Network Operations Lead

Position Summary Reporting to the Senior Director of Information Technology (IT), the Network Operations Lead will provide guidance on infrastructure solutions, architectures, and support for business processes; work closely with other IT teams in assessing, planning, and implementing infrastructure solutions and ensure the IT infrastructure is available and secure. The ideal candidate should possess strong communication, IT technical, planning, process‑improvement, and strategic decision‑making skills. A proven ability to work creatively and analytically in a problem‑solving environment will be required for success in this position. This position requires a 5‑day a week on‑site presence. Position Responsibilities Providing guidance on infrastructure solutions, architecture, and support for business processes. Managing daily operations of core infrastructure and platforms including, but not limited to, data and voice networks, firewalls, and Zscaler. Working closely with the IT Security department to manage network vulnerabilities, software updates, and patches. Participating in and leading IT projects, and ensuring these are delivered within scope, budget, and company governance processes. Maintaining and developing standards and technical documentation for the network infrastructure and complex technical solutions. Working with managed service providers to provide day‑to‑day operational support and continuous improvement. Increasing user satisfaction by monitoring critical IT systems and ensuring timely responses and fix times. Providing leadership and acting as an escalation point for regional IT infrastructure services. Working with regional business and IT teams to understand requirements, identify gaps, and drive solution improvements. Proactively researching new and efficient technologies and vendors to pursue stability and cost reduction. Working with IT leadership in the budgeting process, managing expenses and projects within approved budgets. Ensuring IT systems including servers, routers, firewalls, and switches are patched in a timely manner. Facilitating routine meetings to discuss strategic goals and progress. Communicating between IT teams and across departments to ensure success. Position Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Business Administration, or relevant educational or professional experience. 10+ years of experience as a manager with at least 4 years in a large, diverse global enterprise and a proven track record of leadership in Information Technology. Strong proficiency in implementing and supporting IT networks and solutions in fast‑paced food processing environments. Experience with cloud services such as Azure, AWS, and others to implement network services and perform integrations. Strong knowledge of TCP/IP, Ethernet networks (e.g., VLANs, VPN, VoIP, LAN/WAN) and network devices such as switches, routers, and wireless access points. Experience with DNS, DHCP, Terminal Services, File Servers, Print Management, Group Policy, and network routing protocols. Experience with security technologies such as firewalls (Palo Alto, FortiGate, etc.), intrusion detection and intrusion prevention systems. Experience implementing and supporting SASE solutions like Zscaler ZIA, ZPA, and NGFW. Experience with MPLS, SDWAN, site‑to‑site, and VPN technologies. Knowledge and experience implementing/supporting IT/OT separation solutions. Knowledge of virtualization technologies such as VMware and Nutanix. Experience providing IT solutions in the manufacturing industry is highly preferred. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presentation skills. Excellent client‑facing and internal communication skills. Proven ability to be adaptable, capable, self‑motivated, and confident. Excellent resource planning and task scheduling skills. Ability and desire to travel as required by the business. Compensation Pay ranges from $105,000 to $145,000 annually and is based on the position responsibilities and geographic location. Benefits Comprehensive and affordable benefits including vacation time from Day1, paid sick leave, company‑paid holidays, 401(k) match on Day1, career growth and learning opportunities, parental leave, fertility benefits, lactation support, paid volunteer time off, and access to events, resources, and learning initiatives that support well‑being. Equal Opportunity Employment We provide equality of opportunity for all persons with respect to hiring without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. All employment will be decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. If assistance or accommodation due to a disability is needed, you may contact us for support at US‑View email address on click.appcast.io. Additional Notes Note: This job description is not intended to be all‑inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. #J-18808-Ljbffr