Manager - Network Architect

Whirlpool•Benton Harbor, MI

19d•Onsite

About The Position

Whirlpool Corporation is seeking a leader for the Manager, Network Architecture and Operations role at its Global Headquarters in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The position works on-site five days a week and oversees, mentors, and develops a team of more than 20 network experts. Reporting to the Director of Infrastructure & Operations, the role leads global technology decisions and the evolution of the company’s multi-service data network, supporting business innovation and cloud-native automation. It combines executive-level strategy with operational leadership, workflow optimization, and delegation of critical support processes to strategic NOC suppliers. The manager plans and architects enterprise LAN, WAN, wireless, and data center deployments; leads the company’s multi-region, multi-cloud network environment across AWS, GCP, and OCI; and advances network security, including manufacturing segmentation. The role also serves as the escalation point for critical network issues, ensures after-hours support coverage for 24/7 service levels, develops network maintenance processes, and manages network monitoring and diagnostic tools and NOC workflows.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 5 years of experience as a Network, Cloud, or Infrastructure Architect.
At least 2 years of experience with Cisco switches and routers.
Experience designing and implementing connectivity and troubleshooting within AWS and/or GCP, including understanding cloud platforms and their native networking services and tools.
Experience with Cisco equipment and operating systems, including configuration, installation, troubleshooting, and support of routers and switches.
Experience conducting short- and long-term planning to meet network requirements.
Knowledge of LAN and WAN protocols and topologies, including EIGRP, BGP, and MPLS.
Experience with switching technologies, including VLANs, Spanning Tree, and VSS.
Experience with security technologies, including Palo Alto firewalls, VPN, and remote access.
Leadership, interpersonal, and analytical skills, including solving practical issues and engaging multiple process partners to reach consensus.
Ability to ensure after-hours support coverage for network services.

Nice To Haves

AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Advanced Networking certification.
Google Cloud Professional Cloud Network Engineer certification.
Cisco CCNP certification.
ITIL v3 Foundation certification.
Knowledge of SD-WAN technologies.
Knowledge and deployment experience with manufacturing segmentation architectures.
Knowledge of system monitoring and management tools such as Solarwinds.
Experience managing third-party vendors for operations support and project delivery, such as network refresh programs.
Experience in a global and international work environment.

Responsibilities

Directly oversee, mentor, and empower a team of more than 20 network experts, fostering technical excellence, accountability, and continuous growth.
Plan and architect enterprise-scale LAN, WAN, wireless, and data center deployments.
Lead integration of network services, including L2/L3 switching, BGP and EIGRP routing, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, load balancing, IPAM, DNS/DHCP, firewalls, IPSec VPN, and SD-WAN.
Design, implement, and maintain a multi-region, multi-cloud network environment across AWS, GCP, and OCI, supporting IaaS VPCs and cloud-native PaaS capabilities.
Lead and participate in network security initiatives, including manufacturing segmentation deployments.
Serve as the ultimate escalation point for troubleshooting critical, high-priority core network issues.
Ensure after-hours support coverage for network service levels, including complex technical changes for project and operations deployments requiring 24/7 support.
Identify essential network maintenance tasks and establish structured processes for their implementation.
Evaluate, manage, and evolve core network monitoring and diagnostic tools, and ensure the NOC has the visibility and workflows to proactively support the global network.
Manage third-party vendors supporting operations and project delivery, including network refresh and lifecycle management programs.

Benefits

Generous benefits package.
Whirlpool employee discount.
Fitness and educational reimbursement programs.
Kitchenettes.
Renovated office space at Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor locations.
Barista Bar.
Biking and walking trails.
Access to The Eddy Early Childhood Center, depending on availability and for an additional cost.
Always On Flexibility to manage personal, family, and outside-of-work commitments.
Two weeks of work from anywhere per year, in minimum one-week increments.
Four weeks of paid sabbatical leave after every five years of service.