Network Operations Center Manager

Manager of Global Network Operations

Rate $80.00 -$90.00 80USD

Neenah, WI  (onsite requirements, 3 times per week min) – Relocation is acceptable

6 months contract with option to convert

Position Overview:

The Manager, Global Network Operations is a strategic technical leadership role responsible for the engineering and operational evolution of a core enterprise networking ecosystem. This role leads solutions spanning a global software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) footprint, Google Cloud Platform (Google Cloud Platform) connectivity, Intent-Based Networking (IBN), and factory-edge/operational technology (OT) environments. The ideal candidate is a strategic leader who can operationalize scalable, robust, and secure network architectures. This leader will help modernize the digital backbone, right-size data center fabrics, and ensure seamless, zero-downtime connectivity across the enterprise, from local manufacturing plants to global cloud landing zones. The Mgr will oversee a team of 3 – this isa hands on manager role.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Network Engineering, or a related field.
• Must have 5+ years of related experience in enterprise network engineering required overseeing a Global Network Strategy & Execution operation: Own the end-to-end lifecycle and 24/7 operational performance of enterprise WAN, SD-WAN, LAN, Wi-Fi, and Google Cloud Platform cloud networking environments.
• Must have Proven track record leading enterprise-wide NOC Workflows such as:
• Software-Defined ( SD-WAN) & Intent-Based Networking: Drive the transition toward Intent-Based Networking (IBN) and artificial intelligence for IT operations (AIOps), translating business policies into declarative network state and automated closed-loop assurance.
• SD-WAN transformations, such as Cisco, Fortinet, or Palo Alto Networks, and SASE/ZTNA deployments, such as Prisma.
• Google Cloud Platform Cloud & SASE Architecture: Optimize resilient, low-latency connectivity between on-premises sites, factory-edge nodes, and Google Cloud Platform using Cloud Interconnect, Cloud Router, and Shared Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs), along with Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) frameworks.
• Deep functional and technical knowledge of Google Cloud Platform cloud-native networking, including Shared VPCs, Cloud Interconnect, Cloud Router, and VPC Service Controls.
• Data Center Fabric Right-Sizing: Deliver modern Ethernet VPN and Virtual Extensible LAN (EVPN-VXLAN) leaf-spine data center fabrics; manage the compression and optimization of on-premises hardware footprints as workloads migrate into Google Cloud Platform.  (Right-sizing hybrid/on-premises data center networks during active cloud migrations.)
• Network Automation & IaC: Lead a Network as Code strategy, driving continuous integration and automated change management through Terraform, Ansible, Python, and GitOps workflows.
• Proficiency managing network infrastructure through automation pipelines using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform, Ansible, Python, and Git/GitOps.
• Expert knowledge of core protocols including Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Multiprotocol BGP (MP-BGP), VXLAN overlays, and IPv4/IPv6 enterprise addressing schemes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex network requirements into clear conceptual guidance for executive leadership.
• Preferred: Google Cloud Platform Professional Cloud Network Engineer or Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification.
• Preferred: Hands-on expertise with Cisco Enterprise Networking solutions, including Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) and Cisco Catalyst Center, formerly DNA Center.
• Preferred: Experience managing enterprise-grade Cisco Voice/Unified Communications (UC) architectures.
• Preferred: Proficiency with Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW) and security management platforms.

SKILLS NEEDED

• Google Cloud Platform (Google Cloud Platform): Shared VPC, Cloud Interconnect, Cloud Router, VPC Service Controls
• Networking: SD-WAN, SASE, ZTNA, IBN, AIOps, EVPN-VXLAN, leaf-spine, BGP, OSPF, MP-BGP, IPv4/IPv6
• Automation and IaC: Terraform, Ansible, Python, Git, GitOps
• Enterprise and Security: Cisco ACI, Cisco Catalyst Center, Cisco Voice/UC, Palo Alto Networks NGFW, Prisma
• Observability: ThousandEyes, Dynatrace, Wireshark