Darren Scott Franks
Cleethorpes,N.E.Lincolnshire
Summary
Experienced in delivering complex IT projects with a strong focus on CISCO technologies, including Meraki SD-WAN, Catalyst Routing and Switching, and ASA Firewalls. Proficient in designing, configuring, and installing CISCO Meraki Wireless systems and hardware such as security appliances, switches, and access points. Skilled in onboarding new business units into existing infrastructure to ensure seamless integration. Adept at managing and executing projects efficiently to meet organisational goals.
Driven individual with excellent verbal and written communication skills, coupled with ability to manage projects and build relationships effectively. Proficient in crafting engaging content and coordinating outreach initiatives.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Head of IT Infrastructure
Metroline Travel Ltd
Cricklewood, London
2022.11 - 2026.06
- Responsible for all aspects of IT Infrastructure at Metroline and other Business Units in UK and Ireland. Managing a team of 3rd line engineers to improve, maintain and optimise infrastructure both on-premises and cloud-based networks and systems. Ensuring IT infrastructure across all Business Units in the Braddell UK group are fit for purpose and secure. Leading and managing the Infrastructure team in performance and priorities, including objective setting and performance feedback. Maintaining IT infrastructure, ensuring it continues to meet the needs of the business. Deputising for Group IT Director as and when required. This role required me to also be heavily involved in technical duties, primarily around Networks, Firewalls and Telephone Systems.
- Managed vendor negotiations resulting in cost-effective solutions.
- Architected robust IT infrastructure for supporting business expansion.
- Participated in executive discussions contributing to key decision-making processes.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to deliver projects within deadlines.
- Undertook budgeting responsibilities optimising usage without compromising quality.
- Conducted regular system audits, maintaining high standards of compliance.
- Collaborated with stakeholders on project requirements for better resource allocation.
IT Team Manager
Rail Delivery Group
London
2017.07 - 2022.11
- Responsibility for managing the Infrastructure Team, Service Desk Team and Facilities Team. Leading and managing performance and priorities, including objective setting and performance feedback. Ensuring IT Infrastructure was fit for purpose and secure. This also involved managing connectivity to the purpose-built test centre to allow testing of all ticketing requirements across the Rail Industry. Delegation of tasks to Service Desk and Facilities Manager. Deputising for Head of IT as and when required.
Senior Network and Communications Officer
Compass Point Business Services
Manby Park, Louth
2007.11 - 2026.06
- My primary responsibilities include the Telephone PBX systems, Microsoft Exchange and the Data / Voice Network and Security Systems. I managed several separate PBX’s across multiple sites for 2 District Councils. I design, configure and manage the entire Call Routing architecture for multiple services including Customer Services, Leisure Centres and Theatres. I undertook a lot of Network Configuration duties including configuring and installing new Cisco switches, updating firewalls and Bluecoat Proxy. The work I have done above has resulted in significant cost savings, for example converting sites running their own Telephone to using VOIP. This has enabled expensive ISDN30 lines and maintenance of an old PBX to be ceased. Email applications I was responsible for included Microsoft Exchange 2003 and 2010 across 3 domains, Securemail, Message Labs and GFI Faxmaker. My role also involved day to day duties associated with a very busy IT Department, including work with Active Directory, Microsoft Office, hardware and software issues, Windows Desktops and Servers.
Infrastructure Assistant Lead
Compass Point Business Services
Manby Park, Louth
2014.07 - 2017.07
- My current role included all the duties I previously had in the role of Senior Network and Communications Officer. In addition, I help with the day-to-day management of the Infrastructure Team, giving direction and assistance to members of the team. I was responsible for the annual Penetration Tests for two District Councils, using the results of these to receive the PSN Code of Connection Certifications. Technologies I am heavily involved in are Cisco, Forcepoint firewalls, Bluecoat, Avaya Aura, AirWatch Mobile Device Management, VMware vSphere, Windows Servers, Microsoft Exchange. I also meet and discuss projects and work with members of the Company Management Team on a regular basis.
