Director, Network Engineering

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce • Chicago, IL

7h • Hybrid

About The Position

We’re building a relationship-oriented bank for the modern world. We need talented, passionate professionals who are dedicated to doing what’s right for our clients. At CIBC, we embrace your strengths and your ambitions, so you are empowered at work. Our team members have what they need to make a meaningful impact and are truly valued for who they are and what they contribute. At CIBC, technology leadership is about more than infrastructure, it’s about enabling secure, reliable experiences for our clients and teams. We’re seeking a Director, Network Engineering to lead a talented team responsible for designing and managing the network foundation that supports critical banking operations. This role is ideal for a collaborative leader who combines deep technical expertise with a passion for mentorship, partnership, and continuous improvement. You’ll help strengthen network resilience, support modernization, and ensure strong security and compliance practices across the environment. The Director of Network Engineering is responsible for leading the design, implementation, and management of the bank's network infrastructure. This role requires extensive expertise in networking technologies, security, and compliance standards relevant to the banking industry. The incumbent will lead a team of network engineers and collaborate closely with other technology and security teams to ensure the bank's network is secure, resilient, and capable of supporting current and future business requirements. CIBC we enable the work environment most optimal for you to thrive in your role. You’ll have the flexibility to manage your work activities within a hybrid work arrangement where you’ll spend 3-4 days per week on-site, while other days may be remote.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in Network Engineering, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Well experienced in integrating multiple corporate networks.
• Experience with Network Monitoring and Management tools, such as Cisco and Palo Alto Networks.
• In-depth knowledge of networking protocols, technologies, and architectures, including LAN, WAN, VPN, SD-WAN, MPLS and network infrastructure that supports cloud services.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, threat landscape, and best practices for securing network infrastructure in a banking environment.
• A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• Proven track record of successfully leading network infrastructure projects from conception to implementation, within budget and timeline constraints.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with Internal business partners and CIBC lines of businesses and their leadership teams, partner teams and centers of excellence.
• Legally eligible to work at the location(s) specified and, where applicable, must have a valid work or study permit.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CCIE, CISSP) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of scalable, secure, and resilient network architectures to meet the bank's business needs.
• Evaluate new technologies and make recommendations for network enhancements and upgrades.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to the network engineering team.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning within the team.
• Ensure that the bank's network infrastructure complies with industry regulations, standards, and best practices, including PCI DSS, GLBA, and FFIEC guidelines.
• Implement robust security measures to protect the bank's network from cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and attacks.
• Manage relationships with network equipment vendors, service providers, and contractors.
• Negotiate contracts, evaluate proposals, and ensure timely delivery of products and services.
• Develop and implement incident response procedures to address network outages, security breaches, and other incidents promptly.
• Identify and mitigate network-related risks to ensure uninterrupted banking operations.
• Monitor network performance and implement optimizations to enhance speed, reliability, and efficiency.
• Conduct regular performance assessments and capacity planning to support the bank's growth objectives.
• Manage the network engineering budget effectively, allocating resources based on priorities and strategic objectives.
• Optimize costs while ensuring the network infrastructure meets operational and security requirements.
• Collaborate with other technology teams, such as Infrastructure Operations, Cybersecurity, Information Security and Application Development, to ensure seamless integration of network infrastructure with other systems and applications.
• Communicate effectively with senior management and stakeholders, providing updates on network projects, initiatives, and performance.
• Maintain accurate documentation of network configurations, policies, procedures, and incident reports.
• Generate regular reports on network performance, security posture, and compliance status for internal and regulatory purposes.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Health Savings Account
• Life Insurance
• Disability
• Other Insurance Plans
• Paid Time Off (including Sick Leave, Parental Leave, and Vacation)
• Holidays
• 401(k)
• Incentive pay
• Banking benefits
• A benefits program
• A vacation offering
• Wellbeing support
• MomentMakers, our social, points-based recognition program
• Purpose Day; a paid day off dedicated for you to use to invest in your growth and development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director