Manager, Network Engineering & Architecture

Manager, Network Engineering & Architecture

Provide leadership, technical direction, and people management for the Network Engineering & Architecture team within HCIS Technical Operations. This is a working manager role that blends team leadership with direct technical contribution, responsible for the architecture, design, standards, lifecycle, and delivery of the enterprise network environment for University of Iowa Health Care faculty, staff, and affiliated entities. The position leads and develops a team of network architects and engineers, sets and enforces architectural and operational standards, drives proactive lifecycle and capacity planning, and engages directly in complex design and troubleshooting when required.

As the Network & Infrastructure Services organization matures, responsibilities may flex across engineering and operations functions to support evolving needs.

Position Responsibilities:

Supervise, coach, mentor, and develop a team of network architects and engineers, including hiring, performance management, goal setting, scheduling, and professional development.

Balance team leadership with direct technical contribution, engaging directly in complex design, implementation, and troubleshooting when required.

Set, enforce, and maintain architectural, configuration, and operational standards, and hold the team accountable for execution, quality, and service delivery.

Lead communication, coordination, and change readiness across teams and with other HCIS and enterprise partners.

Own architectural direction and long-term strategy for the enterprise network, including core routing and switching, WAN, wireless, and network assurance and monitoring platforms.

Direct site preparation, installation, testing, and lifecycle maintenance of complex networking equipment including routers, switches, Wi‑Fi, and network management platforms; perform this work directly when required.

Maintain complete physical and logical network documentation, design baselines, and standards, ensuring they are kept accurate and current.

Lead the analysis of networking requirements and the design of new systems and services.

Provide technical guidance, consulting, and service‑improvement recommendations to other departments.

Serve as an escalation point and provide technical leadership for operational incidents and post‑incident root cause analysis (RCAs).

Provide scheduled 24x7 on‑call coverage as part of a team rotation.

Manage commercial carrier and ISP relationships, including obtaining quotes and service agreements, coordinating with contracts and purchasing, and tracking carrier contracts, billing, and circuits over time.

Drive proactive lifecycle, capacity, and risk management aligned to capital and budget planning.

Provide project management, project estimates (cost, time, and resources), and financial management and input for the team's initiatives.

Prepare written and oral recommendations for leadership regarding system and service improvements.

May develop, track, and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs), ITSM and ticket status, and alert management in support of Network & Infrastructure Services operations.

May assume operational oversight responsibilities, including network health and monitoring review, incident management, and ticket ownership and accountability, as functions and roles shift across the organization.

Stay well‑informed of trends and technical developments in the field by utilizing self‑study materials, seminars, courses, and conferences.

Follow policies and procedures in accordance with the guidelines of The University of Iowa Health Care and Health Care Information Systems (HCIS).

Perform other duties as delegated in support of overall HCIS and division activities.

Health Care Information Services (HCIS) provides and supports information and communication systems and technology that facilitate quality patient care, progressive medical education, and innovative research. HCIS services Iowa Health Care by delivering comprehensive, high‑level support for patient care delivery, internal and external communication, technology innovation, medical education, and research—creating and maintaining a positive, productive, and rewarding environment for information technology and communication staff.

The University of Iowa offers a generous benefits package, including 24 days of paid vacation per year to start and paid sick leave. Complete information regarding the full benefits package may be viewed at…