Senior Manager Network Operations

Overview

Key Accountabilities

• *Network Infrastructure Management*
• Manage the design, deployment, and lifecycle of the organization's core network infrastructure, including LAN, WAN, wireless, cloud connectivity, switches, routers, and data centre networks
• Ensure seamless connectivity, redundancy, performance, and scalability across all sites and platforms
• Maintain accurate network documentation, including network diagrams, configurations, and operating procedures
• Manage end-of-life replacement of network equipment and software, ensuring conformance to technical standards and alignment with technology initiatives
• Manage the end-to-end network environment, including provisioning, scaling, and operational security, to deliver stable and performant services
• Manage the enterprise wireless network, ensuring reliable and secure connectivity for users and devices, and applying best practices for coverage, capacity, and security

*Network Operations & Service Reliability*

• Monitor network performance and proactively address availability, capacity, and reliability issues
• Maintain remote access solutions for secure connectivity across remote and mobile users
• Implement and maintain monitoring, alerting, and disaster recovery practices to support high availability
• Manage incident response for network-related issues, leading root cause analysis and service restoration
• Drive operational improvements in change management and daily operations, ensuring consistent adherence to standard procedures
• Develop, maintain, and regularly test disaster recovery plans to protect business continuity, including analysis of hybrid cloud connectivity to avoid service interruptions

*Network Security & Compliance*

• Ensure all network solutions adhere to security and compliance standards, incorporating defined architecture principles and design patterns
• Collaborate with Cybersecurity teams to embed security controls into network operations
• Support audit and assurance activities related to network systems
• Configure, upgrade, and maintain enterprise-grade firewalls, VPNs, ACLs, and routing protocols to ensure network security and performance

*Vendor & Budget Management*

• Manage operational and capital budgets across the network estate (approximately AED 25m OPEX and AED 20-30m CAPEX)
• Identify cost optimisation opportunities and ensure cost-effective service delivery
• Manage relationships with network technology vendors, telecommunications providers, and service partners
• Verify and coordinate preparation of RFI/RFP/RFQ documents and approve BOQs for network devices
• Lead vendor communications during technology selection and solution review processes

*Project Delivery & Stakeholder Collaboration*

• Lead delivery of network-related projects from inception to implementation, working with IT teams and stakeholders
• Support validation of new network solutions, ensuring alignment with the Group's architecture roadmap and security standards
• Collaborate with Enterprise Architecture, Cybersecurity, and Application teams to embed best practices across the organization
• Implement network services across Cloud and On-Premises Data Centres and campus networks, managing platforms including routing, switching, wireless, voice, video, and security
• Approve new Data Centre Network (DCN) high-level and low-level designs, ensuring performance, scalability, and reliability of approved solutions
• Lead optimisation of DCN topologies and approve architecture changes, supporting continuous improvement of the network estate

Who We Are Looking For

• Proven track record of at least 6 - 8 years in leading and managing an enterprise network environment, with experience in cloud networking Demonstrated expertise in network operations management
• Previous experience working in large corporate environments
• Comprehensive understanding of networking components

Education And Professional Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Engineering or a related field (essential)
• Master's degree in a relevant technical or business discipline (desirable)
• Industry standard technical certifications

Technical Competencies

• Hands-on experience with a wide range of technologies - Juniper, Aruba, F5, Cisco technologies
• Deep knowledge and experience of TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, MPLS, IS-IS, VxLAN, EVPN, QoS, GRE, IPsec and DNS.
• Profound understanding of network protocols, topologies, and architecture
• Strong experience with network security practices and technologies
• Expertise in managing complex, multi-site networks, including LAN, WAN, and wireless technologies
• Detailed knowledge about DCN concepts (CLOS, spine-leaf, non-blocking architecture)
• Expert level knowledge in core network technologies: routing and switching, QoS, overlay technologies (VXLAN, GRE, MPLS)
• Deep understanding of Data Centre SDN architectures and protocols
• As much as we would be delighted to entertain all applicants, due to high volumes of applications only successful applicants will be contacted within 14 business days.
• This job description is not all inclusive.
• Dubai Holding reserves the right to amend this job description at any time.
• Dubai Holding is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.