large, complex, multi-country organisation. This is a high-impact leadership role focused on building a resilient, secure, and scalable network foundation that enables business growth and transformation.
The Role
As the design authority for network architecture, you will set the vision, standards, and governance across all environments - ensuring consistency, performance, and security by design.
You'll translate business strategy into future-ready architectural blueprints, while tackling legacy complexity and enabling long-term transformation.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and evolve the end-to-end network architecture across global operations
- Define and maintain the target-state architecture aligned to business and technology strategy
- Act as the architecture design authority across all initiatives and partners
- Drive high availability, resilience, and performance by design
- Establish standardised architecture blueprints across:
- Retail, corporate, and distribution environments
- WAN / SD-WAN and internet edge
- LAN, segmentation, and Wi-Fi
- Cloud and hybrid connectivity
- Embed security-by-design (Zero Trust, segmentation, secure access)
- Define and enforce architecture governance, standards, and guardrails
- Lead network observability, telemetry, and performance KPIs
- Enable Network-as-Code and automation governance
- Oversee vendors and strategic partners, ensuring architectural alignment
- Translate operational insights into continuous architectural improvements
What We're Looking For
- 10+ years in networking, with strong architecture leadership experience
- Proven experience in large, distributed, multi-country environments
- Deep expertise across:
- Cisco (Meraki, Catalyst, SD-WAN)
- Network Access Control (ISE)
- Firewalls (Fortinet / Cisco)
- SASE / SSE architectures
- LAN / WAN / Wi-Fi design & segmentation
- Strong experience with cloud & hybrid networking (Azure/AWS preferred)
- Solid understanding of Zero Trust and secure network design principles
- Experience with architecture governance frameworks (ARB / TDA)
- Exposure to Terraform / network automation models
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and align cross-functional teams
- Strong focus on business outcomes: scalability, stability, and user experience
Why This Role
- Own the network architecture vision at scale
- Drive enterprise-wide transformation and modernisation
- Work across retail, logistics, corporate, and cloud ecosystems
- Shape a secure, future-ready digital backbone
If interested in this role, please reach out to [Confidential Information]
