📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Network Engineer
Company: Southern Cross Healthcare
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site
Category: Infrastructure & Operations
Date Posted: July 14, 2025

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibilities: Oversee network infrastructure, manage network support and maintenance, coordinate with vendors, plan network upgrades, and ensure network availability and reliability.
Key Skills: Networking technology, security principles, vendor management, project management, problem-solving, attention to detail, communication skills, interpersonal skills, and datacentre experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in networking technology and experience working with vendors to manage network support and maintenance. Excellent communication and project management skills are also crucial for success in this role.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Network Infrastructure Management: Oversee the management and maintenance of network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, and other network devices and services.
Vendor Coordination: Coordinate with third-party vendors to ensure timely and effective network support and maintenance, ensuring service levels are met, and issues are resolved promptly.
Network Roadmap & Strategy: Develop and maintain a network roadmap and strategy to align with business goals and technology objectives.
Network Performance Monitoring: Monitor network performance and ensure network availability and reliability.
Network Upgrades: Oversee network upgrades, including planning, execution, and post-deployment analysis.
Incident Management: Manage and coordinate the response to network incidents and outages, ensuring minimal downtime and effective communication with stakeholders.
Network Documentation: Maintain network documentation, including diagrams and procedures.
Collaboration: Collaborate with IT and security teams to implement network changes and enforce security measures.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a proactive approach to network management, with a focus on preventing issues before they occur and minimizing downtime when they do. Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail are essential for success in this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is preferred. Relevant industry certifications (e.g., CCNA, CCNP) are also valuable.

Experience: Proven experience in a similar role, with a strong background in networking technology and vendor management. Enterprise datacentre experience is desirable.

Required Skills:

Hands-on experience with networking technology and understanding of security principles
Excellent vendor management skills and ability to build strong relationships
Solid project management skills with experience in planning and executing network projects
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to obtain a MOJ security clearance (for enterprise datacentre experience)

Preferred Skills:

Experience with network infrastructure management tools
Knowledge of network protocols and standards (e.g., TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLAN, VPN)
Familiarity with network security best practices and compliance requirements
Experience with network automation and configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef)

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, experience with specific network infrastructure management tools and automation technologies would be beneficial for this role. Familiarity with network security best practices and compliance requirements is also important.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience with network infrastructure management, including routers, switches, firewalls, and other network devices and services.
Showcase problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot network issues.
Highlight successful network upgrade projects and their impact on network performance and availability.
Include examples of network documentation, including diagrams and procedures.

Technical Documentation:

Provide detailed network diagrams and topology maps.
Include network configuration files and scripts.
Document network troubleshooting processes and best practices.
Describe network monitoring and alerting processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, providing examples of network diagrams, configuration files, and documentation will help demonstrate your technical skills and attention to detail.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role in Auckland, New Zealand, is approximately NZD 90,000 - 120,000 per year, based on industry standards and the required experience level.

Benefits:

Five days of wellbeing leave per year
Health insurance for you and your immediate whānau
Life insurance cover and discounts on pet and travel insurance
Extra parental leave benefits and financial wellbeing support
Participation in the workplace wellbeing programme
Flexi leave and volunteer day opportunities

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this role are 40 hours per week, with flexibility for deployment windows and maintenance as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and the required experience level. The actual salary offered may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal salary structure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Southern Cross Healthcare is a not-for-profit organization focused on transforming itself and empowering New Zealanders to live their healthiest lives. With almost a million members in their care, they are New Zealand's leading health insurer.

Company Size: Southern Cross Healthcare has a team of over 1,500 employees, providing a large and diverse work environment for web developers and server administrators.

Founded: Southern Cross Healthcare was founded in 1956 and has since grown to become one of New Zealand's leading health insurers.

Team Structure:

The IT team at Southern Cross Healthcare consists of various departments, including Network Engineering, IT Infrastructure, IT Security, and IT Operations.
The Network Engineering team is responsible for overseeing the network infrastructure and ensuring its optimal performance.
The team works closely with third-party vendors to manage network support and maintenance and collaborates with internal teams to support network-related projects and initiatives.

Development Methodology:

Southern Cross Healthcare follows Agile methodologies for network management and project execution.
The network team uses a combination of Scrum and Kanban to manage network projects and maintain network infrastructure.
The team emphasizes continuous improvement and regular communication to ensure network performance and availability.

