James Carr

• Lead and mentor a team of 2 Network Engineers and 2 apprentices supporting the full IT infrastructure for 15,000+ students and staff across a multi-building campus.
• Manage and support the existing Extreme Networks edge environment (X460-G2 and 5420 EXOS) while planning and delivering a full 5-year refresh to Aruba edge switching.
• Delivered a major NGFW modernisation project, replacing a 15-year-old legacy firewall with a high-throughput cluster, resolving bottlenecks and achieving a 40% increase in network throughput.
• Developed and enforced robust network security policies including NAC, segmentation, and regular vulnerability audits.

Summer 2026 Infrastructure Modernisation Projects:

• Campus-wide Wi-Fi refresh: Migrated from Extreme wireless to Aruba Wi-Fi 7 managed via Aruba Central, deploying over 400 Wi-Fi 7 access points across the campus.
• Achieved consistent successful connection rates above 87%, significantly improving performance, coverage, and device density for 6,000+ managed devices.
• Core switching replacement: Successfully replaced ageing Extreme core switches with Aruba core infrastructure integrated into Aruba Central, improving reliability, visibility, and future scalability.
• NAC transformation: Led migration from Forescout NAC to Aruba ClearPass, enhancing authentication workflows, onboarding, and policy enforcement.
• Emergency alert system deployment: Implemented a new Schoolwatch emergency alert system across campus to not only meet but exceed emerging Martyn’s Law requirements, improving critical incident response capability and campus-wide safety.

• Redesigned campus network, focusing on core refresh planning and segmentation improvements to optimise overall network efficiency.
• Upgraded Extreme Networks environment, enhancing performance across 30+ edge stacks and 250+ wireless access points.
• Streamlined wireless security and onboarding processes for 6,000+ managed devices, improving user experience and security posture.
• Implemented and administered Microsoft Teams Telephony across the organisation.
• Supported major infrastructure replacement projects and collaborated closely with security and applications teams.

• Delivered first- and second-line support for 15,000+ users across campus, ensuring timely resolution of issues.
• Diagnosed and resolved faults in desktop, VDI, laptop, and AV environments, enhancing overall user experience.
• Enrolled, imaged, and deployed 300+ new devices during refresh cycles, facilitating seamless transitions for users.

• Assessed user needs and requirements, providing appropriate IT solutions in response.
• Improved system efficiency by performing routine maintenance and upgrades.
• Maintained company databases to ensure data integrity and security.
• Provided remote support during COVID-19 lockdown and trained staff and students on creative software packages to enhance their skills and maintain continuity of learning.

• Provided first and second line support across three sites, ensuring seamless IT operations for 1,500+ users.
• Supported AV equipment and coordinated with third-party vendors to deliver successful outcomes for high-profile projects.
• Obtained ITIL Foundation certification in 2017 and secured IPAF 3a/3b licence to enhance operational capabilities.
• Completed Level 3 IT qualification including CCNA and MTA.