Network Lead

Assignment Brief

Job Title: Network Lead

Location: Chennai

Division: Information Technology

Reporting to: IT Technology & Operations Manager

Reportees: 1-2

Nature of Work: Sunday to Thursday, regular work from office

Occasional international travel to meet clients

Roles and Responsibilities:

Network Infrastructure Management:

- Design & Implementation: Architect, implement, and maintain the network infrastructure to support organisational growth and efficiency.

- Branch Setup: Lead the design and implementation of network infrastructure for new office branches.

- Mergers & Acquisitions: Manage the integration of networks for newly acquired entities.

- Hardware Management: Oversee the refresh process for network hardware, ensuring that all components are up-to-date and functioning optimally.

- Performance Monitoring: Continuously monitor network performance and make necessary adjustments to ensure efficiency and reliability.

- Routing & Switching: Expertise in managing advanced routing protocols (EIGRP, OSPF, BGP) and switching technologies including Cisco Nexus.

- Wireless Networks: Oversee the deployment and maintenance of wireless network devices and ensure secure and stable connections.

- Troubleshooting: Lead the diagnosis and resolution of network issues, collaborating with IT teams to implement effective solutions.

Communication Systems Oversight:

- System Management: Oversee the management of communication systems, including email, VoIP, video conferencing, and messaging platforms, ensuring high availability and reliability.

- Connectivity Assurance: Ensure consistent and reliable connectivity for all communication systems across the organisation.

- System Integration: Integrate communication systems with other IT services to enhance business operations.

Team Leadership and Collaboration:

- Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of network administrators and communication specialists, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.

- Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver IT projects that align with business needs.

- Technical Guidance: Provide expertise and direction on complex issues, particularly regarding Cisco telephony systems and other communication technologies.

Security and Compliance:

- Security Measures: Implement and enforce network security protocols to protect organisational data and infrastructure.

- Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities and develop mitigation strategies.

- Compliance Management: Ensure all network and communication systems comply with relevant industry regulations and internal policies.

- NAC & NOC Oversight: Manage Network Access Control (NAC) and Network Operations Center (NOC) processes to maintain network integrity.

- Firewall Management: Oversee the configuration and management of firewalls, particularly Checkpoint firewalls, ensuring they are effectively safeguarding the network.

Documentation and Reporting:

- Documentation: Maintain detailed and up-to-date documentation on network architecture, configurations, and communication systems.

- Performance Reporting: Generate and deliver regular reports on network performance, security incidents, and system improvements to IT management.

- KPI Development: Develop and present key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the effectiveness of network and communication systems.

Required Skills:

- Networking Expertise: Proficiency in advanced routing protocols (EIGRP, OSPF, BGP), switching technologies (Cisco Nexus), and wireless networking.

- Communication Systems: Strong understanding of managing communication technologies such as email servers, VoIP, and video conferencing systems.

- Security Management: Deep knowledge of network security practices, including NAC, NOC, and firewall management.

- Project Management: Ability to manage and deliver complex IT projects on time and within scope.

- Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail in troubleshooting network and communication issues.

- Technical Documentation: Skilled in creating and maintaining clear, accurate documentation of technical systems and processes.

Required Competencies:

- Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead teams and projects, fostering collaboration and innovation.

- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of presenting complex technical information to diverse audiences.

- Collaboration: Strong ability to work with cross-functional teams and drive collective success.

- Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and thoroughness in managing technical systems and documentation.

- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, staying updated with the latest technologies and trends.

- Strategic Thinking: Strong analytical and financial acumen to assess the impact of various technical solutions.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.

Certifications: Relevant certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, CCDE, or CCIE are highly desirable.

Required Work Experience:

- Experience: At least 10 years of experience in network administration, with a strong focus on infrastructure management and communication systems.

- Leadership: Proven track record in leading and mentoring technical teams.

- Technical Proficiency: Extensive knowledge of network protocols, routing, switching, and firewall concepts, coupled with hands-on experience in communication technologies.

Performance Measures:

- SLA Compliance: Achieving internal Service Level Agreement (SLA) targets for incident resolution and change requests.

- Project Delivery: Timely delivery of IT projects, ensuring they meet or exceed business expectations.

- Stakeholder Satisfaction: Maintaining high levels of business satisfaction with IT services.

- Innovation and Excellence: Contributing to the organisation's innovation efforts and ensuring operational excellence.

- Documentation Quality: Ensuring high-quality documentation that is comprehensive and up-to-date.