Communications Infrastructure Specialist
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
The closing date is 11 April 2025
Job summary
Our Communications Infrastructure Specialist will assist in the development of the Networks Team to ensure the provision of a high-quality network service to the healthcare community within existing budgets.
They will assist the Network Manager with technical matters relating to voice and data communications. They will act as a technical reference point for the network infrastructure and includes responsibility for all upgrades, new installations, and implementations to meet the requirements of the HIS.
Main duties of the job
- As a key technical expert, the post holder will provide leadership and motivation to junior team members
- Effective communication is essential, as the role involves conveying highly complex technical information to colleagues and stakeholders
- A deep understanding of the TCP/IP network protocol, network addressing within the NHS, and firewall technologies is required to maintain a secure IT environment and support the organization's cyber security policies
- The specialist will oversee the performance of voice and data networks, ensuring all network operating systems, software, and firmware are kept up to date
- They will be responsible for identifying and diagnosing networking faults, implementing solutions, and escalating issues to suppliers when necessary
- Any new hardware or software installations will be carried out or supervised to ensure they meet the required service level agreements (SLAs)
- A proactive approach to network maintenance is required, including routine cleaning and inspection of data network cabinets, as well as managing access control and secure gateway operations for both the NHS network and internet connectivity, following IT security policies
- The role also requires ensuring high availability of network services, which may involve out-of-hours work and participation in the on-call rota during weekdays and weekends
About us
Why Work With Us
You will be part of a small team responsible for managing the network infrastructure underpinning digital systems in the local health community and wider One Devon area.
You will contribute towards the achievement of our goal of making a positive impact upon the lives of patients and staff, through the provision of a robust and functional digital infrastructure. You will be working within a supportive, innovative and modern environment where ideas are shared and valued.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- The Network Infrastructure Specialist will provide clear, high-quality documentation for all areas of responsibility and ensure prompt resolution of technical issues, responding to emergency call-outs when needed. A full, clean driving license is required, as the role involves travel between South Devon Health Community site
- The Network Infrastructure Specialist has the technical leadership responsibilities, providing guidance and expertise to Communications Specialists while reporting directly to the Network Manager. The post holder will be responsible for ensuring the efficient use of allocated resources in delivering specific projects and will play a key role in supporting and advising senior stakeholders, including the HIS Director, IT Operations Manager, Deputy IT Operations Manager, Networks & Telephony Manager, EPR Network Infrastructure Lead, Communications Infrastructure Specialist, Server Operations Manager, EUD Manager, and various Trusts, Directorates, and users across the healthcare and business support systems.
- This role extends beyond internal operations, requiring close collaboration with external partners, including systems and IT suppliers, installation teams, and maintenance engineers, to ensure smooth integration and functionality of network and telecom infrastructure. The specialist will also assist in the procurement and maintenance of all network and telecoms equipment under the control of the Health Informatics Service (HIS) on behalf of the South Devon Health Community.
- The role demands strong communication skills, as the post holder will be required to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, from Clinicians, Directors, Senior Managers, and System Managers to Project Teams and end-users across the Trusts. They will act as a key point of contact for all voice and data communication requirements, ensuring that services align with operational needs while upholding the highest technical standards.
- One of the most challenging aspects of this role is ensuring the availability and reliability of a 24/7 service that clinical operations depend on, requiring a proactive approach to fault resolution, security management, and infrastructure improvements. Given the rapid advancements in voice and data communication technologies, the post holder must remain up to date with the latest developments to ensure the Trust continues to operate a secure, efficient, and resilient network infrastructure.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- The Network Infrastructure Specialist will provide clear, high-quality documentation for all areas of responsibility and ensure prompt resolution of technical issues, responding to emergency call-outs when needed. A full, clean driving license is required, as the role involves travel between South Devon Health Community site
- The Network Infrastructure Specialist has the technical leadership responsibilities, providing guidance and expertise to Communications Specialists while reporting directly to the Network Manager. The post holder will be responsible for ensuring the efficient use of allocated resources in delivering specific projects and will play a key role in supporting and advising senior stakeholders, including the HIS Director, IT Operations Manager, Deputy IT Operations Manager, Networks & Telephony Manager, EPR Network Infrastructure Lead, Communications Infrastructure Specialist, Server Operations Manager, EUD Manager, and various Trusts, Directorates, and users across the healthcare and business support systems.
- This role extends beyond internal operations, requiring close collaboration with external partners, including systems and IT suppliers, installation teams, and maintenance engineers, to ensure smooth integration and functionality of network and telecom infrastructure. The specialist will also assist in the procurement and maintenance of all network and telecoms equipment under the control of the Health Informatics Service (HIS) on behalf of the South Devon Health Community.
- The role demands strong communication skills, as the post holder will be required to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, from Clinicians, Directors, Senior Managers, and System Managers to Project Teams and end-users across the Trusts. They will act as a key point of contact for all voice and data communication requirements, ensuring that services align with operational needs while upholding the highest technical standards.
- One of the most challenging aspects of this role is ensuring the availability and reliability of a 24/7 service that clinical operations depend on, requiring a proactive approach to fault resolution, security management, and infrastructure improvements. Given the rapid advancements in voice and data communication technologies, the post holder must remain up to date with the latest developments to ensure the Trust continues to operate a secure, efficient, and resilient network infrastructure.
Person Specification
Years of experience and demonstrable knowledge
Essential
- Educated to degree level or relevant equivalent experience
- Proven data communications experience
- In depth knowledge of all aspects of voice & data networking
- In depth knowledge of Service Management and ITIL best practice
Desirable
- ITIL V3/V4 Certification
- IT networking certifications (examples: CCNA, CCNP, CCNA Voice, etc.)
- Experience of working with CheckPoint, Fortinet, Palo-Alto & Cisco Firewall Technologies
Person Specification
Years of experience and demonstrable knowledge
Essential
- Educated to degree level or relevant equivalent experience
- Proven data communications experience
- In depth knowledge of all aspects of voice & data networking
- In depth knowledge of Service Management and ITIL best practice
Desirable
- ITIL V3/V4 Certification
- IT networking certifications (examples: CCNA, CCNP, CCNA Voice, etc.)
- Experience of working with CheckPoint, Fortinet, Palo-Alto & Cisco Firewall Technologies
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
