Stadium Network Engineer

Job purpose:  The Stadium Network Engineer role is responsible for ensuring all business-as-usual systems are kept operational by working with internal and external IT stakeholders, ensuring fully functioning IT infrastructure and suite of network applications and devices to support the organisation. Input into the design of systems architecture, including ensuring that all integrations are stable, and that full documentation exists to support and explain our infrastructure. This role will support the Group Head of Technology in looking at opportunities wherever possible to simplify systems, reduce unnecessary complexity always with a view to improving the efficiency of people, processes, and systems in use across the organisation.

Role Competencies:

Planning Timescales:

·        Take ownership, plan and prioritise network maintenance, system upgrades, and project rollouts effectively.

·        Takes accountability for anticipating system dependencies and ensures continuity across Stadium MK and related sites.

·        Act as the technical contact and escalation point for first and second-line network-related incidents, ensuring timely resolution.

·        Manage secure VPN and remote access solutions for staff and systems.

·        Monitoring of wireless systems – Enterprise and Residential.

·        Participate in planned network maintenance and upgrades, including firmware updates and hardware replacements.

Decision Making:

·        Acts as the lead technical authority for network security standards, resilience, and architecture, providing recommendations and escalation input, with final decisions approved by the Head of Technology.

·        Applies sound technical judgment in troubleshooting and configuration decisions.

·        Escalates appropriately and ensures alignment with IT policies and business continuity requirements.

·        Manage IT disaster recovery and ensure appropriate systems are correctly monitored with alerts in place.

·        Implement a robust IT change management process.

Impact & Influence:

·        Influences senior stakeholders by presenting network strategy, risks, and investment recommendations.

·        Builds trust and credibility with internal stakeholders and external suppliers through clear communication and timely issue resolution.

·        Supports collaboration between IT, operations, and event management teams.

·        Configure and maintain network devices (routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points), primarily Cisco-based.

·        Ensure smooth operation of voice, data, and video services over the network by working with the wider IT team.

·        Manage file systems, group policies, backups, and access permissions.

Skill Level:

·        Demonstrates advanced hands-on knowledge of network infrastructure, including Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, VLANs, and Wi-Fi systems.

·        Implement a robust IT change management process.

·        Ensure the highest levels of performance, security, stability, and reliability are maintained across the network and infrastructure.

·        Monitor, troubleshoot, and support the LAN/WAN/Wi-Fi network infrastructure across the Stadium and related sites, responding to incidents using tools like PRTG or SolarWinds.

·        Maintain documentation of network configurations, diagrams, and procedures for all infrastructure.

·        Maintenance of Moving Image asset and content systems, ensuring content delivery is secure and reliable.

Communication:

·        Communicates technical information clearly, adapting style to ensure understanding across technical and non-technical audiences.

·        Produces clear documentation, diagrams, and guidance, probing and listening to confirm requirements and understanding.

·        Liaises with service providers effectively, using informed questioning to resolve issues and maintain service quality.

·        Advises colleagues and stakeholders on physical security systems and building access, offering clear interpretation and expert guidance.

·        Provide technical support for all Audio-Visual (AV) systems and related network infrastructure within the stadium and event spaces.

Budget Management:

·        Supports IT cost-efficiency through vendor management, appropriate resource allocation, and adherence to procurement guidelines.

·        Identifies opportunities for cost savings within maintenance and operations.

Lead & Develop:

·        Leads by example, and provides day-to-day coordination, and direction to peers and colleagues across the department, maintaining professionalism under pressure.

·        Supports and guides junior IT staff and promotes best practices in system monitoring, security, and disaster recovery planning, offering technical direction when needed.

·        Contributes to and helps coordinate physical network design and capacity planning activities, supporting colleagues to ensure consistent standards and delivery.

·        Provides input into IT roadmaps, future-proofing work, and ongoing systems reviews, supporting the Head of Technology and collaborating with colleagues across the department to maintain alignment and quality.

Operating Parameters:

·        Responsible for network and infrastructure operations across Stadium MK and associated sites.

·        Provides technical escalation for first and second-line incidents, manages VPNs, ensures AV stability, and contributes to IT roadmaps and system improvements.

·        Monitor system health and performance, applying patches and updates.

·        Assist with virtualisation technologies (VMware/Hyper-V) and basic storage administration.

·        Assist in onboarding new sites, ensuring proper network connectivity and planning/implementing network infrastructure.

·        Manage Projects according to established frameworks (Prince2, Agile etc)

Essential & Desirable Job Criteria:

Essential:
• 3+ years’ experience in network or infrastructure support.
• Proficient in TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, WANs, VPN, and VOIP systems.
• Hands-on experience with Cisco routers, switches, and firewalls.
• Experience with Windows Server environments, Active Directory, and cloud administration (Azure, Microsoft 365).
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and prioritisation skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience in multi-site environments and disaster recovery planning.

Desirable:
• CCNA certification or equivalent.
• Microsoft Administrator certification (MCSA/MCSE).
• ITIL accreditation.
• Familiarity with SCCM, JAMF, OSX/Linux, PowerShell.
• Project management experience.

Safeguarding - We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children and young people (CYP) and at-risk Adults (ARA) Our expectation is that you will fully accept your responsibility for the safety and welfare of all CYP and ARA by being fully conversant with all our safeguarding policies and reporting anything that does not appear to be correct. The post maybe subject to an enhanced DBS check and yearly self-declarations.

Equality & Diversity – must be able to demonstrate that equality, diversity and inclusion will be maintained and developed across all programmes and areas of the business.