Network Security Lead

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.

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.