IT Manager - Network Operations

IT Manager – Network Operations (Full-Time, Hybrid – St. Louis, MO)Technology plays a critical role in enabling business operations and delivering reliable, scalable services across distributed environments. We are seeking an experienced IT Manager – Network Operations to lead and oversee network operations in a complex enterprise environment.This role is responsible for managing day-to-day network operations, leading a team of engineers, and ensuring the stability, performance, and security of network infrastructure. The position offers the opportunity to drive operational excellence, support large-scale network environments, and contribute to ongoing modernization and cloud networking initiatives.This is a hybrid position based in St. Louis, Missouri, requiring a combination of on-site and remote work.Leadership & Team ManagementLead and manage a team of network engineers, including providing guidance, coaching, and performance managementEnsure team effectiveness, resource utilization, and continuous improvementManage staffing levels and scheduling to support 24/7 operational coverageAct as an escalation point for critical incidents, including high-priority outages (P1 incidents)Build cross-functional relationships to drive collaboration and remove barriers to successPartner with leadership and other departments to align network operations with broader IT and business objectivesNetwork Operations & Infrastructure OversightOversee network operations across multiple data centers and distributed locationsManage and support enterprise networking technologies, including routing, switching, firewalls, load balancing, and DNS/DHCP/IPAM solutionsEnsure reliable WAN connectivity across corporate locations and remote sitesProvide technical oversight for technologies such as Cisco IOS, Arista, Nexus, Palo Alto firewalls, F5 load balancers, and cloud-managed networking solutionsIncident Management & Service DeliveryOversee resolution of break/fix issues and ensure high service delivery standardsManage escalation processes across internal teams and third-party support providersEnsure timely response and resolution to network incidents and outagesProject & Program DeliveryLead and coordinate network-related projects from planning through executionCollaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver infrastructure and modernization initiativesManage multiple concurrent efforts and roadmaps within network operationsOperational ExcellenceIdentify and drive improvements in network operations, including automation and monitoringDevelop and implement processes to improve efficiency and service qualityMonitor performance metrics and ensure adherence to service level agreements (SLAs)Support cloud networking initiatives and ongoing infrastructure optimizationQualifications RequiredAuthorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship requirementsMust reside in St. Louis, Missouri, or the surrounding areaMust be able to work 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM CST6+ years of experience in network operations or related IT rolesExperience leading and mentoring technical teams in a complex networking environmentStrong knowledge of LAN/WAN, cloud networking, and broadband technologies (e.g., VPN, DHCP, DNS, VLANs)Understanding of networking protocols such as TCP/IP, SNMP, and remote access technologiesExperience working in Agile/Scrum environments using tools like Jira and ConfluenceStrong communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholdersAbility to prioritize effectively, balance risk, and operate in high-pressure environmentsCommitment to incorporating security into all technical decisions and processesPreferredBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field2+ years of people management experience (hiring, coaching, performance management, etc.)Experience working in large-scale enterprise networking environmentsFamiliarity with AWS and/or Azure networking servicesExperience with enterprise tools such as ServiceNowStrong problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate and improve existing solutionsDemonstrated ability to drive team development and improve outcomes through coaching