IT Network Strategist

We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Network Operations Manager to lead and manage our enterprise-wide IT and OT network infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will play a key role in managing daily operations, overseeing major transformation projects, and driving secure connectivity across both corporate and industrial environments.

• Network Management: Manage enterprise-wide IT and OT network operations, including LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, VPN, Wireless, Internet, MPLS, and data centre connectivity.
• Uptime and Reliability: Ensure 24/7 network availability, reliability, and performance through proactive monitoring, diagnostics, and troubleshooting.
• Network Security: Implement and manage macro and micro segmentation strategies to enhance network security posture across IT and OT domains.

• Project Delivery: Lead technical delivery and end-to-end execution of network transformation and expansion projects (e.g., campus upgrades, cloud migrations, plant network segmentation, OT segmentation, new initiative roll-out, etc.).
• Collaboration: Coordinate with cross-functional IT/OT teams to ensure alignment with business objectives and compliance requirements.
• Project Lifecycle: Own project lifecycle from requirement gathering and solutioning to handover and documentation.

• Vendor Management:
• Negotiation and Monitoring: Manage relationships with OEMs, service providers, and system integrators to ensure optimal service delivery.
• SLA Governance: Negotiate and monitor SLAs, ensure issue escalation procedures are followed, and drive continuous improvement with vendors.

• Policies and Compliance: Establish and enforce network policies, standards, and compliance frameworks (ISO 27001, GxP, NIST, etc.).
• Security Policies: Develop and enforce network security policies and procedures to safeguard organizational data and comply with industry regulations.
• Audit and Risk Assessment: Coordinate periodic audits, risk assessments, and remediation's to meet regulatory and cybersecurity mandates.

• Network Security Controls: Implement network security controls including firewalls, NAC, IDS/IPS, and segmentation (macro & micro) between IT/OT zones.
  • Zero-Trust Architecture: Collaborate with the cybersecurity team to align on zero-trust architecture and secure data flows across environments.
  • Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of network engineers and analysts (L1L3).
  • Documentation and Knowledge Sharing: Develop SOPs, knowledge base articles, and ensure robust documentation for operational continuity.
  • Budget Management: Prepare and manage the network operations budget, ensuring cost-effective utilization of resources.

Requirements:

• Education: Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field
• Experience: 10-12 years of experience in network operations, with 3-5 years in leadership or managerial role

• Skills and Expertise:
• Enterprise Networking: Strong expertise in enterprise networking (Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, Palo Alto, etc.)
• SD-WAN and Hybrid Cloud: Hands-on knowledge of SD-WAN, NAC, micro/macro segmentation, and hybrid cloud networks (AWS/Azure)
• OT Protocols and Systems: Familiarity with OT protocols and systems (e.g., SCADA, PLC, Modbus) and secure IT/OT integration
• Vendor Governance: Proven experience in vendor/SLA governance, audit readiness, and compliance frameworks
• ITIL and Governance: Excellent understanding of ITIL, network governance, and enterprise change control processes