IT Network Manager

Alex Lee•Hickory, NC

About The Position

The IT Network Manager leads a team of IT professionals responsible for the enterprise network, including WAN, LAN, wireless, network security, and telephony. The role develops and executes strategies to optimize network and voice services and ensures that network infrastructure is robust, secure, cost-effective, and prepared for future needs. It oversees network components across warehouses, corporate offices, and retail stores; collaborates with cross-functional teams; manages carrier and vendor relationships; advances cybersecurity initiatives; and keeps current with industry trends.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in the IT field.
At least 10 years of experience in enterprise networking, including leadership of network or telecom teams.
Expertise in WAN/LAN/SD-WAN, routing and switching, enterprise wireless, firewalls, and VoIP/cloud telephony.
Strong knowledge of network security and cybersecurity best practices, including PCI DSS.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Superior customer service orientation.
Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting multi-site retail or distribution environments.
Relevant certifications such as CCNP, CWNA, Palo Alto/Fortinet, or ITIL.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute strategies for optimizing the enterprise network and telephony environment to meet business goals, including scalability, security, availability, and cost-effectiveness.
Own the design, implementation, and lifecycle management of WAN, LAN, and SD-WAN connecting warehouses, corporate offices, and retail stores, including routing, switching, and circuit management.
Oversee the enterprise wireless network to ensure reliable coverage and performance for store, warehouse, and office operations.
Oversee cloud and self-managed telephony and voice systems, including contact center and store voice services.
Serve on the IT security council and ensure network design and implementation comply with security requirements, including firewalls, segmentation, remote access, and PCI requirements for retail locations.
Ensure proactive monitoring of network health, performance, and capacity, and lead resolution of network outages and escalated incidents.
Meet regularly with IT Directors and Managers to ensure network designs and capabilities support current and future initiatives, including new store openings and remodels.
Partner with the Infrastructure Manager to align and integrate network, cloud, and data center designs, and support disaster recovery and business continuity plans for network and voice services.
Anticipate changes in network needs due to organizational growth or changes, develop design changes, and prepare recommendations.
Manage and develop a team of network engineers through coaching and mentoring, and identify and recommend training for team members.
Develop and maintain network documentation, diagrams, and standards for the network team.
Manage relationships with telecommunications carriers and network vendors; vet potential vendors or partners and present vendor recommendations, including costs, to the Director.
Develop and maintain project plans in accordance with IT project management standards, and communicate project status and issues to Senior IT management and impacted teams.
Serve on the ITSM standards committee and work with the Service Desk to support service and communication across IT and the business.
Serve on the Change Advisory Board, communicate network activities, and identify potential conflicts or operational impacts.