Network Lead

Role & responsibilities

Qualification and Skill Set:

• Minimum 10+ years of experience in enterprise networking.
• Expertise in managing large-scale, multi-site network environments with MPLS, SD-WAN, and internet failover.
• Certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, PCNSE, or equivalent are highly desirable.
• In-depth knowledge of routing and switching protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, STP, etc.).
• Strong hands-on experience with Cisco and/or equivalent enterprise-grade network equipment.
• Familiarity with Palo Alto firewall setup, security rules, and monitoring.
• Experience with VoIP infrastructure, including setup and QoS optimization.
• Proficiency in using monitoring and diagnostic tools (SNMP, NetFlow, Wireshark, etc.).
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage high-performing technical teams.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Network Architecture & Implementation

• Design, implement, and maintain enterprise-wide LAN, WAN, WLAN, and MPLS-based network topologies, ensuring scalability, segmentation, and high availability.
• Configure and troubleshoot routers, switches, load balancers, VoIP devices, and Palo Alto firewalls.
• Deploy and manage IPSec and SSL VPNs (GlobalProtect) for secure access.
• Lead network rollout and migrations across multi-site locations, including manufacturing plants and corporate offices, with minimal operational impact.
• Design enterprise Wi-Fi including controller-based deployments for plants and outdoor areas.

2. Network Monitoring & Performance Management

• Monitor network performance and uptime across all sites; proactively address bottlenecks and latency issues.
• Optimize routing efficiency, QoS policies, WAN throughput, and MPLS bandwidth allocation to support critical systems within manufacturing plant and offices.
• Maintain and optimize bandwidth allocation, route efficiency, and link redundancy.
• Ensure comprehensive network documentation including architecture diagrams, configurations, and SOPs.

3. Network Security & VPN Management

• Enforce micro-segmentation, VLAN isolation, and firewall policies to secure IT and OT networks and isolate mission-critical applications
• Administer centralized firewall policy configuration, update deployment, and log analysis through Panorama console
• Manage and secure remote connectivity via GlobalProtect VPN, including multifactor authentication (MFA), split tunneling, and endpoint posture checks.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity teams for incident response, compliance, and audits.
• Ensure network compliance with ISO 27001, NIST, and organizational security frameworks.

4. Automation & Optimization

• Develop scripts and leverage automation tools to streamline configuration, monitoring, and reporting.
• Identify opportunities to improve network efficiency and reduce operational costs.

5. Leadership & Team Management

• Manage and mentor the network team; define roles, responsibilities, and KPIs.
• Lead incident response, root cause analysis, and post-mortem activities for network-related issues.
• Drive a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing within the network team.

6. Leadership & Team Management

• Liaise with Manufacturing/Operations teams, IT, Security, Cloud, and Application teams to ensure network availability supports production continuity and digital transformation initiatives
• Advise leadership on network capacity planning, risk mitigation, vendor selection, and infrastructure roadmap alignment with business growth.