Network and Security Operations Lead

Network & Security Operations Lead

We are seeking a highly skilled Network & Security Operations Lead to join our Enterprise IT Operations team as a technical leader. This is a key professional role responsible for designing, building, and operating sophisticated network and security infrastructure across our multi-location enterprise environment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Design, build, and configure new network infrastructure to support business growth and technological initiatives.

• Maintain and upgrade existing network systems including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wireless networks, and VPNs.

• Oversee capacity planning and scaling to ensure network infrastructure meets current and future organizational needs.

• Install and configure network equipment including routers, switches, servers, WAN accelerators, and load balancers.

• Manage and maintain security infrastructure including firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, network access control (NAC), and other network-layer security tooling in alignment with Security & Compliance requirements.

• Monitor, install patches, and execute upgrades with minimal disruption to business operations.

• Operationalize security policies and technical requirements defined by the Security & Compliance (S&C) team across all network domains.

• Maintain network-layer visibility and data feeds into SIEM and security monitoring platforms.

• Coordinate incident response activities at the network and perimeter layer in conjunction with S&C.

• Support vulnerability management execution — including patch scheduling, remediation verification, and documentation — as directed by S&C.

• Participate in security assessments, audits, and compliance reviews as the IT Operations representative.

• Lead and develop a blended network and security operations team, providing technical guidance and professional development across both disciplines.

• Establish and enforce technical standards, best practices, and processes within the team.

• Conduct knowledge transfer and training on complex network systems, security operations practices, and emerging technologies.

• Develop team members across both network and security operations disciplines, including professionals transitioning from adjacent IT functions.

• Participate in hiring and onboarding of Network & Security Operations staff.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence within the team.

• Provide performance feedback and support team members' career growth and development.

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (or international equivalent)

• Minimum 5+ years of relevant professional experience in network engineering or related roles

• Advanced knowledge of enterprise network architecture, design, and implementation

• Strong proficiency with network equipment and systems (routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, WAN acceleration)

• Demonstrated expertise in LAN, WAN, wireless, and VPN technologies

• Working knowledge of security operations concepts including incident response, vulnerability management, and network security tooling (IDS/IPS, NAC, SIEM integration)

• Experience managing or contributing to security infrastructure in a coordinated security governance model (where security strategy is owned by a dedicated Security or Compliance function)

• Experience with network monitoring, performance testing, and capacity planning tools

• Proven ability to work independently with wide latitude for judgment on complex network decisions

• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities

• Strong communication and collaboration skills with ability to engage vendors and cross-functional teams

• Demonstrated leadership experience and ability to mentor and develop technical staff

• Track record of building and maintaining high-performing technical teams

• Ability to balance hands-on technical work with team management responsibilities

• Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to fostering professional growth in team members

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field

• Current industry certifications (CCNP, CCIE, or equivalent)

• Security certification such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CISM, or equivalent

• Experience in manufacturing or multi-location enterprise environments

• Knowledge of cloud network integration and hybrid infrastructure

• Familiarity with network automation and infrastructure-as-code tools

• Experience with Microsoft enterprise technologies and AWS cloud services

• Experience operating in a shared security responsibility model alongside a dedicated Security or Compliance function

• Familiarity with NIST Cybersecurity Framework, CIS Controls, or similar industry security frameworks

• Experience in hybrid network/security operations environments (NOC/SOC overlap or similar)

• Formal training or certification in team leadership or management practices

• Prior experience leading or managing technical teams in enterprise environments