The Group Technology Network Manager is responsible for the design, implementation, governance, and lifecycle management of the organisation’s regional and group-wide network infrastructure across multiple countries. This includes WAN, LAN, WLAN, firewalls, cloud networking, network security, and inter-site connectivity. This role provides advanced technical expertise, supports major network initiatives, strengthens security posture, and serves as the primary group-level escalation point for all network-related matters. The position works closely with local IT teams across entities to ensure standardization, resilience, and alignment with Group IT strategy, security requirements, and operational excellence.
Strategic & Architecture Responsibilities
- Design and implement group-level network standards, architecture, and security baselines across all entities.
- Develop short- and long-term roadmaps for WAN, LAN, WLAN, firewall, SD-WAN, segmentation, cloud networking, and related technologies.
- Ensure network strategy aligns with cybersecurity, cloud, and infrastructure modernization initiatives.
- Participate in group-wide planning for network modernization, refresh cycles, and security uplift programs.
Operational Responsibilities
- Act as the primary group-level escalation point for critical network incidents.
- Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize regional network performance.
- Oversee patching, firmware updates, configuration hardening, and lifecycle management.
- Implement and maintain secure connectivity between on-premise and cloud environments.
- Provide guidance and technical direction to local network engineers.
Project Responsibilities
- Lead and support group-wide firewall refresh projects.
- Drive network switch and wireless AP refresh initiatives.
- Support ransomware containment and network security enhancements.
- Lead SD-WAN/WAN modernization initiatives.
- Prepare scopes of work, technical assessments, and project documentation.
Governance, Security & Compliance
- Develop and enforce group-wide network policies and operational standards.
- Ensure compliance with IT Security, ISO 27001, NIST, and internal audit requirements.
- Conduct periodic reviews of firewall rules, VLANs, and security controls.
- Maintain network documentation, configuration repositories, and topology diagrams.
Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with local IT, security, and systems teams across entities.
- Provide technical consultation to countries during deployments and incidents.
- Deliver training and knowledge transfer to uplift local team capabilities.
- Participate in change management, CAB discussions, and post-incident reviews.
Requirements
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
Professional Certifications (Good to have)
- Cisco CCNP / CCNA
- Fortinet NSE4 or higher
- CompTIA Network+
- Other relevant network or security certifications
Skills & Experience
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in enterprise network engineering.
- Strong knowledge of switching, routing, VPN, BGP, OSPF, ACLs, and wireless.
- Hands-on experience with firewalls, routers, switches, wireless controllers, and SD-WAN.
- Experience with cloud networking (Azure/AWS) and hybrid connectivity.
- Strong troubleshooting and major-incident handling capabilities.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Additional Attributes
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Ability to work independently with regional responsibilities.
- Willingness to travel when required.
- Commitment to operational excellence, security, and documentation.