About Company
Peel Ports Group is one of the UK’s largest port groups, operating six major ports across the UK and Ireland, handling over 70 million tonnes of cargo annually. With a rich heritage dating back centuries, we are a crucial gateway for international trade and a vital contributor to the regional and national economies. We are committed to investing in modern infrastructure, pioneering sustainable practices, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance efficiency, safety, and connectivity across our extensive operations. Our diverse workforce is at the heart of our success, driving innovation and delivering world-class service to our customers. Joining Peel Ports means becoming part of an ambitious organization that values collaboration, professional growth, and making a tangible impact on global logistics.
Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Network Engineer to join our dynamic IT team, based at our operations in Bootle, Liverpool. In this critical role, you will be instrumental in ensuring the robust connectivity, stringent security, and continuous support of Peel Ports Group’s extensive network infrastructure. This encompasses our mission-critical operational technology (OT) networks, enterprise IT networks, and wide area network (WAN) links connecting our various port locations.
You will be responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of network hardware and software, including routers, switches, firewalls, wireless access points, and VPN solutions. A key aspect of this role involves proactive monitoring, performance tuning, and capacity planning to ensure optimal network health and availability 24/7. You will also play a vital part in identifying and mitigating potential security threats, implementing best practices for network segmentation, access control, and incident response.
This position requires a hands-on approach to problem-solving, a deep understanding of network protocols, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of service. You will collaborate closely with other IT teams, operational departments, and third-party vendors to deliver seamless network services that underpin all port activities, from vessel movements to cargo handling. If you are a dedicated network professional looking to make a significant impact within a complex, large-scale industrial environment, we encourage you to apply.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, implement, configure, and maintain network infrastructure including routers, switches, firewalls (Fortinet, Cisco ASA), and wireless solutions.
- Monitor network performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions to optimize network efficiency and reliability.
- Proactively identify and resolve network incidents, perform root cause analysis, and implement preventative measures.
- Manage and maintain network security, including firewall rules, VPNs, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDPS), and access controls.
- Participate in network architecture discussions, capacity planning, and technology evaluations.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including diagrams, configurations, and procedural guides.
- Provide technical support and guidance to IT support teams and other departments on network-related issues.
- Ensure compliance with security policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with third-party vendors and service providers for network-related projects and support.
- Participate in an on-call rotation to provide out-of-hours support for critical network incidents.
Required Skills
- Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in network engineering within an enterprise environment.
- Strong proficiency in TCP/IP, routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP), and switching technologies (VLANs, STP, EtherChannel).
- Extensive experience with Cisco networking equipment (routers, switches) and IOS/NX-OS.
- Proven experience with firewall management and security best practices (e.g., Fortinet FortiGate, Cisco ASA).
- Experience with VPN technologies (IPsec, SSL VPN).
- Knowledge of network monitoring and management tools.
- Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, operational environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or equivalent certification.
- Experience with wireless network technologies (e.g., Cisco Meraki, Aruba).
- Familiarity with network automation tools and scripting (e.g., Python, Ansible).
- Experience with SD-WAN technologies.
- Knowledge of industrial network protocols (e.g., Modbus TCP, PROFINET) or Operational Technology (OT) networks.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-related bonuses.
- Comprehensive health and dental insurance.
- Generous pension scheme.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Life assurance cover.
- Employee assistance program.
- Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
- On-site parking.
- Supportive and collaborative work environment.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to learn more about our opportunities and apply by clicking the application link below. Please ensure your CV and cover letter highlight your relevant experience and qualifications for this Network Engineer role. We look forward to reviewing your application.