Systems Development Officer
University of Nottingham
Lenton Lane
2005.05 - 2007.11
I.T.Support Assistant
University of Nottingham
Nottingham
2000.11 - 2005.05
Technical Support Analyst
Healthy Software Ltd.
Ashby De La Zouch, Leicestershire
1997.11 - 2000.11
Support Analyst
Hydro Agri UK Ltd
Immingham Docks, Immingham
1994.06 - 1997.10
Computer Operations / Programmer
Sooner Snacks Ltd.
Scunthorpe
1988.11 - 1992.07
Education
Immingham Comprehensive School
1982.09 - 1988.07
NCC Certificate - undefined
Grimsby College
1988.09 - 1989.07
BTEC National Diploma - I.T. Applications
Grimsby College
1992.09 - 1994.06
Skills
- CISCO Meraki SD-WAN Design, configure and Install
- CISCO Catalyst Routing and Switching
- CISCO Meraki Wireless Design, configure and Install
- Onboarding new Business Units into existing Infrastructure
- CISCO ASA Firewalls
- CISCO Meraki Hardware including Security Appliances, Switches and Access Points
- Delivering Projects
TRAINING
- November 2016 Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall Administration
- June 2016 Blue Coat Certified ProxySG Administrator
- June 2016 Blue Coat Certified ProxySG Professional
- February 2014 Automating Administration with Windows Powershell 2.0
- June 2011 Designing and Deploying Messaging Solutions with Exchange Server 2010
- June 2011 Avaya Communication Manager Basic System Administration
- June 2011 Avaya Communication Manager ACD Admin & Vector Design
- June 2011 Avaya Communication Manager Advanced Administration
- November 2010 Configuring Managing and Troubleshooting Microsoft Exchange Server 2010
- April 2010 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2
- May 2009 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1
- July 2007 Managing and Maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment
- September 2005 Novell Network Management
- August 2005 Foundations of Novell Networking
- July 2005 Novell / Linux Administration
- December 2004 Implementing and Managing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003
- July 2004 Managing a Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Environment (2274B)
- January 2004 Introduction to Writing Web Pages
- January 2004 Microsoft Access – Skills Improvement
- September 1999 Overview of Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5
- August 1999 Installing & Configuring Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
- March 1999 Advanced Revelation - Introduction to Application Development & Programming
- September 1998 Advanced Revelation - OpenInsight Software
QUALIFICATIONS
- ITIL 4 Foundation
- Prince 2 Foundation
- Prince 2 Practitioner
- Cisco CCNA Switching and Routing
- Cisco CCNA Wireless
- Blue Coat Certified ProxySG Administrator
- Blue Coat Certified ProxySG Professional
- Forcepoint Next Generation Firewall Administrator
- BTEC National Diploma in Information Technology
- Certified Novell Administrator for Netware 6
- NCC Certificate
- Math’s ‘O’ (C)
- English ‘CSE’ (1)
- Geography ‘O’ (C)
- History ‘O’ (C)
- Physics ‘O’ (E)
- Additional Math’s ‘AO’ (C)
Timeline
Head of IT Infrastructure
Metroline Travel Ltd
2022.11 - 2026.06
IT Team Manager
Rail Delivery Group
2017.07 - 2022.11
Infrastructure Assistant Lead
Compass Point Business Services
2014.07 - 2017.07
Senior Network and Communications Officer
Compass Point Business Services
2007.11 - 2026.06
Systems Development Officer
University of Nottingham
2005.05 - 2007.11
I.T.Support Assistant
University of Nottingham
2000.11 - 2005.05
Technical Support Analyst
Healthy Software Ltd.
1997.11 - 2000.11
Support Analyst
Hydro Agri UK Ltd
1994.06 - 1997.10
BTEC National Diploma - I.T. Applications
Grimsby College
1992.09 - 1994.06
Computer Operations / Programmer
Sooner Snacks Ltd.
1988.11 - 1992.07
NCC Certificate - undefined
Grimsby College
1988.09 - 1989.07
Immingham Comprehensive School
1982.09 - 1988.07