Senior Network Engineer Band 6

Job details

• Branch: Belfast HSCT
• Location: HENRY MOORE BUILDING
• Salary: Band 6 (£38,682 - £46,580)
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Opening Date: 29/05/26
• Closes: Fri, 12 June 2026 @ 4:30 PM
• Interview Dates: To be confirmed

Notes

“A waiting list may be created for similar posts that may arise while the waiting list is live, this may include temporary or part-time posts. This will be managed in line with the updated HSC waiting list principles effective from 1 April 2026”. Where a part-time waiting list is required, one part-time waiting list will be created- regardless of any specific hours advertised, this waiting list will cover all future vacancies where part-time posts arise. A part-time post is defined as any post that has less than 37.5 hours per week.” Please remember to save or print a copy of the job description before submitting your application, as it will not be accessible afterwards. Flexible Working We welcome flexible working requests from day one. All HSC organisations offer a range of flexible working options. The options available for this post will depend on the requirements of the role. Find out more about flexible working options on our website.

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Senior Network Engineer

BAND: 6

DIRECTORATE: Performance, Planning & Informatics (PPI)

LOCATION: Henry Moore Building, Belfast City Hospital

REPORTS TO: Network Technical Specialist

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Co-Director Digital Services

Job Summary

The post holder will be required to work ‘on-call’ hours to ensure that all faults get a response as agreed with the Trust Service

The post holder will be responsible, through the Network Technical Specialist, for the installation, configuration and management of the Trust network infrastructure. This will include the day-to-day monitoring, management and configuration of all LAN and WAN links, routers, network switches, firewalls and other associated network equipment. The post holder will contribute to the establishment of operational policies, procedures and monitoring processes to establish and deliver an effective and efficient Digital Services network in accordance with Trust objectives and priorities.

The post holder will be responsible for the resolution of all network incidents including identifying, diagnosing and resolving network problems as or before they arise. The post holder will be key to ensuring that the Trust’s network performance indicators are delivered.

The post holder will support the Network Technical Specialist in the implementation of a Trust wide Network Strategy to support and deliver a secure and efficient network. The post holder will engage with Planners, Estate staff, other Trust Service Managers and architects to identify and advise on network infrastructure design, equipment and requirements. The post holder is also expected to be involved in the management & co-ordination of networking projects as appropriate.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

For each of the following, the post holder will;

• Provide effective and efficient end-user support through ensuring that all network incidents are resolved within the agreed resolution times.

• Analyse network incidents and trends to identify, log and resolve any underlying network problems.

• Monitor the operation of the Trust LAN/WAN to ensure it is operating within acceptable performance targets and take remedial action as appropriate.

• Monitor network utilisation and capacity and make recommendations on future needs of the Trust particularly in relation to expected trends and uses for the network infrastructure e.g. VOIP, Video, PACS images etc.

• Manage the procurement, installation and configuration of network data points and cabinets (including cable patching) ensuring that appropriate technical standards are met and all installations are undertaken within agreed budget constraints

• Install and configure network switches, routers, WAN optimisation devices and other associated network devices

• Manage the procurement, installation and configuration of network LAN/WAN lines and devices ensuring that appropriate technical standards are met and all activities are undertaken within agreed budget constraints

• Manage the IP addressing scheme for the Trust allocating IP subnets as necessary.

• Manage the installation and configuration of VLANS ensuring appropriate and secure use

• Manage, update and create, where necessary, all network documentation including network diagrams, IP addressing information, VLAN information, switch and router configuration etc.

• Provide support, assistance and to the Telecommunications and Digital Communications Manager as necessary.

• Ensure adequate firewalls and security software are in place to manage, analyse and record all network traffic so ensuring the Trust is not compromised by external or internal threats.

• Utilise technology and network design e.g. Layer 3 design or VLANs to minimise the security threats

• Manage network access control software to identify any authorised network activity and take remedial steps as necessary

• Manage access control to all network equipment ensuring network rooms / cabinets are appropriately secured with access authorised and logged

• Assist the Network Technical Specialist in the development, implementation and monitoring of a comprehensive Network Development Strategy to deliver a secure, efficient and resilient network infrastructure

• Assist the Network Technical Specialist in the implementation of Software Defined Network (SDA) across the Belfast Trust Infrastructure

• Assist the Network Technical Specialist to design and implement an appropriate IP addressing scheme and Quality of Service (QOS) protocols to ensure efficient working of all devices on the network

• Assist the Network Technical Specialist to specify and implement appropriate monitoring tools to ensure effective and efficient operation of the network.

• Work closely across corporate functions and Service Groups on all the functions covered by the Digital Services Networking

• Develop and maintain good working relationships with users, BSO, Trusts and other teams in the Digital Services Department, 3rd party suppliers and external consultants

• Assist in ensuring Belfast Trust Digital Services Strategies and policies are consistent with National and Regional guidance.

• Assist in ensuring the Digital Services network function supports the development of clinical and service networks.

• Ensure that protocols governing information confidentiality, security and data protection are complied with at all times.

• Manage the provision of management information as required and in particular, analysing costs, budgets and variances and collating information for management meetings e.g. accountability reviews, performance monitoring and ensuring that requests from other departments are handled appropriately.

• Ensure that a Risk Register is maintained for the network function and all identified risks are managed in the appropriate manner.

• Ensure that the network function achieves the required level of Controls Assurance compliance and that all Controls Assurance documentation is competed in a timely manner.

• Participate in multi-disciplinary projects throughout the Trust as required, which require specialist knowledge of the areas of Networking.

• Support Digital Services Senior Management Team in achieving quality initiatives including ISO accreditation, ITIL and British Standards awards.

