Network Lead

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Network Lead to lead the design, operation, security, optimization, and strategic transformation of the organization's network infrastructure. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the availability, performance, scalability, and security of enterprise network services across data centers, campus environments, branch offices, cloud platforms, and remote users.

This role requires a highly skilled technical leader with extensive hands-on experience in core networking technologies, network security, Zero Trust architectures, vendor management, budgeting, and team leadership. The candidate must thrive in a fast-paced environment, be adaptable to changing business priorities, and possess a strong sense of ownership in delivering resilient and secure network services.

The Network Lead will work closely with Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Cloud, Application, and Business stakeholders to support both operational excellence and strategic technology initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Network Operations & Service Delivery

Lead the day-to-day management of enterprise network infrastructure across multiple locations, data centers, cloud environments, and remote workforce networks.

Ensure high availability, performance, and reliability of network services through proactive monitoring, maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Own operational support for:

Core and Distribution Switches

Enterprise Routers

Wireless LAN Controllers (WLC)

Wireless Access Points

Firewalls

VPN Infrastructure

Load Balancers

Internet Gateways

SD-WAN Platforms

SASE Services

ZTNA Solutions

Establish and maintain network operational standards, SOPs, technical documentation, and governance controls.

Lead major incident resolution and root cause analysis activities involving network outages and service degradations.

Drive continuous service improvement initiatives to improve network availability, user experience, and operational efficiency.

Network Architecture & Transformation

Define and implement network architecture roadmap aligned with business and cybersecurity objectives.

Lead evaluation, design, and deployment of modern network technologies including:

SD-WAN

SASE

ZTNA

Cloud Networking

Network Segmentation

NAC Solutions

Secure Remote Access

Network Automation

Collaborate with Cybersecurity teams to strengthen network security posture through Zero Trust principles and defense-in-depth strategies.

Drive network modernization and transformation programs across enterprise and cloud environments.

Participate in technology evaluations, proof-of-concepts (POCs), and solution selection exercises.

Network Security & Compliance

Ensure network security infrastructure is properly designed, configured, monitored, and maintained.

Collaborate with Security Operations, Governance, Risk, and Compliance teams to meet internal and regulatory requirements.

Oversee security controls including:

Next Generation Firewalls

IPS/IDS

Network Segmentation

Secure Web Access

VPN

SASE

ZTNA

NAC

Ensure timely remediation of security vulnerabilities and network-related audit findings.

Support security investigations, incident response activities, and forensic reviews when required.

Vendor & Service Provider Management

Manage relationships with network service providers, telecommunications operators, managed service providers, and technology vendors.

Oversee delivery and performance of external vendors supporting:

MPLS Networks

Internet Services

SD-WAN Connectivity

Cloud Connectivity

Data Center Connectivity

WAN Services

Managed Network Services

Establish and monitor service level agreements (SLAs), KPIs, and contractual obligations.

Conduct periodic vendor performance reviews and drive continuous service improvements.

Lead vendor selection, contract negotiations, and technology procurement exercises.

Financial & Budget Management

Develop and manage annual network operational and capital expenditure budgets.

Forecast technology refresh requirements and multi-year investment roadmaps.

Identify opportunities for cost optimization and operational efficiency.

Prepare business cases, technical justifications, and executive presentations for technology investments.

Manage budget planning across hardware, software, support contracts, licensing, telecommunications circuits, managed services, and professional services engagements.

Leadership & People Management

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of network engineers and technical specialists.

Assign resources effectively across BAU operations, projects, and strategic initiatives.

Manage workforce planning, capability development, succession planning, and performance management.

Establish team KPIs and operational excellence standards.

Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.

Provide technical leadership and guidance during critical incidents and major projects.

Project & Resource Management

Plan and manage network-related projects from initiation through implementation.

Prioritize resources, workloads, and project deliverables based on business requirements.

Coordinate cross-functional teams involving cybersecurity, cloud, infrastructure, application, and business stakeholders.

Ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with technical standards.

Support mergers, acquisitions, office relocations, data center migrations, cloud migrations, and digital transformation initiatives.

Operational Excellence & Automation

Drive adoption of network automation, orchestration, and Infrastructure-as-Code practices where applicable.

Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency using AI-assisted monitoring, automation, and predictive analytics.

Implement proactive monitoring and health-check mechanisms to reduce outages and improve service reliability.

Lead problem management initiatives and lessons-learned reviews following service disruptions.

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, or related discipline.

Experience

Minimum 10-15 years of progressive experience in enterprise networking and infrastructure operations.

At least 5 years in a leadership or team management role leading network engineers and technical specialists.

Proven experience managing large-scale enterprise network environments supporting multiple sites, data centers, cloud platforms, and remote users.

Demonstrated experience managing operational budgets, technology investments, and vendor contracts.

Experience leading network transformation initiatives involving SD-WAN, SASE, Cloud Networking, and Zero Trust technologies.

Experience managing managed service providers and telecommunications vendors.

Technical Skills

Strong hands-on experience with:

Network Infrastructure

Core Switching

Distribution Switching

Enterprise Routing

WAN Technologies

BGP

OSPF

MPLS

Wireless Technologies

Wireless LAN Controllers

Enterprise Wireless Networks

Access Point Deployments

Wireless Troubleshooting and Optimization

Security Technologies

Next Generation Firewalls

Network Segmentation

VPN Technologies

IDS/IPS

NAC Solutions

ZTNA Platforms

SASE Platforms

Connectivity Services

MPLS Networks

SD-WAN

Internet Services

Cloud Connectivity

Direct Connect/ExpressRoute

Hybrid Network Architectures

Cloud Networking

AWS Networking

Azure Networking

Google Cloud Computing Networking

Hybrid Cloud Connectivity

Network Security in Cloud Environments

Monitoring & Management

SolarWinds

Network Monitoring Platforms

Capacity Planning

Network Performance Analysis

Traffic Analysis Tools

Preferred Certifications

One or more of the following certifications:

CCNP

AWS Advanced Networking

Zscaler Certifications

Aruba Certifications

Key Competencies

Strong leadership and people management skills

Strategic thinking and planning capability

Excellent stakeholder management skills

Vendor and contract management expertise

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Financial and budget management acumen

Ability to work under pressure and manage critical incidents

Excellent communication and presentation skills

Strong ownership and accountability mindset

Adaptable, agile, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

What Success Looks Like

Stable, secure, and highly available network services.

Successful delivery of transformation initiatives such as SD-WAN, SASE, and ZTNA.

Effective management of vendors and service providers.

Strong operational governance and compliance posture.

Optimized network costs and technology investments.

High-performing and engaged network engineering team.

Continuous improvement culture focused on automation, resilience, and service excellence.