CYBERSECURITY AND NETWORK OPERATIONS LEAD

Position Summary

The Branch Group is seeking a Cybersecurity and Network Operations Lead to help maintain and secure our organization's network infrastructure and cybersecurity posture. This role combines hands-on technical administration with vendor oversight, ensuring our network and security services are delivered with accountability, strong service quality, and alignment to internal standards.


In this position, you will partner with cross-functional teams to ensure systems and networks remain secure, compliant with applicable regulations, and protected against unauthorized access and emerging security risks. You will identify vulnerabilities, conduct risk assessments, develop and implement security solutions, and contribute to incident response, security monitoring, and policy development.


This role is not a remote or hybrid role. This person will work from our Morrisville, NC office. Relocation is not being offered. Sponsorship is not available.


Duties/Responsibilities

Design, implement, and maintain secure systems and networks

Develop, maintain, and review information security policies, standards, and procedures in alignment with frameworks such as NIST CSF and CIS Controls

Lead and support enterprise risk management activities, including identifying, assessing, and tracking cybersecurity risks

Design and deliver security awareness and training programs

Perform control assessments and gap analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of existing security controls and recommend improvements

Recommend improvements to security monitoring, detection rules, logging coverage, and response processes

Oversee day-to-day cybersecurity operations across Cisco, Microsoft, and Meraki

Duties/Responsibilities Cont.

Engage and oversee third-party providers to perform vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and managed detection and response to identify and prioritize potential security risks and vulnerabilities

Act as the primary liaison between the company and network/security vendors. Define and track SLAs, review vendor performance, and ensure timely resolution of issues

Develop and implement security measures, policies, and procedures to protect systems and networks against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security incidents

Conduct security audits and assessments to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, industry best practices, and organizational security policies

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that security requirements are incorporated into system and network design, development, and implementation processes

Provide technical expertise and guidance to IT and internal business teams

Stay updated on the latest security threats, technologies, and industry trends, and provide recommendations for improving security posture

Participate in incident response activities, including investigation, containment, and recovery efforts, as needed

Produce regular reports on security incidents, network uptime, and vendor performance metrics


Maintain detailed records of network configurations, incidents, and change management activities

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).


Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in system security engineering, network security, or a related field.


Familiarity with security technologies, such as Cisco MXDR, Cisco Email Threat Defense, Cisco Duo, Cisco SASE, Cisco ISE, Cisco Umbrella, Cisco ASA / Firepower / Meraki devices.


Strong knowledge of security principles, best practices, and industry standards, such as NIST, ISO 27001, and CIS Critical Security Controls.


Hands-on experience with security technologies, such as firewalls, IDS/IPS, SIEM, antivirus, and vulnerability scanning tools.


Experience with risk assessment, penetration testing, and incident response methodologies.


In-depth understanding of TCP/IP, VLANs, VPNs, DNS, DHCP, and routing protocols.


Experience managing vendors or MSPs in a hybrid IT/security environment.


Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and documentation skills.


Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex security concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

Cisco certifications: CCNP Security, CCNA Security, or equivalent.

Experience with SIEM tools, incident response, and endpoint protection platforms.


Familiarity with Microsoft 365 and Azure AD integration with Cisco security tools.

Experience in multi-site, hybrid network environments.


Competencies

Managing Technology
Technical Skills
Product Knowledge
Dependability
Attentive Listening
Demonstrating Initiative
Demonstrating Self-Insight and Awareness

Travel

To and from designated work sites, which may include areas outside the employee's standard work area. A company vehicle and fuel card may be provided in accordance with company policy.

Supervisory Responsibility

N/A

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to success perform the essential functions of this job.


While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use their hands and fingers to type on a keyboard and/or office phone and to sort through business files. They are frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear. They must be able to lift up to 25lbs. Specific vision abilities include close vision, midrange vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.


Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position which will typically involve 40 hours per week.

AAP/EEO Statement

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of the Company not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a veteran, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law, with respect to recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, and other terms and condition of employment.


Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.