Network Specialist; CCIE

Position: Network Specialist (Must have CCIE)
PURPOSE:
To serve as the principal authority for the architecture, strategic design, and long-term planning of high-performance Cisco network infrastructure. This role is pivotal in engineering resilient, secure, and highly available enterprise solutions while strategically managing Tier-1 vendor relationships. Act as a catalyst for engineering excellence by collaborating seamlessly with the Solution Design team and providing elite-level technical governance, mentorship, and vision across the broader Networking division.

FORMAL EDUCATION:

• Grade 12 (NQF
  4)
• Bachelor’s or Diploma in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related technical field will be an advantage

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 6–10 years of progressive experience within the ICT sector, with a proven track record of engineering, integrating, and operating enterprise- and carrier-class networks.
• Extensive hands-on experience in architectural design and implementation of Cisco technologies, including SD-WAN solutions.
• Advanced technical experience designing and maintaining complex LAN/WAN architectures.
• Expert-level configuration and optimisation of core routing protocols, specifically BGP (including advanced path selection and policy configuration) and OSPF/IS-IS
• Proven experience bridging physical Cisco infrastructure with cloud ecosystems using high-speed direct links and cloud-native routing protocols.
• Deep expertise implementing robust security frameworks and access controls using Cisco firewalls, including zero-trust network access (ZTNA), scalable IPsec/SSL VPNs, and advanced threat prevention.
• Act as the ultimate technical authority for troubleshooting complex, systemic network incidents escalated beyond standard Level 3 support teams.
• Proven ability to drive operational efficiencies, improve productivity, and modernise infrastructure through automation and continuous improvement strategies.
• Demonstrated experience maintaining rigorous documentation standards, including low-level designs (LLDs), high-level designs (HLDs), architectural diagrams, and comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Experience providing high-level technical oversight and participating in structured on-call/after-hours escalation management for critical, high-impact network outages.

TECHNICAL / LEGAL CERTIFICATION

• CCIE required
• ITIL Foundation or higher will be an advantage

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Advanced Technical Governance & Level 4 Engineering

• Serve as the definitive 4th-line technical authority for complex, systemic network and wireless incidents escalated from Level 3 teams, utilising deep-packet analysis and Cisco diagnostics to resolve high-impact issues.
• Oversee and execute high-risk network modifications, core infrastructure implementations, and critical Cisco OS lifecycle upgrades in strict alignment with enterprise change management frameworks.
• Design, implement, and audit robust network security postures, stringent access controls, and comprehensive backup/disaster recovery systems across the entire Cisco footprint.
• Architect and execute automated monitoring, telemetry, and preventative maintenance schedules to analyse network usage, project future growth, and maximise fabric reliability.

Solution Design, Lifecycle, & Project Planning

• Translate complex client business requirements into scalable, secure, and highly efficient network blueprints (High-Level and Low-Level Designs), ensuring successful testing and seamless deployment.
• Develop, test, and transition comprehensive operational and deployment plans for introducing next-generation networking products or features into the production environment.
• Evaluate, optimise, and automate technical and operational workflows to drive measurable improvements in network deployment speed, fabric quality, and overall cost-efficiency.

Strategic Client & Stakeholder Management

• Cultivate and maintain trusted, high-level relationships with key client executives and internal business leaders to ensure maximum account retention and strategic alignment.
• Partner with Customer Support Operational and Solution Design teams to interpret enterprise client requirements, positioning advanced technical capabilities as high-value business solutions.
• Oversee operational delivery to ensure all engineering and support processes strictly align with, or exceed, committed Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Vendor, Partner, & Team Leadership

• Drive tactical and operational engagements with critical partners and technology vendors (including Ciso Networks), managing hardware life cycles, escalation pathways, and technical support frameworks.
• Establish and enforce technical governance mechanisms between internal and external stakeholders while actively mentoring Level 1 through Level 3 engineering teams to elevate collective organisational capability.
• Formulate and deliver granular performance data and periodic strategic reports to executive leadership to track engineering milestones and the…