Senior Network & Communications Consultant; Schools

ICT is part of the Council’s Customer and Digital Services Directorate.

Its primary functions are:

• to provide high quality IT systems, support and maintenance across the organisation
• to provide strategic advice and guidance to the service areas and their directorates
• to contribute to the delivery of the Council’s Digital First approach

The ICT Service consists of several functions including:

• the Service Desk
• Enterprise Systems and Data teams responsible for the development, support and maintenance of both in-house developed and 3rd party applications
• ICT Services teams delivering network, server and end user computing services
• Security and Compliance
• Enterprise Architecture

The technologies supported are predominantly based around Microsoft Windows desktop, laptop and server platforms with applications delivered through a range of physical, virtual and cloud infrastructures. Within the school environment there is a strong adoption of Chromebooks and iPads along with both Google and Microsoft cloud-based service offerings.

You would be joining an enthusiastic and ambitious team with opportunities to work with a range of cutting edge technologies.

You will have access to a diverse range of learning opportunities to enable you to develop your career path as well as access to regular performance and development reviews.

• Build, configure and maintain ICT network and communications services to meet the needs of the council, the local education authority and individual schools.
• Carry out performance management of the existing ICT network and communications infrastructure.
• Carry out tests of hardware/software using test procedures and diagnostic tools.
• Resolve performance issues, faults and associated errors.
• Respond to incidents and requests including tickets logged via the ICT Service Desk, ensuring relevant prioritisation and detail to allow effective investigation and resolution and ensure SLAs are met.
• Develop existing and deliver new network and communication technology solutions.
• Work with the Technical Infrastructure Manager and the wider Schools ICT Support Service to identify upcoming projects, assist in the management of the project and coordinate, align and manage resources to ensure successful project delivery.
• Advise and guide in the planning phases of ICT projects to ensure that end user computing requirements are considered in the overall specification.
• Ensure networks are protected from malware and viruses, identifying areas that might be under threat and areas where security can be improved, keeping up to date on ever-changing cyber-threats.
• Actively participate in service improvement events.
• Mentor other team members and promote knowledge sharing and skills transfer.
• Maintain effective relationships with all technical and support staff to ensure systems and information requirements are specified and delivered.
• Provide management information, as required, and collaborate with key stakeholders regarding operational performance.
• Develop, review and maintain service plans, polices, processes and procedures.
• Support and contribute to service improvement activities and initiatives.
• Contribute to the Service’s performance, objectives, targets and achievement of quality standards.
• Take personal responsibility for own health and safety and promote compliance ensuring a safe working environment.

• Proven delivery of excellent customer service.
• Experience of problem management and proven ability to investigate and resolve ICT network and communication related faults in systems and services including classification, prioritisation and initiation of action, documentation of root causes and implementation of remedies to prevent future incidents.
• Excellent, practical knowledge of TCP/IP, enterprise scale network environments and associated hardware including switches, routers and firewalls.
• Proven experience managing enterprise Wireless LAN infrastructures.
• Experience supporting and managing IP voice networks.
• Knowledge and experience of designing, testing, installing, supporting and maintaining enterprise class network communications infrastructure…