The Network & Network Security Lead will play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity, performance, and security of the organization’s networking environment. This position requires an expert-level understanding of complex network and security architectures, as well as hands-on troubleshooting skills for high-impact issues. The successful candidate will lead cross-functional teams to deliver secure and resilient infrastructure for a regulated financial environment.
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Key Responsibilities & Duties:
- Architecture & Design Leadership: Lead the design and evolution of enterprise network and security architecture that aligns with business and compliance requirements. Ensure integration of network security principles in all architectural decisions.
- Advanced Troubleshooting & Problem Resolution: Own and resolve high-severity incidents across Layer 1–7 networking issues including firewalls, routing, DNS, proxies, and cloud networking.
- Multiskilling & Cross-Functional Expertise: Provide mentorship across multiple technology domains including routing, switching, firewalls, load balancers, VPNs, SD-WAN, etc.
- Security Posture & Threat Management: Implement network segmentation, access control, and zero-trust strategies, collaborating with cross-departmental teams for incident response and threat mitigation.
- Operations Oversight & Optimization: Ensure the performance and efficiency of network and security services, developing procedures to meet industry and regulatory standards.
- Project Leadership: Lead critical infrastructure projects such as migrations and upgrades.
- Vendor & Contract Management: Evaluate and manage vendors and service providers, ensuring SLA compliance.
- Compliance & Audit Readiness: Maintain documentation and policies for financial sector audits and compliance checks.
- Monitoring & Incident Detection: Employ proactive monitoring for performance and threats, defining thresholds and escalation workflows.
- Team Development: Foster a development culture, providing coaching and conducting performance reviews.
- Documentation: Maintain documentation that aligns with compliance and organizational standards.
Skills & Qualifications:
- Typically requires 7+ years of relevant experience, with a minimum of 3 years in a similar role.
- Deep hands-on expertise in enterprise networking, SDN solutions, network security, and firewall administration (Cisco, Aruba, Fortinet, Palo Alto).
- Full-stack network knowledge and experience in designing and managing secure, scalable networks.
- Strong troubleshooting skills for complex multi-vendor issues.
- Understanding of secure cloud networking (Azure/AWS) and hybrid environments.
- Familiarity with compliance frameworks (Cybersecurity Framework, NCA, ISO 27001, NIST).
Education & Certifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Network Engineering, or a related field.
- Preferred certifications: Cisco CCIE (DC, Enterprise, Security), CISSP, CISM, and cloud certifications (AWS/Azure Network Specialty).
Working Conditions:
- Based in Saudi Arabia with required on-site visits to data centers and site offices.
- Availability for critical incidents outside of normal working hours.
- Hybrid collaboration model with global teams, regulators, and auditors.
Language Requirements: Fluency in English is preferred; additional languages may be beneficial.
