About the job

Job summary

Job title – Head of Network & Infrastructure

Profession- Workplace & Platforms

Directorate – Technology

Full Time equivalent - 37.5 hours

No of Roles – 1

Contract Type – Permanent

Location – Hybrid

UKHSA operates a hybrid working model where business needs allow.  This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata,(averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's locations (Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and London).  Specialist or regional roles will be based at the appropriate UKHSA site. For certain roles, some additional flexibility may be possible, which will be agreed upon with the hiring manager based on individual requirements and business needs.

Working Pattern – Full Time/Flexible Working / Hybrid Working/ Home Working/ Part Time/ Job Share

Grade & Salary – Grade 6 National banding - £65,302 - £75,129 per annum. Outer London - £67,288- £76,967 per annum. Inner London - £69,275 - £78,805 per annum

This role comes with a Market Pay Supplement of up to £15,000

New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.

The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.

This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions. Full details on the T&C’s are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/.

Closing Date – 02/06/2024. 23:55pm. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered

Interview Date – W/C 17/06/2024 Please note, these dates are subject to change.

Job description

Job Overview

To be responsible to the Deputy Director for Workplace and Platforms for effectively managing and developing the network and core infrastructure services in support of the strategic and operational business requirements of UKHSA.

Ensuring the security and optimum performance and resilience of the network and infrastructure services, leading the UKHSA's network modernisation with a focus on SD-WAN & SASE evolution, cloud networking modernisation & strategy. Drive the continuous improvement of physical and virtual networking capabilities for the UKHSA network services both on premise and on public cloud infrastructures. Provide technical leadership for the LAN and WAN/SDWAN functions incorporating the strategic development of Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualisation (NFV). Lead the network automation strategy, designing and implementing automation capability for deployment/provisioning of the network, the UKHSA on-prem servers,  and support the agency’s multi-cloud strategy.  Promote the use of IaC (infrastructure as code) and centralising configuration technologies to reduce the management overhead of the core infrastructure services. 

Main duties of the job

 

• Manages the security of the UKHSA’s network and IT resources.
• Manages resources to ensure adequate cover for both day-to-day BAU workload and project delivery.
• Delivers robust, efficient and professional operational IT service to key stakeholders
• Manages the infrastructure elements of the IT project pipeline and monitors on-going progress against plan to ensure delivery on time and within budget.
• Maintains documentation of systems, maps and architectural diagrams, procedures, end user documentation and technical information.
• Reviews and responds to out-of-hours critical alerts as required.
• Manages the UKHSA’s network equipment and services, servers (physical and virtual), network storage devices, network communications equipment.
• Oversees the connectivity and services for UKHSA's Internet, VPN, and public cloud direct connect infrastructures, ensuring seamless access to general online resources and facilitating dedicated interconnections to the UKHSA Cloud Platform's hyperscale platforms, such as AWS and Azure
• Leads the transition from MPLS to SD-WAN technologies and champions the adoption of VPN-less zero trust network architectures
• Manages the UKHSA’s Telecoms equipment and services and aligns the UKHSA network infrastructure with GPA IT and Telecoms services.
• Designs, plans and develops network and infrastructure services within the context of the IT strategy by e.g.: contributing expertise to strategy development and design of projects and solutions; inputting to business cases; managing projects in the realisation of agreed strategic objectives.
• Manages the provision, configuration and deployment of hardware resources by e.g.: liaising with third-party suppliers for procurement; evaluating; and implementing of solutions
• Actively manages hardware refresh lifecycles including forward looking budget forecasting
• Effectively manages people by building a high-quality working relationship and providing a blend of support, development and performance management that enables individuals to work at their best.
• Effectively recruits and selects staff in line with the UKHSA’s recruitment and selection processes, ensuring that their individual values and behaviours align with the values of UKHSA.
• Leads and supports the agency's multi-cloud network strategy.
• Oversees the networking requirements of IACS and laboratory environments.
• Champions the establishment and integration of unified fabric networking.
• Directs the design and management of the organisation's enterprise network topology.
• Cultivates strong relationships with external suppliers and consultancy partners.
• Produces and oversees a robust patching strategy for all physical and virtual environments in line with UKHSA security requirements
• Actively promotes the use of cloud-based infrastructure where appropriate supporting the agencies multi-cloud strategy
• Ensures that relevant systems are in place to maintain effective communication within the Technology team, with stakeholders and with others across UKHSA.
• Ensures that the organisation’s business and information systems are utilised for the benefit of the team, directorate and UKHSA.
• Manages the assigned budgets in compliance with related policies and procedures.
• Effectively manages project/business performance by planning, co-ordinating, delivering, evaluating and communicating as appropriate.
• Actively learns and develops to stay up to date with developments in area of expertise and to meet the changing needs of the job, team and organisation by participating in appraisal and appropriate learning activities.
• Encourages and supports the development of others, your team and the organisation by engaging in and contributing to UKHSA as a learning organisation and to its positive culture.
• Represents the team and UKHSA in a professional and positive manner with both internal and external stakeholders and in doing so reflects the values of the organisation.
• Supports the network requirements to transition from traditional data centre centric models to cloud-based operations, highlighting the journey of software-defined infrastructures as they align with contemporary cloud architectures.
• Undertakes any other duties that may reasonably be required, and are commensurate with the grade of the job, in furtherance of the objectives of UKHSA.
• Ensures compliance with the UKHSA’s policies, procedures and contract of employment.

