Network Engineering Manager

Clayton•Maryville, TN

About The Position

The Manager, Network Engineering leads the day-to-day operations and delivery of network engineering services supporting Clayton’s enterprise network. The role manages network engineers, coordinates team priorities, and partners with network architecture and technology leadership to implement reliable, scalable, and secure solutions aligned with technology standards and business objectives. This is a collaborative, execution-oriented leadership role focused on network engineering operations, team development, project delivery, and continuous improvement. The manager translates network strategy into actionable plans and builds partnerships across Enterprise Technology Operations, Security, and other Technology teams to support Clayton’s growth and resilience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, a related field, or equivalent experience.
10+ years of progressive experience in network engineering, including 5+ years in a leadership role within a large, complex enterprise environment.
Proven success leading distributed network teams across multiple domains, such as LAN/WAN, Wi-Fi, VoIP, SD-WAN, and cloud networking.
Demonstrated ability to lead complex cross-functional initiatives without direct authority.
Strong organizational and stakeholder management skills, including coordinating priorities with leadership and peers.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to business stakeholders.
Deep technical understanding of enterprise networking technologies, including routing, switching, firewalls, VPNs, unified communications, and network performance monitoring.
Experience developing and enforcing network policies, procedures, and standards aligned with cybersecurity and compliance requirements.
High integrity, discretion, and sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
Ability to balance project delivery, team development, and immediate operational needs in a dynamic environment.
Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing, distributed technical teams; translate strategy into priorities and execution; coach and mentor staff; and manage through ambiguity.
Advanced knowledge of enterprise networking, including core routing and switching; wireless infrastructure; SD-WAN and cloud networking; network security; voice and unified communications; and network monitoring and observability.
Understanding of automation and Infrastructure-as-Code for network configuration and provisioning.
Working knowledge of cloud networking architecture and hybrid connectivity.
Ability to translate business objectives and network architecture direction into scalable, secure, resilient network solutions and implementation plans.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and a data-driven approach to decisions.
Ability to assess risk, prioritize work, and plan capacity for enterprise-scale environments.
Ability to present operational updates, project recommendations, and risks to leadership and build partnerships across Infrastructure, Cloud, Security, and Application teams.
Understanding of the relationship between network performance, user experience, and business outcomes.
Experience managing budgets, vendor relationships, and technology contracts.
Pragmatic, outcome-oriented mindset focused on measurable business value.

Responsibilities

Provide direct leadership, mentorship, and coaching to network engineers, setting clear expectations and fostering professional growth, accountability, and high performance.
Manage daily network operations, maintenance, and issue resolution to maintain availability, performance, and compliance with internal and regulatory standards.
Partner with Security, Infrastructure, Cloud, and Application teams to deliver end-to-end technology solutions.
Coordinate project intake and priorities with the Portfolio team and technology leadership; assign resources and manage delivery across network initiatives.
Track budget expenditures, team capacity, metrics, and reporting.
Implement automation, standardization, and process improvements to increase network efficiency, service consistency, and reliability.
Communicate operational performance, project progress, risks, and resource needs to leadership and stakeholders.
Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices; recommend practical improvements and support Clayton’s network modernization roadmap.
Translate enterprise network strategy into team objectives and actionable delivery plans, aligning execution with technology and business goals.
Manage vendor relationships, technology contracts, and budgets.