📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Head of Network and Unified Communications
🔹 Company: Catholic Education Western Australia Limited
🔹 Location: West Leederville, Western Australia
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Ongoing
🔹 Category: Education Administration Programs
🔹 Date Posted: April 16, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Providing senior-level technical expertise and strategic direction within the context of networking and UC technologies.
- Establishing a Networking Centre of Excellence.
- Undertaking a network review of the CEWA environment and make recommendations for short, medium, and long-term strategy and solutions.
- Evaluating fit for purpose and commercially viable collaboration and telephony options for CEWA, ensuring they align with the CECWA Strategic Directions.
- Responsible for framing and running of Proof of Concepts.
- Designing and implementing solutions that provide CEWA a more reliable, secure, and resilient network.
- Developing a technology roadmap with all CEWA stakeholders to align technology to accomplish CECWA Strategic Directions.
- Proactively monitor and advise on data centre infrastructure and networking.
- Investigating and identifying analytical and problem-solving activities for the maintenance and support of a large and complex network environment.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of technical expertise and strategic thinking to deliver innovative solutions that enhance connectivity and collaboration across the organization.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Provide senior-level technical expertise and strategic direction within the context of networking and UC technologies.
✅ Establish a Networking Centre of Excellence.
✅ Undertake a network review of the CEWA environment and make recommendations for short, medium, and long-term strategy and solutions.
✅ Evaluate fit for purpose and commercially viable collaboration and telephony options for CEWA, ensuring they align with the CECWA Strategic Directions.
✅ Be responsible for framing and running of Proof of Concepts.
✅ Design and implement solutions that provide CEWA a more reliable, secure, and resilient network.
✅ Develop a technology roadmap with all CEWA stakeholders to align technology to accomplish CECWA Strategic Directions.
✅ Proactively monitor and advise on data centre infrastructure and networking.
✅ Investigate and identify analytical and problem-solving activities for the maintenance and support of a large and complex network environment.
✅ Review and advise on incident reviews and statistical reports.
ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of strategic planning, technical implementation, and day-to-day management of the network and unified communications infrastructure.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Relevant qualification or demonstrated senior-level experience having worked in a similar strategic and technical networking and unified communications position.
Experience: An agile leader with demonstrated experience in building a network function from the ground up.
Required Skills:
- Commitment to the objectives and ethos of Catholic education.
- Experience in cloud-based networking technologies and architecture.
- Knowledgeable in network security tools, tests, and best practices.
- Demonstrated experience in technology solution designs (compute, storage & backup) in a large and complex environment.
- Extensive knowledge and demonstrated experience of contemporary frameworks and technologies, including but not limited to: MPLS, Software Defined WAN, IP Telephony, LAN and Wireless LAN, OSI model, TCP/IP protocol, Azure Virtual Network Appliances and Network Security.
- Excellent problem-solving skills of moderate to high complexity through analysis, synthesis of potential solutions and test/deployment of technical solutions.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working within a Microsoft infrastructure domain with enterprise authentication mechanisms and messaging environments.
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in networking and unified communications, with a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions in a large and complex environment.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: AUD 164,875 - 186,432 full-time per annum plus superannuation (based on the CEO salary scale L1 to L4)
Benefits:
- 5 days additional paid leave when the office is closed (over Christmas and Easter)
- Salary packaging in line with our not-for-profit status
- Free onsite parking
- Corporate healthcare discounts
- Employee assistance program
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on the CEO salary scale for the position and is competitive within the education administration sector.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Catholic Education Western Australia is the state’s second-largest education sector, educating almost 20% of all school-aged children in Western Australia.
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Founded: Catholic Education Western Australia has been providing quality, faith-based learning and teaching for over 150 years.
Company Description:
- Provides quality, faith-based learning and teaching to more than 80,000 students at 162 schools and colleges across the state.
- Focuses on the development of the whole person – intellectual, spiritual, social, physical, and emotional development.
- Encourages applications from culturally diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with a disability or medical condition.
Company Specialties:
Company Website: https://www.cewa.edu.au/
ASSUMPTION: Catholic Education Western Australia is a large, well-established organization with a strong commitment to providing quality education and fostering the development of the whole person.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior-level, strategic role
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Chief Information Officer and has no direct reports.
