Network Operations Manager

We are seeking an experienced Network Operations Manager to lead the stability, performance, and strategic evolution of our clients network infrastructure. This is a key leadership role responsible for both Business as Usual (BAU) operations and network transformation initiatives, ensuring secure, resilient and scalable connectivity across the organisation.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in modernising legacy network environments, strengthening security posture, and supporting wider IT transformation programmes.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

• Own day-to-day network operations, uptime, and performance across all sites.
• Ensure high availability, incident response, and root cause analysis processes are robust and continuously improved.
• Manage monitoring, alerting and reporting of network performance and capacity.
• Oversee change management processes related to network infrastructure.

Security & Architecture

• Lead the transition from perimeter-based security models toward layered / Zero Trust network architectures.
• Oversee SSL decryption strategies, firewall rulesets, segmentation and access controls.
• Collaborate with Security and Infrastructure teams to strengthen overall cyber resilience.
• Maintain compliance with internal security standards and industry best practices.

Transformation & Modernisation

• Drive modernisation of legacy Cisco Firepower and associated network equipment.
• Contribute to broader IT transformation programmes and system upgrades.
• Evaluate new networking technologies, vendors, and solutions aligned with long-term strategy.
• Develop roadmaps for network scalability and resilience.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with senior IT leadership and cross-functional teams to align network capabilities with business objectives.
• Manage third-party suppliers, MSPs and contractors where required.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to network engineers or support teams.
• Produce executive-level reports on performance, risks and improvement plans.

Skills & Experience Required

Technical

• Strong hands-on background in enterprise networking.
• Deep experience with Cisco technologies, particularly Firepower and firewall management.
• Proven experience implementing Zero Trust / layered network security models.
• Knowledge of SSL Decryption, IDS/IPS, VPNs, segmentation and secure access controls.
• Experience with network monitoring and management tools.
• Understanding of cloud networking principles (Azure / AWS / Hybrid environments desirable).

Professional

• Demonstrated experience managing network operations in mid-to-large scale environments.
• Ability to balance BAU stability with transformation initiatives.
• Strong incident management and problem-solving capability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience managing suppliers or technical partners.

Desirable

• Certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, CISSP or equivalent.
• Exposure to SD-WAN, SASE or modern network security frameworks.
• Experience within regulated or security-sensitive industries.

Working Arrangements

• Predominantly remote, with occasional on-site presence required in Brierley Hill for key meetings, planning sessions or infrastructure reviews.

What Success Looks Like

• Improved network stability and reduced incident frequency.
• Clear roadmap and delivery of network modernisation initiatives.
• Strengthened security posture and adoption of layered/Zero Trust principles.
• Effective collaboration with wider IT and business stakeholders.

At Gleeson Recruitment Group, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We are proud to be a disability confident employer.

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