Network Lead

Job Summary:

The Network Lead will be responsible for the end-to-end design, implementation,

and management of a high-availability, secure, and scalable enterprise network

infrastructure spanning multi-site, hybrid (on-premise and cloud) environments. The

role demands deep hands-on expertise in Layer 2/3 switching and routing, MPLS

architectures, firewall and VPN policy design and enforcement using Palo Alto

Networks and Panorama, and VoIP/UC system integration. The ideal candidate will

possess strong operational leadership, technical depth, and experience in driving

enterprise-wide network initiatives while leading a high-performing network

operations team to meet business-critical performance, uptime, and security

objectives.

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.

• Present performance reports and improvement plans to senior management.

Proven expertise in managing large-scale, multi-site network environments with

MPLS, dual internet links, and intelligent failover.

• 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.

• Certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, PCNSE, or equivalent are highly desirable.