Technical Project Manager - Network & Infrastructure Refresh
Description
Technical Project Manager - Network & Infrastructure RefreshLocation:North London (2-3 days per week onsite non-negotiable)Rate:Up to £650/day (Inside IR35)Contract:6-8 months | Start: ImmediateClient:Local GovernmentOverviewSalt are partnered with a North London Local Authority delivering a large-scaleNetwork and Infrastructure Modernisation Programme.This role will lead delivery of amulti-site network transformation, replacing end-of-life Cisco and Aruba infrastructure with acloud-managed, resilient, and scalable architectureto support hybrid working and the council's digital strategy.It's a visible and hands-on role within theDigital Delivery Team, working with stakeholders across Infrastructure, Architecture, Security, and Procurement.Programme ContextThe current environment is based on legacy Cisco and Aruba systems, a hub-and-spoke WAN model, and ageing LAN switches. This setup limits performance, introduces single points of failure, and constrains the rollout of modern technologies such as Wi-Fi 6.The modernisation programme will transition the council to acloud-managed distributed architecture, introducingDirect Internet Access (DIA)at each site to enhance resilience, security, and performance.Delivery is structured into multiple workstreams:LAN, WLAN, WAN/DIA, and remote access.Key ResponsibilitiesLead end-to-end delivery of the network and infrastructure refresh across all workstreams.Develop and maintain delivery plans, test strategies, and implementation roadmaps.Coordinate internal technical teams, external suppliers, and contractors to meet quality and governance standards.Oversee procurement activity (spec writing, tender coordination, contract award) in partnership with Corporate Procurement.Manage full lifecycle delivery from pilot testing through to deployment and operational handover.Ensure all technical changes are governed through CAB and comply with organisational security standards.Manage communications and user readiness for changes such as MFA and access policies.Track CAPEX timelines to ensure all equipment is receipted by the 31st March deadline.Provide clear reporting to senior stakeholders: board updates, risk logs, and escalation management.Maintain focus on delivery outcomes: improved performance, reduced risk, and long-term cost efficiency.Essential ExperienceProven record delivering large-scale network and infrastructure projects across multi-site or complex environments.Strong understanding of modern network architectures, including:Cloud-managed Wi-Fi (Cisco Meraki, Aruba Central or equivalent)LAN refresh (PoE++, multi-gig switches)SD-WAN / SASE / Direct Internet Access (DIA)Azure-based hybrid remote accessExperience navigatingpublic sector procurement frameworksand supplier engagement.Strong track record managing technical teams and third-party vendors.Confident stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to explain complex technical change clearly.Experience operating withinformal governance(CAB, board reporting, risk/change management).Ability to work at pace to meet capital and fiscal deadlines.DesirableHands-on familiarity with Cisco or Aruba wireless technologies and Azure networking.Experience delivering projects to tight year-end budget deadlines.Understanding ofZero Trustprinciples and identity-based access.PriorLocal Government or wider public sectorinfrastructure delivery experience.Why ApplyThis is a chance to lead astrategically critical infrastructure transformationthat directly shapes how a major public sector organisation delivers digital services.You'll take ownership of a high-impact programme, working closely with senior stakeholders and leading vendors to deliver measurable improvements in performance, resilience, and security.*Rates depend on experience and client requirements Technical Project Manager - Network & Infrastructure Refresh Location:North London (2-3 days per week onsite non-negotiable) Rate:Up to £650/day (Inside IR35) Contract:6-8 months | Start: Immediate Client:Local Government Salt are partnered with a North London Local Authority delivering a large-scaleNetwork and Infrastructure Modernisation Programme. This role will lead delivery of amulti-site network transformation, replacing end-of-life Cisco and Aruba infrastructure with acloud-managed, resilient, and scalable architectureto support hybrid working and the council's digital strategy. It's a visible and hands-on role within theDigital Delivery Team, working with stakeholders across Infrastructure, Architecture, Security, and Procurement. The current environment is based on legacy Cisco and Aruba systems, a hub-and-spoke WAN model, and ageing LAN switches. This setup limits performance, introduces single points of failure, and constrains the rollout of modern technologies such as Wi-Fi 6. The modernisation programme will transition the council to acloud-managed distributed architecture, introducingDirect Internet Access (DIA)at each site to enhance resilience, security, and performance. Delivery is structured into multiple workstreams:LAN, WLAN, WAN/DIA, and remote access. Lead end-to-end delivery of the network and infrastructure refresh across all workstreams. Develop and maintain delivery plans, test strategies, and implementation roadmaps. Coordinate internal technical teams, external suppliers, and contractors to meet quality and governance standards. Oversee procurement activity (spec writing, tender coordination, contract award) in partnership with Corporate Procurement. Manage full lifecycle delivery from pilot testing through to deployment and operational handover. Ensure all technical changes are governed through CAB and comply with organisational security standards. Manage communications and user readiness for changes such as MFA and access policies. Track CAPEX timelines to ensure all equipment is receipted by the 31st March deadline. Provide clear reporting to senior stakeholders: board updates, risk logs, and escalation management. Maintain focus on delivery outcomes: improved performance, reduced risk, and long-term cost efficiency. Proven record delivering large-scale network and infrastructure projects across multi-site or complex environments. Strong understanding of modern network architectures, including:Cloud-managed Wi-Fi (Cisco Meraki, Aruba Central or equivalent)LAN refresh (PoE++, multi-gig switches)SD-WAN / SASE / Direct Internet Access (DIA)Azure-based hybrid remote access Cloud-managed Wi-Fi (Cisco Meraki, Aruba Central or equivalent) LAN refresh (PoE++, multi-gig switches) SD-WAN / SASE / Direct Internet Access (DIA) Azure-based hybrid remote access Experience navigatingpublic sector procurement frameworksand supplier engagement. Strong track record managing technical teams and third-party vendors. Confident stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to explain complex technical change clearly. Experience operating withinformal governance(CAB, board reporting, risk/change management). Ability to work at pace to meet capital and fiscal deadlines. Hands-on familiarity with Cisco or Aruba wireless technologies and Azure networking. Experience delivering projects to tight year-end budget deadlines. Understanding ofZero Trustprinciples and identity-based access. PriorLocal Government or wider public sectorinfrastructure delivery experience. This is a chance to lead astrategically critical infrastructure transformationthat directly shapes how a major public sector organisation delivers digital services. You'll take ownership of a high-impact programme, working closely with senior stakeholders and leading vendors to deliver measurable improvements in performance, resilience, and security. *Rates depend on experience and client requirements