Manager of Global Network Operations; NOC)

Manager of Global Network Operations

Rate $ USD

Neenah, WI (onsite requirements, 3 times per week min) – Relocation is acceptable

6 months contract with option to convert

The Manager, Global Network Operations is a strategic technical leadership role responsible for the engineering and operational evolution of a core enterprise networking ecosystem. This role leads solutions spanning a global software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) footprint, Google Cloud Platform (GCP) connectivity, Intent-Based Networking (IBN), and factory-edge/operational technology (OT) environments. The ideal candidate is a strategic leader who can operationalize scalable, robust, and secure network architectures.

This leader will help modernize the digital backbone, right-size data center fabrics, and ensure seamless, zero-downtime connectivity across the enterprise, from local manufacturing plants to global cloud landing zones. The Mgr will oversee a team of 3 – this is a hands on manager role.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Network Engineering, or a related field.
• Must have 5+ years of related experience in enterprise network engineering required overseeing a Global Network Strategy & Execution operation:
  Own the end-to-end lifecycle and 24/7 operational performance of enterprise WAN, SD-WAN, LAN, Wi-Fi, and GCP cloud networking environments.
• Must have Proven track record leading enterprise-wide NOC Workflows such as:
• Software-Defined ( SD-WAN) & Intent-Based Networking:
  Drive the transition toward Intent-Based Networking (IBN) and artificial intelligence for IT operations (AIOps), translating business policies into declarative network state and automated closed-loop assurance.
• SD-WAN transformations, such as Cisco, Fortinet, or Palo Alto Networks, and SASE/ZTNA deployments, such as Prisma.
• GCP Cloud & SASE Architecture:
  Optimize resilient, low-latency connectivity between on-premises sites, factory-edge nodes, and GCP using Cloud Interconnect, Cloud Router, and Shared Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs), along with Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) frameworks.
• Deep functional and technical knowledge of GCP cloud-native networking, including Shared VPCs, Cloud Interconnect, Cloud Router, and VPC Service Controls.
• Data Center Fabric Right-Sizing:
  Deliver modern Ethernet VPN and Virtual Extensible LAN (EVPN-VXLAN) leaf-spine data center fabrics; manage the compression and optimization of on-premises hardware footprints as workloads migrate into GCP. (Right-sizing hybrid/on-premises data center networks during active cloud migrations.)
• Network Automation & IaC:
  Lead a Network as Code strategy, driving continuous integration and automated change management through Terraform, Ansible, Python, and Git Ops workflows.
• Proficiency managing network infrastructure through automation pipelines using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform, Ansible, Python, and Git/Git Ops.
• Expert knowledge of core protocols including Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Multiprotocol BGP (MP-BGP), VXLAN overlays, and IPv4/IPv6 enterprise addressing schemes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex network requirements into clear conceptual guidance for executive leadership.
• Preferred: GCP Professional Cloud Network Engineer or Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification.
• Preferred:
  Hands-on expertise with Cisco Enterprise Networking solutions, including Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) and Cisco Catalyst Center, formerly DNA Center.
• Preferred:
  Experience managing enterprise-grade Cisco Voice/Unified Communications (UC) architectures.
• Preferred:
  Proficiency with Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW) and security management platforms.

• Google Cloud Platform (GCP):
  Shared VPC, Cloud Interconnect, Cloud Router, VPC Service Controls
• Networking: SD-WAN, SASE, ZTNA, IBN, AIOps, EVPN-VXLAN, leaf-spine, BGP, OSPF, MP-BGP, IPv4/IPv6
• Automation and IaC:
  Terraform, Ansible, Python, Git, Git Ops
• Enterprise and Security:
  Cisco ACI, Cisco Catalyst Center, Cisco Voice/UC, Palo Alto Networks NGFW, Prisma
• Observability:
  Thousand Eyes, Dynatrace, Wireshark