IT Network Engineer

Who are we?

South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England, and the Isle of Wight.

Join our team and help us continue to bring people together to get the most out of life.

About the job

The IT Network Manager will assist in supporting the SWR IT Network and Wi-Fi system to ensure it enables the delivery of a high-quality service to our end users. Delivery processes are in place to meet business needs. This position will involve liaising directly with stakeholders and requires that you establish and manage expectations within the business.

Travel is a key part of the role for the post holder as you will need to visit site to investigate faults and liaise with 3rd parties

Other key activities include configuring and installing of network equipment as well as ensuring documentation and assets are kept up to date.

The role will require the post holder to be self-motivated.

The role will require the post holder to support and improve IT networks and Wi-Fi to achieve a high standard of work to meet the expectations of the business.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Replace and configure network equipment as required.
• Work with suppliers to resolve incidents across the SWR network. Liaise with third parties when they are on site, ensuring they follow all appropriate guidelines and procedures.
• Create documentation for new and existing processes
• Keep documentation and records up to date as changes are made
• Ensure all cabinets are left neat, tidy and secure
• Support of the Wi-Fi environment
• Utilise available tools and systems (such as Cisco ISE /DNA to manage and support network equipment across all sites (including but not limited to network switches, Wi-Fi Access Points, FortiGate equipment, Wireless controllers, DNA servers, ISE Servers)
• Working with 3 parties to maintain system configuration and ensure systems work correctly
• Maintaining correct versions of software on network systems
• Working with other departments where equipment needs to be connected to the network
• Assist in diagnosing Network Faults either remotely or on site. Perform initial troubleshooting on third party networking equipment before escalating to their technical teams.
• Maintain the security of the network
• Contribute to network related project deliveries and support the introduction of new technologies or upgrades.
• Keeping your technical knowledge up to date and sharing with colleagues.
• Act as an escalation point for business-critical network incidents supporting 1st and 2nd line colleagues outside of business hours if required. Provide support or guidance to on call colleagues dealing with Networking issues.
• Perform regular reporting

You'll need to be:

• A passion for technology and networks
• Experience in a similar role
• Proven experience working with network management technologies
• Excellent organisational skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines
• Ability to demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, including occasional out of hours working
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information
• Self-motived and able to take responsibility
• Excellent prioritisation and time management skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Can show initiative and demonstrate a proactive approach to daily tasks
• Mentor and support junior team members, sharing knowledge and encouraging growth.

This description reflects the core activities of the role but is not intended to be all-inclusive and other duties within the group/department may be required in addition to changes in the emphasis of duties as required from time to time. There is a requirement for the post holder to recognise this and adopt a flexible approach to work. Job descriptions will be reviewed regularly and where necessary revised in accordance with organisational needs. Any major changes will be discussed with the post holder.

About the location

Basingstoke Train Station is an essential hub in the South Western Railway network. It offers a convenient link between the Southwestern counties of Bournemouth, Portsmouth & Southampton to London, Reading and Birmingham. It is a busy station with 5 platforms and is the home of Inspiration Junction, out Customer Experience training centre. It is also a short walk to Basingstoke Campus, a state-of-the-art training facility and office space shared with Network Rail.

Working pattern

Working an average of 37 hours per week over 5 days

Monday-Friday, office hours with an expectation to assist with critical network incidents out of hours

The Reward

In return we offer a competitive salary and a variety of valuable benefits, including:

• Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employees
• Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent)
• 75% discount on many other train operating companies
• Full training and support with development
• Excellent pension scheme

We all belong at SWR. Our vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.

We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.

We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.

If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below.  We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.

https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/

https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity/