Network Security Architect

We are part of International Airlines Group (IAG), one of the world’s leading airline groups and owner of some of the biggest brands in the sky.

With a diverse workforce spread across four countries, IAG GBS provides creative and innovative solutions to drive sustainable transformation by delivering finance, procurement and airline services, as well as group-wide systems across IAG. Each operating company benefits from the GBS centralised model, driving efficiencies, automation and economies of scale.

IAG Tech’s vision is to increase shareholder value, accelerate business performance, delight customers, enable employees, and protect our business through the innovative and agile use of technology and data.

Job Description

Purpose of the role

• The Network Security Solutions Architect is a strategic and technical leadership role responsible for designing, implementing, and managing IAG’s network infrastructure. The role involves working closely with cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategy. The Network Solutions Security Architect is responsible for driving innovation, optimizing processes, and enhancing the overall network infrastructure by designing and positioning optimal network architectures, in line with IAG’s business goals.

Accountabilities

Working in partnership with IAG Tech and the business to:

• Network Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive network strategy aligned with business goals and technology trends. Collaborate with senior leadership to define network architecture roadmaps and provide guidance on technology investments.
• Network Design & Implementation: Design, configure, and maintain high-performance network solutions, including LANs, WANs, data centres, and cloud-based network. Provide advisory to the implementation of network projects, ensuring they meet quality, security, and performance standards.
• Documentation: Maintain comprehensive network documentation, including network diagrams, configurations, and change logs.
• Problem Resolution: Work with operational teams post-incident to address, where appropriate, architectural concerns that affect in-life network stability.
• Vendor Interactions: Work with 3rd party suppliers to support network requirements, including evaluating, selecting, provisioning, and maintenance.
• Communication and Collaboration: Communicate and collaborate with our managed service partners and their engineers. Communicate network solutions to both technical and non-technical employees.

This role may require travel and working from multiple sites/locations.

Key Stakeholders

External:

• Strategic and operational third-party partners, suppliers, and manufacturers.

Internal:

• Group and relevant IT Business & Operations areas.
• IAG Tech Architecture.
• Software Engineering.
• Cyber Security.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.
• Technical qualifications/certifications within area(s) of expertise (Checkpoint, F5, Cisco ISE or other Security technologies).

Skills

• Analysing Network Requirements to define the product and solution.
• Creation and validation of security network designs.
• The ability to shape and guide architectural and product solutions based on requirements.
• Strong knowledge of Cisco ISE, Catalyst Center Architecture.
• Excellent knowledge of Firewall and VPN technologies.
• Knowledge of Wireless, TCP/IP, spanning-tree, subnetting, routing protocols, access control lists, VPN, Network Access Control, and Firewall operations.
• Basic scripting knowledge (Python) for automating repetitive tasks.
• Experience in a multi-vendor network environment.
• Experience of managing third-party suppliers.
• Previously worked in a similar role for a FTSE100 business or organisation of comparable size.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced, agile and collaborative environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to summarise and present to key stakeholders.
• Embracing and managing both business and IT change as necessary to help shape future direction.
• Ability to identify innovative, practical and cost-effective solutions whilst recognising industry trends.
• Ability to identify and contribute to the continuous improvement / continuous development of specific tooling solution(s).
• Risk management, ensuring options are agreed & a plan is in place.
• Strong ability to work under pressure in a changing environment.
• Fluent written and spoken English.

Experience

• Senior level IT leadership, gained in a complex global organization, ideally in a business and technology delivery environment.
• Demonstrable technical understanding of their specific solution area, e.g., infrastructure, network, hardware, and support tooling.
• Demonstrable experience of working in a complex environment spanning across functions.
• Experience of promoting and advocating innovative ways of working to increase the speed and effectiveness of projects, specifically the agile delivery.
• Experience of operating across multiple countries and cultures is desirable, but not essential.