ICT Network Lead - Bicester & Otterbourne

professional who enjoys combining hands-on technical leadership with strategic thinking and service improvement.Main duties of the jobAbout the RoleAs ICT Network Lead, you will be responsible for the operational support, maintenance and strategic development of the Trust’s network infrastructure across a complex multi-site environment. You will provide specialist expertise across both on-premises and cloud networking technologies, ensuring the availability, performance and security of business-critical systems. You will work closely with all aspects of the wider digital team, including but not limited to cyber-security, telecoms and infrastructure teamsWorking within the Digital Network & Infrastructure team and reporting to the Network and Infrastructure Manager, you will lead on network design, implementation, optimisation and service improvement initiatives while acting as an escalation point for complex technical issues.You will ensure that the Trust networking provisions are operating effectively, co-ordinate resolutions, minimise impact upon operations and ensure the organisation has a fully documented functional design suite.About usAt South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), every role contributes to helping people when they need us most. Whether delivering frontline care, supporting our Emergency Operations Centres, or working in corporate and support services, your work makes a meaningful difference every day. Our values of Caring, Professional and Honest guide everything we do. We care for our patients, communities and each other, act professionally with pride and a commitment to excellence, and work honestly, building trust through openness, integrity and respect. We offer a range of learning and development opportunities, wellbeing support, flexible working where service needs allow, membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, and a variety of staff benefits. We also work in partnership with our recognised trade unions,Unison, Unite GMB and RCN, which provide members with workplace support, representation and advice.SCAS is proud to be an inclusive employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We strive to create a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are valued for who they are, and have opportunities to grow and succeed. Join SCAS and help us deliver exceptional care when it matters most.DetailsDate posted03 November 2026Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 7Salary 49,387 to 56,515 a year, Job responsibilitiesWhat We’re Looking ForWe’re seeking a motivated and experienced network professional with a passion for delivering reliable digital services in a 24/7 operational environment.The individual should possess a flexible approach to work, may be required to undertake out of hours working when situations dictate, and will participate in on-call technical support.Join SCAS and help build the digital foundations that enable exceptional patient care every day.Person Specification

EssentialPost Graduate Degree in IT, Networking, or equivalent experienceITIL Foundation certification (or equivalent knowledge)Evidence of continuous professional developmentDesirablePRINCE2 Foundation

Knowledge

EssentialExtensive experience in network/infrastructure support (3rd line level)Experience working in a complex, multi-site organisationProven experience in network design, implementation, and supportExperience managing enterprise network technologies (LAN/WAN, firewalls, routing)DesirableNHS or public sector experience

Skills

EssentialAdvanced technical knowledge of networking (TCP/IP, OSI model, LAN/WAN)Strong analytical and problem-solving skillsAbility to manage complex incidents and competing prioritiesExcellent communication skills, including explaining technical issues to non-technical usersAbility to work autonomously and make complex decisions Person Specification

Qualifications

EssentialPost Graduate Degree in IT, Networking, or equivalent experienceITIL Foundation certification (or equivalent knowledge)Evidence of continuous professional developmentDesirablePRINCE2 Foundation

Knowledge

EssentialExtensive experience in network/infrastructure support (3rd line level)Experience working in a complex, multi-site organisationProven experience in network design, implementation, and supportExperience managing enterprise network technologies (LAN/WAN, firewalls, routing)DesirableNHS or public sector experience

Skills

EssentialAdvanced technical knowledge of networking (TCP/IP, OSI model, LAN/WAN)Strong analytical and problem-solving skillsAbility to manage complex incidents and competing prioritiesExcellent communication skills, including explaining technical issues to non-technical usersAbility to work autonomously and make complex decisionsDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.Employer detailsEmployer nameSouth Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation TrustAddressSCAS wideBicesterOX26 6HRUnited KingdomEmployer’s websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameSouth Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation TrustAddressSCAS wideBicesterOX26 6HRUnited KingdomEmployer’s website