Network Specialist

Job description

Role – Network Specialist Experience • Minimum 8+ years of hands-on experience in the Networking domain. • Prior experience in the Retail industry preferred. • Strong working knowledge of: • Routing & Switching, Firewall Management, Load Balancers, Wi‑Fi Technologies, IPS/IDS ,Proxy Solutions , ISP Link Management • Proven experience managing large projects across the full project lifecycle. • Preference for candidates with strong core networking backgrounds and leadership experience. • Practical experience with network monitoring, diagnostics, and analytics tools. Education & Certifications • B.E. / B.Tech in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related discipline. • CCNA is mandatory ; CCNP/CCIE certification preferred. Roles & Responsibilities Network Operations & Planning • Lead, plan, and oversee all activities of the Network Operations team, including implementation, review, and monitoring of key business projects. • Collaborate with cross-functional leadership teams to align network operations with organizational goals. • Manage network performance, proactively identify issues, minimize customer impact, and ensure optimal service delivery. Network Management & Technical Expertise • Strong experience in IP networking, switching, routing, and deep packet analysis using tools for routers, switches, WLAN, WAN optimizers, and load balancers. • Expert understanding of routing and switching protocols, with required hands‑on experience in Fortinet SDWAN (Software‑Defined WAN) , Meraki LAN & Wireless . • Solid understanding of routing protocols (EIGRP, OSPF, BGP) and switching; hands‑on experience with MPLS, QoS, and VoIP. Security & Information Security • Experience with firewalls, proxy, VPN, IPS/IDS, and knowledge of security incident response processes and best practices. • Implement and support security standards like PCI‑DSS for network devices; perform device hardening as per industry benchmarks. • Assist in defining and maintaining organizational security policies, procedures, and guidelines. • Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of evolving network & information security technologies and incorporate improvements accordingly. Monitoring, Troubleshooting & Support • Provide L3-level support, ensuring ownership and resolution of incidents and problem cases. • Monitor network systems, analyze logs, and set up proactive alert mechanisms. • Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve complex network issues; work closely with end users and L3 teams as required. • Operate master consoles to track network and system performance. Vendor & Partner Coordination • Manage vendor relationships for network infrastructure and services. • Coordinate with ISPs, partners, and remote engineering teams to resolve issues or support project deployments. Documentation & Best Practices • Maintain a central repository of technical documents, ensuring knowledge sharing and adherence to best practices. • Support Agile project methodology to enhance the capabilities of SSL Infrastructure services. • Ensure timely ticket resolution as per SSL’s ticket management processes. Business Continuity & Security Programs • Develop, maintain, and oversee key security program elements including: • Vulnerability Management • Risk Management • Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning • Contribute to policy dissemination, user training, and governance activities. Projects & Innovation • Participate in major incident reviews, POCs, and evaluation of new technologies with the SSL Infra team. • Support and implement network-related infrastructure projects across the organization. General • Manage support cases to ensure fast, customer‑focused resolutions. • Leave policies will align with Shoppers Stop guidelines.