• Assist in establishing collaborative working relationships with counterparts in DHCNI, BSO, HSC Trusts and other stakeholders.

• Attend Digital Services Networking meetings, forums and training as appropriate.

• Ensure that protocols governing information, confidentiality, security and data protection are complied with at all times.

• Contribute to the department databases and information systems as necessary to ensure that the information maintained is complete and accurate.

Development and Innovation

Assist in identifying new and innovative ways for Digital Services to support the delivery of the Trust’s services and the achievement of corporate objectives. Assist with all aspects of Digital Services Network Training within Digital Services.

Communication and Information Management

Help own, manage and communicate effectively on the performance of the agreed KPIs for the Digital Services Network Team

Quality

• Ensure robust standards and systems of governance exist for all IT Network & Communications functions. (to include the definition of specific system processes that can be automated where possible)

• Ensure that Digital Services Networking and Communications objectives adhere to national and regional standards.

• Proactively participate in Trust wide quality initiatives particularly those that may relate to the Digital Services Operations

• Assist and work with Digital Services Networks Management team to implement robust systems of risk management in the areas of Digital Services Operations

Financial and Resource Management

Support Digital Services Operations in the selection and procurement of all Digital Services related equipment in line with the Regional and Trust policies.

Maximise the use of Digital Services to achieve better value for money in the delivery of health and social care.

People Management and Development

• Ensure that the management structures and arrangements in the Digital Services Operations department support a culture of effective team working, staff recognition, continuous improvement and innovation.

• Participate in the Belfast Trust’s Staff Development and Performance Review Scheme. Review individually on a regular basis the performance of immediately subordinate staff. Provide guidance on personal development requirements and advice on and initiate, where appropriate, further training and development.

• Ensure that the Performance Review identified above is performed for all levels of staff within the Trust in accordance with the Trust Board’s policy.

• Act as advocate and promote good staff relationships and morale amongst the staff reporting to him/her and encourage the same level of good relationships and morale across all Digital Services teams and the wider BHSCT services teams.

• Delegate appropriate responsibility and authority to the level of staff within his/her control consistent with effective decision making whilst retaining responsibility and accountability for results.

• Participate as required in the selection and appointment of staff reporting to him/her in accordance with procedures laid down by the Trust.

• Take such action as may be necessary in disciplinary matters in accordance with procedures laid down by the Trust.

• Promote the Trust’s policy on equality of opportunity through his/her own actions and ensure that this policy is adhered to by staff for whom he/she has responsibility.

• Manage on a day-to-day basis so as to ensure that the needs of the service are resourced at all times. This will include ensuring that supervision is in place and that staff rotas are prepared and resourced.

• Ensure ongoing monitoring of sickness levels, annual leave etc. and ensuring that appropriate personal records are maintained for all members of staff.

In addition to the duties of your post there are additional duties that all employees of the Belfast Trust are expected to carry out. A summary of these can be found here.

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE: Senior Network Engineer

BAND: 6

DIRECTORATE: PPI

Notes to applicants

1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.

2. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined below at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.

3. Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage.

You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor: Qualifications / Experience

Criteria: Relevant degree or recognised professional qualification or equivalent in and IT or business related discipline and 2 years’ experience in a role supporting complex network infrastructures OR HNC/HND or equivalent higher qualification in an IT role and 3 years’ experience in a role supporting complex network infrastructures OR 5 years’ experience in a role involving complex network Infrastructures including at least one at Band 5 level

Method of Assessment: Shortlisting by Application Form

Criteria: AND • Demonstrate experience of designing, supporting and maintaining Layer 3 and Layer 2 distributed networks including TCP/IP addressing and quality of Service implementation • Demonstrate experience of supporting and managing switches, routers, firewalls and network monitoring tools. • Must demonstrate working knowledge of Cisco IOS • Experience of using and supporting Digital Services LAN/WAN hardware and software in a complex LAN/WAN environment with the ability to write good technical documentation

Method of Assessment: Shortlisting by Application Form

Factor: Other

Criteria: Hold a full current driving license valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment ‘Where disability prohibits driving, this criteria will be waived if the applicant is able to organise suitable alternative arrangements.’

Method of Assessment: Shortlisting by Application Form

HSC Values

Whilst employees will be expected to portray all the values, particular attention is drawn to the following values for this role

What does this mean?

Working together: We work together for the best outcome for people we care for and support. We work across Health and Social Care and with other external organisations and agencies, recognising that leadership is the responsibility of all.

Excellence: We commit to being the best we can be in our work, aiming to improve and develop services to achieve positive changes. We deliver safe, high quality, compassionate care and support.

Openness & Honesty: We are open and honest with each other and act with integrity and candour.

Compassion: We are sensitive, caring, respectful and understanding towards those we care for and support and our colleagues. We listen carefully to others to better understand and take action to help them and ourselves.

What does this look like in practice?

Working together: • I work with others and value everyone’s contribution • I treat people with respect and dignity • I work as part of a team looking for opportunities to support and help people in both my own and other teams • I actively engage people on issues that affect them • I look for feedback and examples of good practice, aiming to improve where possible.

Excellence: • I put the people I care for and support at the centre of all I do to make a difference • I take responsibility for my decisions and actions • I commit to best practice and sharing learning, while continually learning and developing • I try to improve by asking 'could we do this better?'

Openness & Honesty: • I am open and honest in order to develop trusting relationships • I ask someone to help when needed • I speak up if I have concerns • I challenge inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour and practice.

Compassion: • I am sensitive to the different needs and feelings of others and treat people with kindness • I learn from others by listening carefully to them • I look after my own health and wellbeing so that I can care and support others.