Network Operations Lead

The Network Operations Lead will oversee the operations reliability security and continuous improvement of enterprise network services across enterprise data centre cloud and hybrid environments. The role requires strong hands-on network operations experience cloud network design knowledge and the ability to use AI and automation tools to improve operational efficiency incident response monitoring and service quality.

The ideal candidate is hands-on automation-minded security-conscious and comfortable working in an environment where AI is embedded into daily operations. This individual must combine strong network engineering fundamentals with an AI-first mindset: using automation data and intelligent tools to prevent incidents accelerate troubleshooting improve user experience and support the organization’s mission.

• Lead day-to-day network operations including monitoring incident response troubleshooting escalation and service restoration.
• Manage and optimise enterprise data centre wireless internet VPN firewall and cloud connectivity services.
• Design review and support cloud network architectures across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
• Work with application infrastructure cloud cybersecurity and vendor teams to ensure reliable and secure network services.
• Use automation tools to streamline repetitive network operations tasks including configuration checks compliance validation reporting and alert handling.
• Apply AI-assisted tools responsibly to support log analysis incident summarisation root-cause analysis knowledge retrieval and operational reporting.
• Develop and maintain network scripts workflows dashboards and runbooks to improve operational efficiency.
• Ensure network changes follow proper change management testing approval rollback and documentation processes.
• Review network performance capacity availability and security posture and recommend improvements.
• Lead post-incident reviews and drive preventive actions.
• Guide and mentor network engineers in operational best practices automation AI-enabled workflows and cloud networking.

Who You Are

Must Have

Core Competencies

• Strong experience in network operations preferably across enterprise data centre or service provider environments. (Note: "campus" removed)
• Good knowledge of routing switching wireless DNS DHCP VPN firewall load balancing network security and network monitoring tools.
• Familiarity with cloud network design concepts including VPC/VNet design hybrid connectivity cloud routing security groups network segmentation private connectivity and cloud-native network controls.
• Hands-on experience with at least one major cloud platform such as AWS Azure or Google Cloud.
• Experience with network automation scripting or workflow tools such as Python Ansible Terraform API integration or orchestration platforms.
• Ability to use AI tools effectively and safely for technical analysis documentation reporting troubleshooting support and operational improvement.
• Good understanding of AI-related risks including inaccurate recommendations data confidentiality hallucinated commands and the need for human validation.
• Strong analytical troubleshooting communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working with vendors managed service providers and cross-functional technical teams.
• Ability to lead operational improvements and translate technical issues into clear management updates.
• Exposure to AI operations machine-learning infrastructure GPU clusters high-performance computing or enterprise networks would be advantageous. (Note: "research networks" generalized)

AI and Automation Competencies

• Use approved AI tools to analyse logs alerts incident records network documentation and operational data.
• Create review and maintain automation scripts for network validation reporting configuration backup compliance checks and routine operational tasks.
• Identify safe and practical opportunities to automate recurring network operations activities.
• Validate AI-generated recommendations before applying them in production environments.
• Maintain proper governance over AI and automation use including data protection change control auditability and human oversight.

Nice To Have

• Certifications in networking cloud cybersecurity or automation such as CCNP CCIE AWS Advanced Networking Azure Network Engineer Google Professional Cloud Network Engineer CISSP or equivalent.
• Experience implementing network automation infrastructure-as-code or AI-assisted operations use cases.
• Experience with observability AIOps SIEM ITSM or network performance management platforms.
• Familiarity with zero trust SASE SD-WAN cloud security and hybrid cloud connectivity patterns.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume to our recruitment team. We will be in touch with suitable candidates to discuss the opportunity in greater detail.

Data Privacy Notice:

By submitting your application or resume you consent to our company collecting using and processing your personal data for the purpose of evaluating your suitability for this role.

Required Skills:

Core Networking: Network operations routing switching wireless DNS DHCP VPN firewall load balancing network security and network monitoring tools. Cloud & Hybrid Infrastructure: Cloud network design VPC/VNet design hybrid connectivity cloud routing security groups network segmentation private connectivity and cloud-native network controls across AWS Azure or Google Cloud. Automation & Scripting: Network automation infrastructure-as-code and scripting tools including Python Ansible Terraform API integration and orchestration platforms. AI & AIOps Operations: Experience using AI tools safely for technical analysis log analysis alert handling incident summarisation root-cause analysis and operational reporting alongside an understanding of AI-related risks and data governance. Operations & Management: Incident response troubleshooting service restoration change management capacity planning vendor management and stakeholder communication. Certifications & Frameworks (Nice-to-Have): CCNP CCIE AWS Advanced Networking Azure Network Engineer Google Professional Cloud Network Engineer CISSP SASE SD-WAN and Zero Trust