Senior Network Operations Centre Engineer

We’re building an inclusive work environment

Here at Zen your gender, race, ethnicity, neurodiversity, sexuality, sub culture, size, introversion, extraversion, family background and everything else that shapes you does matter to us. Because they matter to you and are part of who you are.

We’re interested in you as an individual and here you’ll find opportunities to develop, be recognised and hopefully enjoy yourself along the way. So don’t hold back, there is a warm welcome for everyone at Zen and we look forward to meeting you.

The hiring manager for this role isLou L, NOC Manager. We appreciate that sometimes it’s helpful to talk about the role with someone that works at Zen so if you wish to find out more or discuss any details you’re not sure about, feel free to get in touch by calling 01706 902 275 or if you prefer to send an email – you can to HR@Zeninternet.co.uk and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

The role

The Network Operations Centre (NOC) is part of the wider Network and Infrastructure team and maintains optimal service availability and performance for Zen's extensive UK National Network. This includes ensuring network stability, managing major incidents, monitoring performance, troubleshooting faults, deploying network tools, applying configuration changes, installing hardware and software, managing incidents, and maintaining project documentation.

The Senior NOC Engineer plays a critical role in the department, providing technical escalation, overseeing the onboarding and training of NOC engineers, and contributing expertise to projects that improve NOC systems and processes.

In this role, you will act as a technical lead, trainer, and mentor, and serve as a technical escalation point for complex issues. You will also take part in process improvement and development projects to enhance our NOC operations.

This role requires the ability to break down complex objectives into tasks and prioritise work within a broader N&I context. Effective communication with other business teams and departments is crucial. You must be able to convey ideas and information effectively, considering the technical understanding of your audience. A comprehensive understanding of networks and systems is essential, as you will work closely with teams across the Technology department.

NOC Engineers should possess a solid understanding of Zen's products and processes, a willingness to learn, and the initiative to solve a wide range of problems. In this role, you will set an example in these areas.

You should have a proven track record in this field. This role requires a wide range of skills, from networking to systems engineering, and to an awareness of industry technologies.

While the Senior NOC Engineer typically works a day shift, the department operates 24/7. As such, there may be times when you are expected to provide cover with reasonable notice, for which a shift allowance will be provided.

Responsibilities:

• Train and mentor NOC engineers.
• Create and deliver onboarding and upskilling programs.
• Serve as an expert in process improvement and development projects.
• Act as a technical escalation point for complex network issues and ensure timely resolution.
• Identify self-improvement areas and guide team members.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address skills and knowledge gaps.
• Consider the big picture and future implications during planning and work delivery.
• Maintain professionalism under pressure and manage challenging situations effectively.

Skills & Experience

• Prior experience working with network equipment in an IT environment, large NOC, or similar networking-related company
• Capability to work independently and manage workload efficiently
• Knowledge at above CCNA/JNCIA level (certification not necessary).
• Strong understanding of one or all of the following technologies: IP Protocols (ICMP, UDP, TCP), IP filtering and Firewalling, Routing Protocols (BGP, OSPF, ISIS), MPLS, Ethernet
• Experience with any of the following is preferred: Juniper, Cisco, Arista
• Basic Linux/UNIX skills are ideal but not required
• Demonstrated experience in team mentoring, training, or leadership

Benefits

• 2 x Life Assurance Cover, with option to flex upwards
• 25 days Annual leave, rising to 30 days with length of service, with the option to purchase up to 5 more.
• Access to private Medical Healthcare and a Healthcare Cash Plan
• An extra day off for your birthday
• Car salary sacrifice scheme
• Continuous learning and development
• Discounted Mobile plans
• Flexible and Hybrid working
• Free onsite parking
• Internal coaching and mentoring opportunities
• Onsite Contemplation and Prayer room
• Onsite Electric Car Charging points
• Optional flexible critical illness cover
• People-friendly policies
• Recognition awards where we celebrate the most awesome people
• Retail discounts
• Salary sacrifice Pension- minimum of 3% Employee contributions for a 5% Employer contribution
• Six monthly salary reviews
• Subsidised Nursery fees
• Subsidised Onsite Restaurant
• Superfast Free Reliable Broadband
• Travel Loan and Ride2Work Schemes
• Two days’ paid leave per year for voluntary work

About Zen

At Zen, we’re proud to do things differently. As the largest independently owned, and B Corp accredited, telecommunications and technology service provider in the UK, we’re not shackled by shareholders or short-term thinking, instead we strive for long-term goals that are aligned to our happiness objectives and driven by our desire to have a positive impact on our people, our customers, our partners, and the planet.

Grown from a pioneering ISP into a company that provides the full range of data, voice, hosting and cloud services to homes and businesses across the UK, we believe that good business is an ethical business, and we have two and a half decades of continuous growth to prove it.

Through our award-winning customer and technical support service we provide our customers with the capabilities they need to communicate, collaborate, and thrive in a highly connected world - supported by a highly robust and resilient independent network. Proud to be named the only Which? recommended provider for Broadband, winners of 18 consecutive PC Pro Best Broadband awards, a UK IT Industry Award for Services Company of the Year, and the UK Customer Experience Silver award for Technology & Telecoms.

We believe that business should be a force for good and we’re committed to improving the lives of our people, creating a better future through our community, charity and D&I work, and to make sure we look after our environment. Perhaps that’s why we’re a certified Great Place to Work TM , achieved Carbon Neutral Plus status and B Corp Certification!