Network Manager / Architect

role :  network manager  / architect.

location : santa ana, ca - day 1 onsite

position overview :

the manager of it network operations will be responsible for the day-to-day operations, maintenance, and strategic growth of our extensive network infrastructure spanning over 400 retail and distribution locations across the us and canada. this role will lead a team of network professionals, manage relationships with telecommunications providers and third-party vendors, and play a key role in supporting new location rollouts, moves, expansions, and acquisitions. the ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of network technologies, and a proven track record of successful network operations in a large-scale, geographically dispersed environment.

key responsibilities :

network operations management :

oversee the 24 / 7 / 365 operational health and performance of the company's network infrastructure, including sd-wan, lan, wireless and vpn.

lead, mentor, and develop a team of network engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

establish and enforce network operations policies, procedures, and best practices.

monitor network performance, identify issues, and implement proactive solutions to ensure maximum uptime and reliability.

manage incident response, troubleshooting, and resolution for all network-related issues.

develop and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including diagrams, configurations, and procedures.

network growth and expansion

lead the network planning, design, and implementation for new retail stores, distribution centers, office expansions, and acquisitions.

collaborate with internal teams (e.g., real estate, construction, it project management) to ensure timely and successful network deployments.

manage and coordinate all network-related aspects of location moves, closures, and renovations.

evaluate and recommend new network technologies and solutions to meet evolving business needs.

vendor and partner management

manage relationships with telecommunications providers (e.g., isps, mpls providers) to ensure service level agreements (slas) are met and optimized.

oversee third-party vendors for network installation, maintenance, and support services.

negotiate contracts and ensure cost-effective solutions while maintaining high-quality service.

security and compliance

ensure network security best practices are implemented and maintained in alignment with company policies and industry standards.

collaborate with the it security team to identify and mitigate network vulnerabilities.

participate in audit and compliance activities related to network infrastructure.

budget management

assist in the development and management of the network operations budget, including capital expenditures and operational expenses.

identify opportunities for cost optimization and efficiency improvements within the network infrastructure.

requirements

bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field;1 or equivalent practical experience.2

minimum of 7+ years of progressive experience in network engineering and operations, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role.

proven experience managing a large-scale, geographically dispersed network infrastructure (ideally 100+ locations).

strong understanding of networking protocols and technologies, including tcp / ip, bgp, ospf, vlans, vpns, dns, dhcp.

experience with sd-wan technologies; velocloud (vmware sd-wan) experience is a significant plus.

experience with cloud networking concepts and platforms; palo alto prisma access and panorama experience is a significant plus.

proficiency with cisco networking equipment; cisco meraki experience is a significant plus.

experience working with telecommunications providers and managing third-party vendor relationships.

strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives concurrently.

excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.

ability to travel occasionally to remote sites as needed.

relevant industry certifications (e.g., ccna, ccnp, jncip, cissp, vcp-nv) are a plus.

preferred skills

experience in the retail or distribution industry.

familiarity with itil frameworks and service management best practices.