Job Description

Job Summary:

The Manager - IT Network & Infrastructure is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, and management of the organization's IT network and infrastructure. The role demands ensuring the reliability, security, scalability, and high performance of the network systems and related infrastructure that support the organization's operations. The ideal candidate will bring a balance of technical proficiency and leadership, guiding IT operations, aligning network strategies with business goals, and ensuring seamless IT services. This position will also play a key role in strategic IT decision-making, project management, vendor negotiations, and compliance with IT governance and security policies.Candidate Responsibilities: Strategic Planning & Leadership: o Lead the development and implementation of the organization's IT infrastructure strategy, aligning it with business objectives to support growth and innovation.o Collaborate with senior leadership and key stakeholders to assess technology needs and future network upgrades, ensuring alignment with long-term business goals.o Develop and manage the IT budget for network and infrastructure, focusing on cost-effective solutions and continuous improvement.o Create and maintain an infrastructure roadmap for future upgrades, system enhancements, and innovative technology deployments.o Implement industry best practices for IT governance, risk management, and compliance with data security and privacy regulations.Infrastructure Management: o Oversee the design, installation, and maintenance of network systems, including servers, routers, switches, firewalls, wireless access points, and data cabling.o Ensure the availability, integrity, and security of IT infrastructure through proactive monitoring, maintenance, and disaster recovery planning.o Lead the implementation of network architecture upgrades and expansions to accommodate business growth, ensuring scalability and optimal performance.o Drive network automation and infrastructure-as-code practices to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and streamline processes.o Monitor and optimize the performance of critical network services such as DNS, DHCP, VPN, and WAN/LAN connectivity.Operational Excellence: o Manage the troubleshooting and resolution of complex network issues, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.o Establish a proactive maintenance schedule for network systems, applying security patches, updates, and system optimizations.o Maintain comprehensive documentation of network configurations, system topologies, hardware assets, and software licenses.o Ensure business continuity by overseeing robust backup procedures, disaster recovery plans, and regular testing of recovery protocols.o Develop and enforce IT policies, procedures, and standards to safeguard IT infrastructure and ensure compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements.Security & Compliance: o Lead the design and implementation of security controls to protect the organization's network and IT infrastructure from cyber threats and vulnerabilities.o Oversee the configuration and management of firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and access controls to ensure network security.o Stay updated on emerging cyber threats and lead the response to security incidents, breaches, or potential risks.o Ensure compliance with industry regulations and data protection standards, such as GDPR or local regulatory frameworks.Vendor & Stakeholder Management: o Manage relationships with external vendors, negotiating service contracts and ensuring the timely procurement of network equipment and services.o Coordinate with service providers to manage internet lines, telecoms, and other third-party IT services, ensuring high availability and reliability.o Lead IT project management initiatives, overseeing network upgrades, migrations, and deployment of new technologies.Team Leadership & Development: o Provide leadership, mentorship, and development opportunities to the IT team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.o Conduct performance reviews, set objectives, and manage the IT team to meet organizational and departmental goals.Candidate Requirements: o Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.o Minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience managing IT network infrastructure, with expertise in enterprise-level environments including servers, network devices (switches, routers, firewalls), data cabling, and wireless systems.o Deep knowledge of Microsoft Server Operating Systems, Active Directory, and server-based applications.o Expertise in network security practices, including firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, and endpoint protection.o Proficiency in network management tools, monitoring systems, and troubleshooting complex network environments.o Familiarity with cloud infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Azure) and hybrid environments.o Experience in network protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF), standards, and best practices.o Strong leadership, project management skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.o Proven ability to diagnose and resolve network issues under pressure while managing competing priorities.o Certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) are preferred.o Experience in the education sector or similar large-scale, multi-location environments is a plus.