Company Website: Southern Cross Healthcare

📝 Enhancement Note: Southern Cross Healthcare's focus on transformation and empowering New Zealanders to live their healthiest lives creates an environment where web developers and server administrators can make a significant impact on the organization's mission.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: The Network Engineer role at Southern Cross Healthcare is an intermediate-level position, requiring a strong background in networking technology and experience working with vendors to manage network support and maintenance. This role offers opportunities for growth and development in network infrastructure management and architecture.

Reporting Structure: The Network Engineer reports directly to the IT Infrastructure Manager and works closely with the IT Security and IT Operations teams to ensure network performance, availability, and security.

Technical Impact: The Network Engineer plays a crucial role in ensuring the network infrastructure supports the organization's business goals and technology objectives. This role has a significant impact on network performance, availability, and security, as well as the overall user experience for Southern Cross Healthcare's members and employees.

Growth Opportunities:

Network Infrastructure Manager: With experience and strong performance, the Network Engineer may progress to a Network Infrastructure Manager role, overseeing the network team and strategic network planning.
Senior Network Engineer: Alternatively, the Network Engineer may specialize in a specific area of network infrastructure, such as network security or network automation, and become a Senior Network Engineer.
Architecture and Design: As the Network Engineer gains experience and expertise, they may also have the opportunity to contribute to network architecture and design, influencing the organization's long-term network strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Network Engineer role at Southern Cross Healthcare offers opportunities for growth and development in network infrastructure management and architecture. With experience and strong performance, the Network Engineer may progress to a Network Infrastructure Manager role or specialize in a specific area of network infrastructure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Southern Cross Healthcare's office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity. The network team works in an open-plan office, encouraging communication and collaboration among team members.

Office Location(s): Southern Cross Healthcare's headquarters is located in Auckland, New Zealand, with additional offices in other major cities across the country.

Workspace Context:

The network team has access to state-of-the-art network infrastructure management tools and automation technologies.
The team works closely with third-party vendors to manage network support and maintenance, ensuring service levels are met, and issues are resolved promptly.
The network team collaborates with internal teams, including IT Security and IT Operations, to support network-related projects and initiatives.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours for this role are 40 hours per week, with flexibility for deployment windows and maintenance as needed. The network team operates on a 24/7 basis, with on-call rotations to ensure network performance and availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Southern Cross Healthcare's modern, collaborative workspace and focus on innovation create an ideal environment for web developers and server administrators to thrive and make a significant impact on the organization's mission.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss your experience and qualifications for the role.
Technical Assessment: A hands-on technical assessment, focusing on your networking skills and problem-solving abilities. This may include network configuration exercises, troubleshooting scenarios, and network design challenges.
Behavioral Interview: A structured interview focusing on your communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. This may include questions about your experience working with vendors and managing network projects.
Final Interview: A final interview with the IT Infrastructure Manager and other key stakeholders, focusing on your cultural fit and long-term potential within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience with network infrastructure management, including routers, switches, firewalls, and other network devices and services.
Include examples of successful network upgrade projects and their impact on network performance and availability.
Showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot network issues.
Provide detailed network diagrams and topology maps, as well as network configuration files and scripts.
Document your network troubleshooting processes and best practices.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your networking fundamentals, including network protocols and standards (e.g., TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLAN, VPN).
Familiarize yourself with network infrastructure management tools and automation technologies.
Practice network configuration exercises and troubleshooting scenarios to build your problem-solving skills.
Prepare for behavioral interview questions focusing on your communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

ATS Keywords: Network Engineer, Network Infrastructure, Network Management, Network Support, Vendor Management, Project Management, Problem-Solving, Attention to Detail, Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Datacentre Experience, Network Protocols, Network Standards, Network Infrastructure Management Tools, Automation Technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Network Engineer role at Southern Cross Healthcare is designed to assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. By preparing thoroughly and showcasing your experience with network infrastructure management, you can demonstrate your qualifications for the role and increase your chances of success.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Network Infrastructure: Southern Cross Healthcare's network infrastructure includes routers, switches, firewalls, and other network devices and services from leading vendors such as Cisco, Juniper, and Fortinet.

Network Infrastructure Management Tools: The network team uses industry-standard tools for network infrastructure management, including SolarWinds, Nagios, and Zabbix.

Automation Technologies: Southern Cross Healthcare leverages automation technologies, such as Ansible and Puppet, to streamline network configuration and deployment processes.

Network Protocols and Standards: The network team adheres to industry-standard network protocols and standards, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLAN, and VPN.

