Network Administrator

Job Description
On behalf of our public sector client, Affinity is seeking a Network Administrator to support enterprise LAN/WAN and data centre environments in partnership with Managed Service Providers, ensuring high availability, performance, and security. The role includes cloud network integration across Azure and AVS (including Express Route and hybrid connectivity), lifecycle management of network infrastructure, and administration of firewalls, proxies, load balancing, and enterprise Wi-Fi.

Responsibilities also cover incident/change management, monitoring and optimization, vendor coordination, documentation, and supporting high-performance networking for data/AI workloads while maintaining compliance with enterprise standards and governance.
Responsibilities

• Enterprise Network Operations (LAN / WAN / Data Centre)
• Work with Managed Service Providers to administer and support:
• LAN (core/distribution/access switching)
• WAN connectivity (MPLS, internet, edge routing)
• Data centre networking environments
• Monitor availability, capacity, and performance; take proactive action to prevent service degradation
• Perform incident, problem, and change management for network services
• Cloud Network Integration (Critical for your model)
• Support Azure and AVS networking, including:
• Express Route configuration and troubleshooting
• Hybrid connectivity between:
• On-prem data centres
• AVS private cloud
• Azure native services
• Ensure consistent routing, segmentation, and security across environments
• Network Infrastructure Lifecycle & Refresh
• Support network infrastructure refresh programs, including:
• Switch and router upgrades
• Firewall lifecycle management
• Wi-Fi infrastructure refresh
• Validate configurations, ensure high availability, and support migration cutovers
• Maintain alignment to enterprise standards and architecture
• Network Security & Perimeter Services
• Work with Managed Service Providers to administer and support:
• Cisco and Checkpoint firewalls
• Bluecoat proxy solutions
• Network access control and segmentation
• Implement firewall rule changes with impact assessment
• Support vulnerability remediation and security compliance activities
• Application Delivery & Load Balancing
• Work with Managed Service Providers to administer:
• Citrix Netscaler (ADC/load balancing)
• Support application traffic management, SSL offload, and availability optimization
• Enterprise WiFi (Campus & Workplace)
• Work with Managed Service Providers to manage Aruba / HPE wireless infrastructure:
• Controllers, access points, authentication
• Ensure high performance and coverage across workplace environments
• Support onboarding and troubleshooting for enterprise wireless services
• AI Data Centre Support (Important Differentiator)
• Support networking for high-performance compute environments:
• Low latency, high throughput networking
• GPU cluster connectivity (if applicable)
• Work with infrastructure teams to ensure network supports AI/analytics workloads
• Monitoring, Logging & Optimization
• Knowledge of network monitoring tools to:
• Identify performance bottlenecks
• Analyze traffic patterns
• Ensure centralized logging and observability for network devices
• MSP & Vendor Coordination
• Work with Managed Service Providers:
• Validate work performed
• Provide technical oversight
• Ensure adherence to standards and SLAs
• Participate in change planning and service integration
• Documentation & Governance
• Maintain network diagrams, configurations, and operational runbooks
• Participate in change advisory boards and governance processes
• Ensure compliance with enterprise security and operational standards

Qualifications
Experience

• 5+ years in enterprise network administration
• Proven experience in large, multi-site or hybrid environments
• Experience working within MSP-integrated delivery models

Technical Skills
Core Networking
Strong Expertise In

• TCP/IP, routing (BGP, OSPF), switching (VLANs, STP)
• WAN technologies and MPLS environments
• Deep understanding of high availability and redundancy design
• Cisco edge switching

Cloud Connectivity
Hands-on Experience With

• Azure networking
• Express Route (configuration, troubleshooting)
• Hybrid network design

Firewalls & Security
Experience With

• Cisco firewalls
• Checkpoint firewalls
• Proxy solutions (Bluecoat or equivalent)

Application Delivery

• Hands-on experience with:

Citrix Netscaler / ADC (load balancing, SSL, traffic management)
Wireless Networking

• Enterprise Wi-Fi experience:
• Aruba / HPE wireless solutions

Infrastructure & Tools

• Network monitoring and analysis tools
• Packet capture and troubleshooting tools
• Configuration and change management tools

It is preferred that the Resource has the following qualifications or experience:
Certifications (Preferred)

• CCNP or higher
• Azure Network Engineer Associate
• Aruba / HPE wireless certifications
• Check Point / Cisco security certifications

About Affinity
Affinity Group is a technology and business consulting and services company. We believe in creating long term relationships between clients and consultants that foster a mutually beneficial partnership. Affinity is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity…