Senior Network Manager

The Senior Network Manager leads the strategic planning, implementation, and oversight of the organization's network and perimeter security infrastructure. This role ensures optimal performance, scalability, and security of all network services supporting business operations across multiple regions including South Africa and some other African countries. The position also plays a key role in aligning network capabilities with business goals and emerging technologies.Key ResponsibilitiesEnsure high availability, performance, and security of all network infrastructure including LAN, WLAN, WAN, Data Centres, and Internet services.Develop and execute strategic technology roadmaps for Network and Security Infrastructure in collaboration with external partners and industry experts.Ensure that developed plans are realistic, comprehensive, kept up to date and revised where necessary, i.e. Project planning, resource planning, support planning.Lead cross-functional initiatives to align network infrastructure with business growth and digital transformation goals.Demonstrate strong financial acumen: Oversee Opex and Capex budgeting, analyze cost drivers, ensure cost-effective operations, collaborate with finance teams to align network investments with business objectives, evaluate ROI on technology initiatives, and support strategic decision-making through accurate forecasting and financial analysis.Manage and mentor a larger team of internal staff and external contractors, fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.Establish and maintain strong vendor relationships to maximize value and drive innovation through strategic partnerships.Ensure 24/7/365 monitoring, incident response, and proactive maintenance of the network infrastructure.Lead disaster recovery planning and implementation for network services.Ensure compliance with industry standards, data protection regulations, and internal policies. Scope of OperationsSupport approximately 7,000 users at Head Office and 3,500 stores across 950 lines in South Africa and other African countries. Maintain connectivity to 7 distribution centres, 3 manufacturing warehouses, 4 regional offices.Manage a complex network built using multiple ISP clouds for redundancy. Oversee three data centers housing approximately 1,200 servers and a WAN spanning across multiple geographical regions.Security ResponsibilitiesManage enterprise perimeter firewalls, web application firewalls, and other security devices to protect internal infrastructure and ensure secure external access.Oversee secure internet browsing and endpoint protection across the organizationImplement and maintain intrusion detection and prevention systems.Ensure compliance with cybersecurity frameworks.Required Qualifications and Experience10+ years of experience in managing large-scale enterprise network and security infrastructure.Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or related field.Proven ability to interpret financial data, manage budgets, and make data-driven investment decisions to maximize value and efficiency.Strong leadership and people management skills with experience leading cross-functional teams.Strong expertise in managing Cisco, Fortinet, Arista, or similar enterprise-grade networking platforms.Good working knowledge WAN, LAN, WLAN, data centre networking, and security technologies.Experience with capacity planning, demand forecasting, and infrastructure design.Excellent vendor management and negotiation skills.Ability to stay abreast of emerging technologies and translate them into strategic initiatives.Lead network-related projects such as store rollouts, data center migrations, and infrastructure upgrades. Desirable AttributesStrategic thinker with a hands-on approach to problem-solving.Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.Ability to operate in a geographically dispersed and technically complex environment.Proven ability to lead change and drive continuous improvement.Demonstrated ability to understand, value, and respond effectively to the needs and concerns of team members.Committed to the success and well-being of their team by building a supportive, high-performing environment where people thrive.Preference will be given, but not limited to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act.