IT Network Transformation & Security Head

Position Overview:

This is a senior leadership role within the BFSI sector, responsible for leading enterprise-wide IT infrastructure, network transformation, cybersecurity, and operations. The role demands 15+ years of deep, hands-on experience in designing and managing resilient, secure, and high-performance enterprise networks, large-scale information security implementations, regulatory compliance, and building high-performing teams to support business growth and risk management.

Key Responsibilities :

Network Infrastructure & Transformation

• Lead and manage enterprise-wide network infrastructure spanning multiple datacenters, hybrid/multi-cloud environments (AWS, Azure), 200+ branches, Exchange Colocation (Colo), and international HFT connectivity.
• Hands-on leadership in designing, deploying, optimizing, and troubleshooting MPLS/WAN, low-latency, and high-availability network platforms.
• Architect, modernize, and optimize ultra-low latency networks for Exchange Colo and HFT connectivity with domestic and international clients.

Cybersecurity & Information Security

• Design, implement, and manage enterprise-wide information security solutions including firewalls, IDS/IPS, load balancers, secure Wi-Fi, and cybersecurity frameworks.
• Lead Zscaler ZTNA implementation, maintenance, and optimization for secure access across distributed environments.
• Conduct hands-on risk assessments, define security policies, and oversee implementation across domestic and international offices.
• Architect and deploy network security solutions to support cybersecurity risk management, audits, and regulatory compliance.

Compliance, Governance & Risk Management

• Manage NSE/BSE/SEBI, RBI, and other regulatory audits, including VAPT, governance reviews, SOPs, and cybersecurity policy compliance.
• Own closure of audit observations and ensure continuous compliance with regulatory and internal standards.
• Ensure high availability, uptime, and operational excellence of critical systems.

Datacenter, DR & Business Continuity

• Lead datacenter and DR strategy, migrations, and transformations.
• Plan and execute DR drills, BCP implementations, and critical incident responses.
• Drive IT modernization initiatives focused on resilience, scalability, and high availability.

Collaboration & Unified Communications

• Oversee IP Telephony, Unified Communications, ancillary systems, and enterprise audio-visual solutions.
• Ensure secure, scalable collaboration tools and office technology blueprints aligned with business needs.

Stakeholder & Vendor Management

• Engage senior internal stakeholders and external partners on network designs, transformation initiatives, and modernization programs.
• Lead vendor governance, contract negotiations, budgeting, and performance management across multi-vendor environments.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills to align technology initiatives with business objectives.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 5+ members, driving SLA adherence, operational excellence, and succession planning.
• Build and sustain high-performing IT teams with a strong culture of ownership and accountability.
• Lead large-scale transformation projects while maintaining day-to-day operational stability.

Budget & Cost Optimization

• Own the annual infrastructure and security budget.
• Drive year-on-year cost optimization while improving resilience, performance, and security.
• Implement governance frameworks for budgeting, vendor spend, and operational efficiency.

Requirements & Qualifications :

Experience

• 20+ years of hands-on IT leadership experience in BFSI or consulting environments
• Proven track record in network transformation, cybersecurity leadership, and delivery of large-scale, mission-critical projects.

Certifications

• CCNA (mandatory)
• Cisco Information Security Specialist
• Cisco Firewall Specialist
• Cisco Wireless Technologies

Mandatory Hands-On Expertise

• Cloud and datacenter strategy, hybrid cloud architectures, DR/BCP planning and execution.
• Ultra-low latency trading platforms and Exchange Colo (NSE/BSE/MCX) end-to-end setup and operations.
• Enterprise-wide secure wireless deployments and Zscaler ZTNA implementations at scale.
• Regulatory audits (NSE/BSE/SEBI/RBI), VAPT execution, and closure of findings.
• Unified Communications, IP Telephony, and secure collaboration platforms.
• Vendor management, SLAs, cost optimization, and open-source initiatives.
• Technologies: Arista, Cisco Nexus, Palo Alto, Zscaler.

Competencies

• Strong business acumen with a risk-first mindset.
• Excellent people leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong communication skills for executive, team, and vendor interactions.

This role requires a hands-on leader who can balance strategic vision with deep technical execution in a highly regulated, high-availability BFSI environment.

Regards,

Team HR