Principal Network and Infrastructure Specialist

We’re looking for a Principal Network and Infrastructure Specialist to take ownership of a diverse and business-critical network estate, spanning core switching, enterprise Wi-Fi, and voice systems across key sites including transport hubs, offices, and partner locations. From managing Cisco-based switching environments and VLAN configurations to supporting Aruba wireless networks, you’ll be at the heart of keeping people, places, and services connected. 

This isn’t just about maintaining infrastructure, it’s about leading it. You’ll drive the evolution of network services across both on-premise and cloud environments, acting as the go-to expert for troubleshooting, optimisation, and transformation. Working closely with internal teams and partners such as Midland Metro Limited, you’ll ensure resilient, secure, and high-performing connectivity that supports critical public services. 

If you’re someone who thrives on deep technical challenges, enjoys working across complex multi-site environments, and wants to play a key role in modernising network infrastructure at scale, this is your opportunity to make a tangible impact.

Please note that this is a 6 month fixed term contract.

What you’ll be doing.

• Lead, manage, and continuously develop the organisation’s network, voice, and connectivity infrastructure across cloud and on-premises environments, ensuring alignment with the Tech and Insights strategy and industry best practice. 
• Provide expert technical leadership and 3rd-line support for highly complex infrastructure issues and transformation projects, making independent, informed technical decisions to maintain resilient and secure services. 
• Ensure the network infrastructure is secure, reliable, and recoverable by overseeing performance, monitoring, backup, disaster recovery, and compliance with cyber security, data protection, and governance standards. 
• Drive the adoption of modern, scalable architectures and automation, identifying opportunities for improvement, managing risks and dependencies, and delivering solutions that provide value for money. 
• Oversee and support the delivery of infrastructure services through effective collaboration with internal teams, contracted resources, and external suppliers, while contributing to skills development and knowledge resilience within Digital and Data. 

What’s essential.

• Extensive experience within networking and infrastructure environments, including but not limited to Cloud virtual networking, LAN / WAN, Firewalls, Voice and Wireless technologies. 
• Extensive experience administering, configuring, and designing a multisite and hybrid cloud enterprise network environment. 
• A good understanding of network and infrastructure roadmaps and the ability to evaluate the applicability for business productivity solutions in accordance with the Digital and Data strategy 
• Experience of deploying hybrid cloud networking and infrastructure solutions, such as Managed service WAN’s, Multi site enterprise LAN’s, enterprise Wireless solutions, virtual cloud networking and secure resilient network environment and technologies 
• Experience with core network technologies such as data and voice networks, routing, Layer 3 switching, firewall configuration, VLAN’s, Software defined network technologies and secure resilient design principles. 
• Extensive knowledge of supporting layer 2 / 3 Cisco and HP Aruba network environments and virtual networking 

Please refer to the job description for a full list of duties and essential criteria.

Location.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply. 

Applying for a role with WMCA is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started.

1. Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. It’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

We cannot stop anyone from using AI to help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs). 
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days. 
• EV car benefit scheme
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more. You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.   
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top-rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses. 

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Our Values and Behaviours. 

Fostering an environment where people feel valued, included, supported, and proud to contribute to our region is important to us at the WMCA. Our behaviours are more than statements; they guide how we work, make decisions, and treat one another - they set the standards we hold ourselves to and the experience we want others to have.

• Collaborative - We work as one organisation, building trust, connection and shared purpose across teams, partners and customers to create the biggest impact for our region.
• Driven - Focussed on impact - leading with clarity, care and courage to deliver meaningful results for the West Midlands. 
• Inclusive - Every voice matters - we create belonging, fairness and psychological safety so everyone can thrive. 
• Innovative - We think future and act smarter - embracing curiosity, creativity and continuous improvement to shape the future. 

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We are also proud to be a Ban the Box employer, which means we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and will only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks, which helps us remove barriers for people with past convictions and supporting fair opportunities for all.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).