📝 Enhancement Note: Familiarity with industry-standard network infrastructure management tools, automation technologies, and network protocols and standards is essential for success in the Network Engineer role at Southern Cross Healthcare.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Network Team Values:

Excellence: The network team strives for excellence in network performance, availability, and security.
Collaboration: The network team works closely with internal teams, including IT Security and IT Operations, to support network-related projects and initiatives.
Continuous Improvement: The network team embraces a culture of continuous improvement, regularly reviewing and enhancing network infrastructure and processes.
Customer Focus: The network team prioritizes the needs of Southern Cross Healthcare's members and employees, ensuring network performance and availability support the organization's mission.

Collaboration Style:

The network team uses Agile methodologies for network management and project execution, emphasizing regular communication, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration.
The team works closely with internal teams, including IT Security and IT Operations, to support network-related projects and initiatives.
The network team encourages knowledge sharing and technical mentoring, fostering a culture of learning and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Southern Cross Healthcare's network team values excellence, collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer focus, creating an environment where web developers and server administrators can thrive and make a significant impact on the organization's mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Network Performance Optimization: Identify and address network performance bottlenecks to ensure optimal network performance and availability.
Network Security: Implement and maintain network security best practices and compliance requirements to protect Southern Cross Healthcare's network infrastructure and data.
Network Expansion: Plan and execute network expansion projects to support the organization's growth and evolving business needs.
Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging network technologies and consider their integration into Southern Cross Healthcare's network infrastructure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Network Infrastructure Management: Develop your skills in network infrastructure management, including network configuration, deployment, and troubleshooting.
Network Security: Enhance your knowledge of network security best practices and compliance requirements.
Network Automation: Explore network automation technologies and their application in network configuration and deployment processes.
Leadership Development: Build your leadership skills through mentoring, coaching, and project management opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Network Engineer role at Southern Cross Healthcare presents various technical challenges and learning opportunities, allowing web developers and server administrators to grow their skills and make a significant impact on the organization's network infrastructure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Network Infrastructure Management: Describe your experience with network infrastructure management, including routers, switches, firewalls, and other network devices and services. Provide specific examples of network infrastructure management tools and automation technologies you have used.
Network Performance Optimization: Explain your approach to network performance optimization, including network troubleshooting, bottleneck identification, and resolution strategies.
Network Security: Discuss your understanding of network security best practices and compliance requirements. Provide examples of network security measures you have implemented in previous roles.

Company & Culture Questions:

Southern Cross Healthcare's Mission: Explain how the Network Engineer role contributes to Southern Cross Healthcare's mission of transforming itself and empowering New Zealanders to live their healthiest lives.
Network Team Collaboration: Describe your experience working with internal teams, including IT Security and IT Operations, to support network-related projects and initiatives.
Network Infrastructure Management Tools: Discuss your experience with industry-standard network infrastructure management tools, such as SolarWinds, Nagios, and Zabbix.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Network Infrastructure Management: Highlight your experience with network infrastructure management, including routers, switches, firewalls, and other network devices and services. Provide specific examples of network infrastructure management tools and automation technologies you have used.
Network Performance Optimization: Showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot network issues. Include examples of network performance optimization strategies and their impact on network performance and availability.
Network Security: Demonstrate your understanding of network security best practices and compliance requirements. Include examples of network security measures you have implemented in previous roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: By preparing thoroughly and showcasing your experience with network infrastructure management, you can demonstrate your qualifications for the Network Engineer role at Southern Cross Healthcare and increase your chances of success in the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Network Engineer position at Southern Cross Healthcare:

Submit Your Application: Click the application link and submit your resume, highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications for the role.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Tailor your portfolio to showcase your experience with network infrastructure management, including routers, switches, firewalls, and other network devices and services. Include examples of network performance optimization strategies and their impact on network performance and availability.
Research Southern Cross Healthcare: Familiarize yourself with Southern Cross Healthcare's mission, values, and culture. Understand how the Network Engineer role contributes to the organization's mission of transforming itself and empowering New Zealanders to live their healthiest lives.
Prepare for Technical Assessment: Brush up on your networking fundamentals, including network protocols and standards (e.g., TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLAN, VPN). Practice network configuration exercises and troubleshooting scenarios to build your problem-solving skills.
Prepare for Behavioral Interview: Reflect on your experience working with vendors and managing network projects. Prepare for behavioral interview questions focusing on your communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions about the Network Engineer role at Southern Cross Healthcare. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Network Engineer