Work Arrangement: Full-time, on-site position based in West Leederville, Western Australia.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow and develop the Networking Centre of Excellence.
- Opportunity to influence and shape the organization's technology roadmap.
- Possibility to expand the role's scope and team as the organization's needs evolve.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with the opportunity to make a real impact on the organization's technology infrastructure and strategy.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, professional office environment
Office Location(s): 50 Ruislip Street, Leederville, Western Australia 6007, AU
Geographic Context:
- Leederville is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, with a mix of residential, commercial, and retail areas.
- The office is conveniently located near public transportation and has ample parking available.
- The area offers a range of amenities, including shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Work Schedule: Standard full-time work hours, with flexibility for occasional overtime as needed.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is professional and collaborative, with a focus on delivering high-quality outcomes for the organization and its students.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-depth technical interview
- Final interview with the hiring manager
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical expertise in networking and unified communications
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work collaboratively and influence stakeholders
- Alignment with the organization's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant technical skills and experience.
- Be prepared to discuss your approach to network security, cloud-based networking, and technology solution design.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the organization's mission and values, and how your skills and experience align with their strategic directions.
ATS Keywords: Networking, Unified Communications, Cloud-based Networking, Network Security, Technology Solution Design, Strategic Direction, Problem Solving, Collaboration, Stakeholder Management, Catholic Education
ASSUMPTION: The application process is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their technical expertise and strategic thinking throughout the interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft infrastructure domain
- Azure Virtual Network Appliances
- Network security tools and best practices
- Contemporary frameworks and technologies (MPLS, Software Defined WAN, IP Telephony, LAN and Wireless LAN, OSI model, TCP/IP protocol)
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience working with the listed tools and technologies and be comfortable learning and implementing new technologies as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Catholic ethos and commitment to education
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Innovation and continuous improvement
- Accountability and stewardship
Work Style:
- Professional and respectful
- Adaptable and flexible
- Results-driven and proactive
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you demonstrate your commitment to the Catholic ethos and education?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to collaborate with stakeholders to deliver a complex technical project?
- How do you approach continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest networking and unified communications technologies?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with the organization's values and work style, and to provide specific examples of their technical expertise and collaborative approach.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role requires a high level of technical expertise and strategic thinking, which may be challenging for candidates without relevant experience.
- The organization is large and complex, which may present unique challenges in terms of stakeholder management and navigating the internal landscape.
- The role may require occasional overtime or working outside of standard business hours to address technical issues or projects.
- The work environment may be fast-paced and demanding, with tight deadlines and competing priorities.
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be able to thrive in a challenging and dynamic environment, with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on networking and unified communications within the context of Catholic education.
- Compared to similar roles in other industries, this position requires a strong commitment to the organization's mission and values, as well as a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the education sector.
- Career progression in this role may involve moving into a more senior leadership position within the organization or transitioning into a related role within the broader education or technology sectors.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of the unique aspects of this role and how their skills and experience align with the organization's mission and values.
📝 Sample Projects
- Designing and implementing a secure and resilient network infrastructure for a large and complex organization, with a focus on enhancing connectivity and collaboration.
- Evaluating and recommending commercially viable collaboration and telephony options that align with the organization's strategic directions and budgetary constraints.
- Developing and implementing a technology roadmap that aligns with the organization's strategic directions and ensures the effective use of resources.
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience working on similar projects and be able to provide specific examples of their approach and the outcomes they achieved.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the organization's current network infrastructure and the challenges you anticipate in reviewing and optimizing it?
- How do you approach collaborating with stakeholders to deliver complex technical projects, and can you provide an example of a successful collaboration?
- Can you explain how you stay up-to-date with the latest networking and unified communications technologies, and how you apply this knowledge in your role?
- How do you balance the need for innovation and continuous improvement with the need to maintain a stable and reliable network infrastructure?
- What is your approach to managing and developing a team, and how do you ensure that your team has the skills and knowledge needed to support the organization's technology roadmap?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to ask thoughtful and insightful questions that demonstrate their understanding of the role and their commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Apply now button on the job listing.
- Prepare a cover letter outlining how you meet the selection criteria (maximum of two pages).
- Update your curriculum vitae and submit it via the application portal.
- Prepare examples of your work or projects that demonstrate your technical expertise and strategic thinking.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the process.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
