Senior Manager, Network Engineering and Operations

Meriton•Irving, TX

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Network Engineering and Operations is responsible for leading a specialized team that provides engineering, implementation, and operational support for all network infrastructure across Meriton's physical and cloud environments. This leader owns both on-premises and colocation Fortinet network equipment as well as all Azure networking components, ensuring seamless connectivity, security, and performance across the organization's hybrid infrastructure. This role requires deep technical expertise combined with strong leadership capabilities—a true player/coach who can design solutions, troubleshoot complex issues, and develop team members simultaneously. The ideal candidate will partner closely with the Cloud and Data Team and Cyber Security to architect, implement, and operate Azure network resources while maintaining excellence in physical Fortinet infrastructure management. This position demands someone who can balance strategic network architecture with hands-on operational responsibilities across both cloud and on-premises environments.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
7+ years in network engineering and operations, including 3+ years in leadership capacity.
Proven experience designing and operating Azure networking components.
Strong understanding of networking protocols (BGP, OSPF, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, VPNs, SD-WAN).
Experience implementing network security controls, zero-trust architectures, and defense-in-depth strategies.
Demonstrated player/coach leadership style with ability to mentor teams while remaining technically hands-on.
Strong collaboration skills and experience working with cross-functional teams including Cloud and Security teams.
Ability to balance strategic planning with operational execution in fast-paced environments.

Nice To Haves

Effective communication skills and experience in organizational change management and technology adoption.
Strong analytical and reporting capabilities, with a focus on customer satisfaction and service performance metrics.
Ability to lead through ambiguity, drive transformation, and foster a culture of innovation.
Microsoft Azure network or Security related certifications
Experience with Infrastructure as Code tools (Terraform, Bicep, ARM templates) for network automation.
Knowledge of SD-WAN technologies and hybrid cloud networking architectures.
Familiarity with network monitoring and observability tools (NetFlow, packet capture, Azure Monitor, Log Analytics).
CCNP, CCIE, or equivalent networking certifications.

Responsibilities

Lead the engineering and operations of all physical and virtual Fortinet network equipment.
Oversee configuration, deployment, maintenance, and optimization of Fortinet firewalls, switches, routers, and related network security appliances.
Ensure high availability, performance, and security of physical network infrastructure supporting critical business operations.
Develop and maintain network architecture standards, configuration templates, and operational runbooks for Fortinet.
Monitor network performance metrics, proactively identify issues, and implement solutions to maintain optimal operations.
Plan and execute network infrastructure upgrades, expansions, and technology refreshes for physical network equipment.
Own the design, implementation, and operation of all Azure networking components including Virtual Networks, VPN Gateways, ExpressRoute, Network Security Groups, Application Gateways, Azure Firewall, and Load Balancers.
Architect hybrid connectivity solutions connecting on-premises Fortinet infrastructure to Azure cloud environments.
Implement network segmentation, micro-segmentation, and zero-trust network architectures in Azure environments.
Optimize Azure network performance, costs, and security posture through continuous monitoring and improvement.
Partner with the Cloud Team to ensure the network supports pipelines, analytics platforms, and cloud-native applications.
Collaborate with Cyber Security to implement and maintain network security controls, threat detection, and compliance .
Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing network engineering and operations team capable of managing hybrid infrastructure.
Foster a player/coach culture where leadership includes hands-on technical work alongside team development.
Conduct regular performance reviews, establish development plans, and build technical depth across the team.
Promote knowledge sharing through documentation, training sessions, and collaborative problem-solving.
Build team capabilities in both Fortinet technologies and Azure networking through certifications and hands-on experience.
Establish on-call rotation and ensure 24x7 support capability for critical network infrastructure.
Stay current with Fortinet product roadmaps, Azure networking capabilities, and industry best practices.
Evaluate emerging network technologies and recommend adoption strategies aligned with business needs.
Implement network automation using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools for Azure networking and Fortinet configurations.
Drive adoption of monitoring, observability, and analytics tools to improve network operations.
Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex network issues spanning physical and cloud environments.
Establish and maintain network documentation, diagrams, and configuration management systems.
Ensure network infrastructure adheres to security policies, compliance requirements, and regulatory standards.
Implement change management processes for network modifications across all environments.
Conduct network security assessments, vulnerability management, and remediation activities.
Maintain disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities for network infrastructure.
Manage vendor relationships with Fortinet, Microsoft Azure, and other network technology providers.
Coordinate network audits and ensure compliance with internal controls and external requirements.