Technical Lead (Firewall & Network Security)
Contract Duration: ASAP – 18/10/26
Hybrid Working Model: 3 Days onsite / 2 Days remote

The Cyber Security Program is responsible for delivering information security priorities to enable modern service delivery whilst maintaining network security.
The program requires a highly experienced technical resource specialising in Check Point firewalls and F5 load balancers to lead and support the delivery of firewall projects, ensuring technical deliverables are completed successfully within agreed performance criteria.

About the Role
Reporting to the Technical Delivery Manager, the Principal Technical Specialist will play a technical lead role in the implementation and management of firewall replacements and upgrades. The role will provide advanced technical expertise, hands-on implementation, and strategic advice on firewall infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance, compliance, and security.

Duties will include:
• Lead the deployment, upgrade, and configuration of Check Point firewalls and Palo Alto solutions, plus F5 LTM/GTM, WAF technologies, transitioning new capability into operations.
• Support and optimise firewall environments across Check Point firewalls and Palo Alto SWG, ensuring alignment with security standards and enterprise service levels.
• Integrate firewall solutions using Cisco routing and switching to maintain seamless connectivity and high availability.
• Work with suppliers, integrators, project teams and operational teams to ensure successful delivery.
• Manage and optimise firewall rule bases using Network Security Policy Management tools and support ongoing compliance and policy governance.
• Monitor firewall performance and health using SolarWinds, proactively identifying and resolving issues.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and expert advice to project and BAU teams.
• Develop and maintain supporting documentation including solution designs, change plans, implementation plans, testing and configuration artefacts.
• Contribute to the evolution of network security strategy through guidance on emerging requirements and best practices.

The ideal candidate will have:
• Extensive hands-on experience with Check Point firewall technologies (build, replacement, upgrades, troubleshooting, and policy optimisation).
• Practical expertise with Palo Alto capabilities in enterprise deployments.
• Strong background in Cisco routing and switching, particularly in firewall integration.
• Demonstrated use of AlgoSec (or equivalent NSPM tools) for policy management and compliance.
• Experience using SolarWinds or similar platforms for monitoring and reporting.
• Ability to deliver high-quality technical artefacts (configurations, implementation designs, change/rollback procedures).
• Solid understanding of cyber security frameworks, processes, and standards, with a focus on change management and service management practices.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Assessment Criteria
Proven understanding and working knowledge of technical domains including:
– Check Point firewalls, SmartConsole, and firewall management architectures
– Palo Alto capabilities and policy management
– Cisco routing and switching in enterprise environments
– F5 GTM, LTM and WAF solutions
– Security networking technologies
– Gateway technologies such as proxies and secure web gateways
– Firewall monitoring and reporting tools such as SolarWinds and rulebase management with AlgoSec