Network Engineer Contract

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.This is an exciting contract opportunity for a highly skilled Network Engineer, available for remote or hybrid work across the UK or Europe, with an immediate start in the next few weeks. The role focuses on managing, designing, and implementing data centre network operations, alongside providing comprehensive routing, switching, Wi‑Fi, and firewall support for HQ and retail stores. Key responsibilities include troubleshooting, planning changes, scheduled maintenance, and supporting VoIP deployments, requiring in-depth experience with technologies such as Cisco (ACI, Nexus, Catalyst 9K, OSPF/BGP/EIGRP), Meraki, Aruba ClearPass, F5, and Checkpoint. Candidates should possess strong problem‑solving abilities, excellent communication skills, and a minimum of CCNP‑level Cisco expertise (ideally CCIE for datacentre topology understanding), coupled with a proven track record in a support environment and delivering to SLAs.What you’ll be doing:Manage the design/updates, and implementation of data centre network operationsRouting, switching, Wi‑Fi and firewall support for HQ and all retail stores.Troubleshooting Wi‑Fi, firewall and general connectivity support requests from staff.Planning and implementing changes.Performing scheduled maintenance across the network stack (patches/updates).Troubleshooting support requests for network authentication or performance issues.Planning, procuring, and implementing new retail store connectivity.Creating and maintaining thorough documentation.Supporting the deployment of VoIP to all retail stores.Configuration management and deployment in the event of hardware replacement or equipment failure.Provide escalation support out of hours for emergencies.What we want from you:In depth broad experience across the following technologies:Cisco – Core network (ACI, Catalyst 9K, Nexus, L2 and L3 switching, routing OSPF/BGP/EIGRP)Meraki – Edge Network & Wi‑Fi (including site to site VPN via MX200/250/400, switch stack management, L2 and L3 switching)F5 – Load balancingCheckpoint – HQ and Cloud Firewall (including site to site VPN)Experience working in a support environmentExperience troubleshooting/configuring and installing various network devicesUnderstanding of major routing protocols including BGP, and interactions between datacentre and WAN networksExperience performing network maintenance/upgrades and security configurationsDesign level experience to understand datacentre topologyExcellent problem solverExperience delivering to SLAs and deadlinesExperience with routing and switching (Cisco, minimum CCNP level to support existing equipment, ideally CCIE to cover datacentre topology)Able to work under pressureStrong Communication skills, able to speak to a wide range of audiences (technical and non technical)What we can offer you:Alongside the opportunity to work with some of the most exciting brands around the world, we’ll also prioritise your career development and help you grow your skills. We’ll empower you to make a difference, allow you to be yourself, and respect who you are.We offer a great benefits package including a discretionary bonus scheme, training opportunities, competitive pension, medical insurance, life assurance, social events, opportunities to buy and sell holidays, family friendly policies, discounts with hundreds of retailers and much more.Our personality and behaviours: We believe that we are what we do, not just what we say. Our shared values and behaviours show how to bring the VML Enterprise Solution's culture to life through the actions we all take every day:Connect MeaningfullyInclude PurposefullyOur brilliant, talented people are what makes VML Enterprise Solutions what we are. That’s why we look for people who go beyond and always push our thinking to be better than yesterday.AT VML Enterprise SolutionsOur Enterprise Solutions division houses strategic consultants, creative and technical architects and skilled developers and operators that together help some of the world’s leading organisations to deliver outstanding digital experiences across all major routes to market worldwide: marketplaces, online retailers, D2C, B2B and social platforms. With over 4,200 experts in 55 operational centres across 34 countries, our capabilities span the entire buying journey from customer acquisition, through engagement, to conversion and loyalty, driving multi‑channel growth for world‑leading brands.We work with some of the most exciting brands such as The Coca‑Cola Company, EY, Bosch, Unilever, Ford, DFS, Mercedes‑Benz, Johnson & Johnson, Nestlé, Sainsbury’s, Selfridges, Shell and Tiffany & Co. We’ve built over 500 platforms for brands and retailers and generate in excess of $29bn annually for our clients and work with over 50 strategic partners including Adobe, SAP, Salesforce, HCL, Shopify, Sitecore, BigCommerce, commerce tools and Acquia. Our reputation is based on our people, and we believe we have some of the best in the business.As our business grows internationally, we’re looking for new people to join us on our journey to inspire and take a key role in shaping some of the best commerce solutions, services, and websites in the world. Working as a team, no problem is insurmountable; we share in our client’s successes and believe that anyone can show creative bravery no matter what their role is in the team.WPP (VML Enterprise Solutions) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers. #J-18808-Ljbffr