Specialist, Network & Connectivity

ROLE SUMMARY: The Specialist, Network & Connectivity is a key technical expert responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, security and documentation of the corporate network infrastructure and other related systems running across multiple locations. This role requires deep knowledge of network protocols, VoIP, hardware, and security principles, and involves managing complex projects, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring high network availability and performance. The role requires a highly skilled Network Administrator/Engineer/Specialist. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES: • Design, implement, administer, and support secure, reliable, and scalable network and communication infrastructures, including LAN, WAN, WLAN, VPN, Internet connectivity, IP Telephony, Unified Communications, and related network security solutions. • Monitor, maintain, and optimize network performance, availability, capacity, and reliability to ensure business continuity and compliance with agreed service levels. • Administer and support enterprise network technologies and services, including routers, switches, firewalls, wireless infrastructure, load balancers, DHCP, DNS, IP Address Management (IPAM), VoIP, and audiovisual conferencing systems. • Troubleshoot and resolve network, connectivity, and communication system issues, providing advanced technical support, root cause analysis, and corrective actions to minimize service disruptions and prevent recurring incidents. • Plan, test, and execute network upgrades, patches, technology refreshes, hardware replacements, migrations, and infrastructure expansion projects while minimizing operational impact. • Implement, manage, and continuously improve network security controls, including firewalls, IDS/IPS, access controls, security policies, vulnerability management, and compliance with cybersecurity standards and regulatory requirements. • Establish, maintain, and test disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities for network and communication services to ensure resilience and rapid recovery from service interruptions. • Develop, maintain, and update network architecture diagrams, configurations, standards, procedures, technical documentation, knowledge base articles, troubleshooting guides, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). • Drive continuous improvement initiatives through process optimization, automation, standardization, performance monitoring, and adoption of industry best practices to enhance operational efficiency and service quality. • Collaborate with internal stakeholders, IT teams, vendors, service providers, and project teams to support business initiatives, technology deployments, audits, and operational requirements. • Participate in internal and external audits, prepare compliance reports, address audit findings, and ensure adherence to company policies, cybersecurity requirements, change management processes, and HSE regulations. • Evaluate emerging technologies and provide recommendations to improve network performance, security, scalability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. • Provide on-call support and participate in planned maintenance activities outside normal working hours when required to support critical business operations and service availability. QUALIFICATION & EDUCATION: • Bachelor’s degree in computer science/network engineering or related field • Relevant certifications in SAP Integration, SAP BTP, middleware technologies, APIs, cloud integration, cybersecurity, or IT service management are preferred. EXPERIENCE: • Minimum 3 years' experience in Network Administration • Mandatory certifications: CCNA, CCNP, ITIL • Preferred Certifications: CCNP, CCIE, Palo-Alto, Checkpoint, Microsoft, etc. SKILLS: Technical Skills • Hands-on experience with Network Switches, Routers, firewalls, wireless controllers, IP telephony, PAM. • Strong experience with firewall configuration and management (Palo Alto, Fortinet, Cisco ASA/Firepower). • Proficiency in managing enterprise wireless networks (e.g. Cisco Meraki, Aruba, etc.). • Solid understanding of VPN technologies (e.g. IPsec, SSL VPN). • Experience with network monitoring and analysis tools (e.g. SolarWinds, Wireshark, PRTG). • Familiarity with data centre networking (e.g. Nexus switches, ACI). • Experience with cloud networking (e.g. AWS VPC, Azure Virtual Network, Direct Connect/ExpressRoute). • Strong expertise in Cisco or equivalent enterprise networking platforms. • In-depth knowledge of: o Routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP) o Switching (Layer 2/3, VLANs, STP, trunking) o Wireless technologies (802.11 standards, controllers, RF optimization). o Network security fundamentals and firewall technologies o VPNs, IPSec, SSL, remote access o VoIP, QoS, and network performance tools • Experience with cloud networking (Azure, AWS, etc.) • Experience with monitoring tools (e.g. InfraOn, SolarWinds, PRTG, etc.). Soft Skills • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve network-related issues. • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure. • Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to service quality and continuous improvement.