Network SME / Technical Project Manager

Job description

**Role & responsibilities** We are seeking a highly skilled **Network Subject Matter Expert (SME) / Technical Project Manager** to lead the architecture, delivery, and lifecycle management of our enterprise network infrastructure. In this dual-focus role, you will bridge the gap between technical strategy and execution. You will act as the primary technical authority on complex network designs (WAN/LAN, SD-WAN, Cloud Connectivity, Security) while driving network transformation projects from initiation through deployment. - Serve as the primary technical authority for network architecture, routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), SD-WAN, firewalls (Palo Alto, Fortinet, Cisco), and hybrid cloud networking (AWS DirectConnect / Azure ExpressRoute). - Design high-availability, scalable network blueprints for data centers, branch offices, and cloud environments. - Perform high-level escalated troubleshooting (L3/L4) for complex network outages and performance bottlenecks. - Evaluate emerging network technologies and conduct Proof of Concepts (PoCs) to modernize infrastructure. - Act as the final technical sign-off authority for High-Level Designs (HLDs), Low-Level Designs (LLDs), and network migration runbooks. - Establish network standard operating procedures (SOPs), golden configuration templates, and operational reference architectures. - Drive Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) initiatives to automate routine network deployments and compliance audits using Python, Ansible, or Terraform. - Review technical proposals, vendor RFPs, and architectural changes submitted by external partners or internal engineering teams - Provide technical advisory services to software development, DevOps, and business unit leaders for network-dependent initiatives. - Mentor Tier-1/Tier-2 network engineers and deliver knowledge-transfer sessions to operations teams. **Project & Delivery Management** - Lead end-to-end network projects including migrations, data center expansions, SD-WAN rollouts, and hardware refreshes. - Define project scope, deliverables, work breakdown structures (WBS), and key milestones. - Manage project budgets, hardware procurement timelines, and third-party telecom/ISP vendors. - Proactively identify technical risks, dependency conflicts, and change management risks; develop clear mitigation strategies. - Lead cross-functional alignment between network engineers, cybersecurity, cloud team, and business stakeholders. - Track project performance against baselines using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Earned Value Management (EVM) techniques. - Manage day-to-day operational aspects of network projects, ensuring tasks are completed on schedule and technical dependencies are resolved. - Proactively identify, analyze, and log project risks, developing robust mitigation and contingency plans. - Manage change requests (Scope, Schedule, Budget) through formal Change Control processes to prevent scope creep. - Facilitate technical risk assessments with engineering teams regarding maintenance windows, planned downtime, and business continuity impacts. - Ensure all technical deliverables meet quality standards, pass User Acceptance Testing (UAT), and successfully transition to IT Operations. - Facilitate formal project sign-off and post-implementation reviews (Lessons Learned / Retrospectives). - Guarantee complete project documentation, including network diagrams, runbooks, inventory records, and support handoffs. **Qualifications & Requirements** **Basic Qualifications** - **Bachelors Degree** in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience). - **7+ years** of hands-on experience as a Network Engineer / Architect in enterprise environments. - **7+ years** of experience successfully managing technical network projects or leading engineering teams. - Proven experience delivering large-scale network migrations, SD-WAN deployments, or data center builds. **Preferred candidate profile**