 

 

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent
• ITIL certification
• Project management
• Health & safety awareness
• Substantial experience of working in a similar role managing networks, network security and infrastructure
• Experience of working as a part of a wider, multidisciplinary team in the delivery of projects
• Ability to design technical solutions based upon business requirements
• Extensive experience of Network and Firewalls Technologies , Virtualisation technologies, Clustering and Load Balancing, Windows Server, VMware
• Experience in transitioning networking to cloud-aligned architectures (Secure Access Edge, SD-WAN).
• Experience of delivering network modernisation in support of cloud adoption.
• Able to work collaboratively and sustain effective working relationships with diverse colleagues, partners and clients
• Able to organise their own work and time productively
• Understands the qualities and processes of excellent people management
• Understands the UKHSA’s values and their application to this role
• Has an appreciation of the work of the UKHSA and the contribution of this role

 

• Committed to providing a high standard of work and continuous improvement
• Appreciates the value of diversity
• Has a proactive approach to addressing challenges
• Committed to continued learning and supporting the learning of others
• Willing to accept responsibility and opportunities appropriate for the role
• Has a flexible approach to their role and to change

Desirable Criteria:

• Security qualification
• Security clearance
• Experience of managing and developing people
• Experience of implementing change
• Experience with Azure VMware Solution (AVS) in cloud/data centre resilience architectures.
• Able to influence at all levels
• Understands the principles of leadership
• Able to prioritise and plan the work of others
• Able to coach and provide feedback to others
• Has a good level of self awareness

 

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £65,302, UK Health Security Agency contributes £17,631 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

You will be required to complete an application form. As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a 750 word Personal Statement/Statement of Suitability explaining how you meet the essential criteria It should detail what you and your experience can bring to the role. Please note, only information provided within the stated word count will be considered.

You will be asked to provide information within the ‘Employer/ Activity history’ section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history. This will be used in sifting process and will be scored.

All applicants that progress to interview will be assessed on behaviours through Success Profiles and technical skills via a Teams interview.

You will be expected to deliver a 5-10 minute presentation, the topic will be decided at a later date

When assessing strengths, we want to find out whether you and the job role are a good fit. We will look at what you enjoy doing and what you do well and often. By ensuring that the role is the right fit for you, you are more likely to enjoy it and perform well.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
• Changing and Improving

 

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £65,302 UK Health Security Agency contributes £17,631 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

 

• Range of health and wellbeing support

Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare.

 

Reserve List:

Candidates who pass the interview criteria but are not offered a post will be kept on a reserve list for 12 months and may be contacted if similar roles become available.

If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available.

 

DBS –

People working with government systems must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks which includes a disclosure and barring security check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed for this role is BPSS however there may be a requirement for this role to be SC cleared and you should familiarise yourself with the criteria of security clearance.

 

This role is Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants. Appointments to roles within UKHSA will be made in accordance with the Civil Service nationality rules. These can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
• Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
• Certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

It’s important to note that there are currently exceptions to applications being considered if your conviction relates to any of the following:

• life sentences
• arson
• sexual offences
• hate and terror offences

Some departments will also consider the specific offence against the nature of the business, i.e., a conviction for fraud may rule you out for a finance role

Complaint process:

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: Complaints1@ukhsa.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website.

 

Contact Details – Sophie.Rigney@reed.com

 

 

 

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.