Employer Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type NHS
Site IT Operations, 2nd floor, Regent House
Town Torquay
Salary £37,338 - £44,962 Per Annum
Salary period Yearly
Closing 11/04/2025 23:59
Communications Infrastructure Specialist
NHS AfC: band 6
Job overview
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.
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.
Detailed job description and main 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 sites.
* 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
* Educated to degree level or relevant equivalent experience.
* In-depth knowledge of all aspects of voice & data networking.
* In-depth knowledge of Service Management and ITIL best practice.
* ITIL V3/V4 Certification.
* Experience of working with CheckPoint, Fortinet, Palo-Alto & Cisco Firewall Technologies.
You will be joining the organisation at an exciting time. As the first fully integrated care organisation in England, we are working to improve the way we deliver safe, high-quality health and social care. We have a positive and vibrant working atmosphere, we are proud of our investment in our staff both in terms of developing potential career skills and valuing people.
If you provide support to a family member or friend with health or care needs, we aim to be a Carer-friendly employer. We have a ‘Staff Carers’ policy which includes flexible working where possible and a Carer’s Passport scheme that links you into support and discounts.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
* We reserve the right to close vacancies early if we receive a high volume of applications. Therefore, we encourage you to apply promptly.
* Please read the job description carefully and tailor your application to reflect the requirements of the role.
* Applicants who identify in their application form they are a part of the Armed Forces community will be guaranteed an interview, provided they meet the minimum essential criteria outlined in the job description and person specification for the role. Step into Health guidance can be found on our NHS Employers website.
* Correspondence will be sent via Trac, text, and email. Please ensure you check your email and Trac account regularly.
* Applicants with no previous NHS experience will ordinarily be appointed to the minimum of the band.
* If you have not received an invitation to interview within 28 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
* It is your responsibility to ensure the timely receipt of appropriate references.
The Trust is committed to preventing discrimination, valuing diversity and achieving equality of opportunity. No person (staff, patient or public) will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of the nine protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. If you require support you can obtain this from our Equality Business Forum which has representatives from all protected groups.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
This post will require a submission for Disclosure to be made to check for any unspent criminal convictions.
Name Joel Joseph
Job title Network, Telephony & Switchboard Manager
Email address joel.joseph@nhs.net
Telephone number 01803653424
Email is the preferred contact method.
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