IT network architect job description.
Thinking about hiring an IT network architect or progressing into a design-focused role? This job description outlines high-level responsibilities such as creating secure, scalable network designs, futureproofing infrastructure, and collaborating with senior stakeholders. It also includes salary benchmarks and advancement routes.
What does an IT network architect do?
An IT network architect designs enterprise-level network infrastructure, defining how systems interconnect across locations, users, and platforms. They set architectural standards for scalability, security, and performance.
Key responsibilities include developing network blueprints, selecting technologies, defining protocols and topologies, and ensuring designs meet business and security requirements. They work closely with engineers, cloud teams, and IT leadership on high-impact projects.
In SMEs, network architects may work across architecture and implementation. In enterprise environments, they focus on design only, contributing to large-scale initiatives such as data centre migrations, SD-WAN rollouts, or hybrid cloud integrations.
Key responsibilities of an IT network architect.
Network architects design robust, secure enterprise networks aligned with business needs. Their responsibilities typically include:
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Creating scalable network blueprints for LAN/WAN/cloud environments
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Defining protocols, standards, and topologies for enterprise use
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Planning data centre, remote access, and inter-office connectivity
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Selecting hardware, ISPs, and service providers based on needs
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Collaborating with infrastructure and security teams on network governance
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Overseeing implementation of network redesigns or new sites
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Testing failover, disaster recovery, and redundancy strategies
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Evaluating performance and capacity to support growth
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Documenting architecture decisions and updating network maps
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Supporting compliance with regulatory and industry frameworks
This role blends strategic design with practical implementation expertise.
Skills and requirements for an IT network architect.
Network architects design long-term network strategies for scalable connectivity. Employers typically look for:
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8–12 years of experience in network engineering and architecture
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Proven experience designing enterprise-grade network environments
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Deep understanding of protocols, routing, segmentation, and QoS
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Familiarity with Cisco, Meraki, Palo Alto, and hybrid environments
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Skilled in building high-availability, low-latency infrastructures
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Experience integrating on-prem, cloud, and hybrid networks
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Strong documentation, diagramming, and stakeholder communication
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Ability to advise on compliance, security, and access policies
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Confidence supporting audits, reviews, and business cases
Most network architects guide infrastructure connectivity and strategic planning.
Average salary for an IT network architect.
In the UK, the average salary for an IT network architect typically ranges from £60,000 to £90,000, based on network design, capacity planning, and technology strategy.
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Mid-level architects typically earn between £60,000 and £75,000
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Senior network architects with cloud, SDN, or hybrid expertise may earn between £76,000 and £90,000
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These roles often involve long-term roadmaps, cost modelling, and enterprise resilience
London and remote roles in global tech, consulting, and government infrastructure offer top-end salaries.
Career progression for an IT network architect.
An IT network architect designs and implements large-scale, secure, and high-availability network infrastructure. This is a senior technical leadership role that can progress into enterprise architecture or C-level positions. A typical path includes:
Network engineer / Technician
Installs, monitors, and maintains network hardware and software. Resolves day-to-day connectivity issues.
Senior network engineer / Network consultant
Manages firewalls, routing protocols, and enterprise security configurations.
IT network architect
Designs complex network systems from the ground up. Balances performance, compliance, and scalability.
Enterprise architect / Head of infrastructure
Shapes long-term tech strategy. Manages global infrastructure portfolios and security compliance.
CTO / Director of digital operations
Leads digital transformation, business continuity planning, and technology innovation.
salary guide
Our UK IT salary guide.
Network architects design secure, high-performing infrastructure to support long-term business needs. Salary should reflect planning, complexity, and architecture ownership.
Our UK IT salary guide includes senior infrastructure benchmarks, 2024 comparisons, hiring insights, and 2026 projections.
FAQS
IT network architect FAQs.
They design network strategy for the organisation — defining structure, security, and scalability across physical and virtual infrastructure. They lead on topology, resilience, segmentation, and alignment with cloud-first or hybrid strategies.
While engineers implement and managers run day-to-day operations, architects define how the entire system should be designed and evolve. It’s a strategic and planning-heavy role that supports business continuity and growth.
Most have 10+ years in networking, with experience in multi-vendor environments, SDN, zero-trust networking, and enterprise-grade routing protocols. Cisco, Palo Alto, or Juniper design experience is often critical.
They decide how new sites are connected, how failover is structured, how cloud and on-prem networks integrate, and what policies govern segmentation and access control. Their work affects both performance and compliance.
Some move into enterprise architecture or infrastructure strategy roles. Others become consultants, CISO advisors, or CTOs in tech-led businesses, especially those where connectivity is business-critical.
