Network Lead

The Networks Lead for the Transform is accountable for the definition, ownership, and continual evolution of the enterprise network services supporting all IAG Transform employees and business applications. This role ensures seamless, secure, and resilient connectivity across locations, multiple application environments (including SaaS and AWS-hosted apps), and operating company (OpCo) boundaries, in line with the highest quality standards applying to company Transform.

Key Responsibilities:

• Network Service Definition & Ownership: Own all facets of the Transform Network Service, incorporating Connectivity Services, Next Generation Firewall, LAN & Wi-Fi, Cloud Secure Edge, and Break-Fix support, as outlined in the Service Design Document.
• Connectivity Strategy: Architect and manage robust, low-latency, and resilient connectivity between all Transform locations, cloud environments (including AWS), SaaS applications, and other OpCos.
• Application Enablement: Guarantee reliable and secure access to a diverse application landscape, including SaaS, cloud-hosted, and on-premises solutions, for all company Transform users.
• VPN & Remote Access: Ensure seamless VPN and secure remote access for applications and users as required, supporting flexible and distributed working models.
• OpCo Integration: Enable and govern secure, policy-compliant connectivity between Transform apps and those of other OpCos. Facilitate both inbound and outbound connectivity while managing risk and maintaining service integrity.
• Performance Management: Define and monitor service levels (availability, latency, packet loss, incident response and resolution times). Proactively address issues impacting service quality.
• Security & Compliance: Oversee next generation firewall deployments, SSE/cloud security services, and enforce policy-based access controls. Ensure compliance with all regulatory and business requirements.
• Incident & Problem Management: Lead the network incident response, prioritization, and escalation processes. Work closely with engineering and service desk teams on rapid restoration and continuous improvement.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management: Manage relationships with third-party service providers, technology partners, and internal stakeholders to deliver on service commitments and drive innovation.
• Continuous Improvement: Review and update the Network Service Design Document as technology, business needs, or regulatory obligations evolve. Implement best practices for service reliability, scalability, and user experience.

Key Service Domains:

• Connectivity Services: 10Gbps links, data centre cross-connects, Smart Wires (EoF/EoC), resiliency (dual/single path), national and international reach.
• Next Generation Firewall: HA pair deployment, threat detection, policy enforcement, and continuous monitoring.
• LAN & Wi-Fi: Wired and wireless infrastructure across all sites, incident classification and rapid resolution, monthly site availability.
• Prisma Access SSE/Cloud Edge: Secure access for remote and distributed users, zero trust enablement, integration with cloud/on-premise environments.
• Break-Fix: 24/7/4 and Next Business Day hardware support, on-site engineer dispatch, and flexible response options.

Required Experience & Skills:

• Proven leadership in enterprise network architecture, operations, and service design, ideally in complex, multi-location, and multi-OpCo environments.
• Expertise in high-speed WAN, data centre, and cloud connectivity (10Gbps+, cross-connects, Smart Wires, etc.).
• Strong background in secure remote access (VPN, SSE), cloud security, and firewall technologies (NGFW, HA configurations).
• Hands-on experience with LAN & Wi-Fi design, deployment, and troubleshooting at scale.
• Track record of defining and managing SLAs for latency, packet loss, availability, incident response, and service restoration.
• Skilled in managing vendor partnerships, contract negotiations, and service escalations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to translate technical solutions into business value.
• Experience in regulated environments and alignment with compliance requirements.
• Continuous improvement mindset, embracing technological evolution and process optimisation.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Network availability in line with tiered targets (e.g. up to 99.999% for resilient configurations).
• Latency and packet loss maintained within agreed thresholds (e.g. as low as 1 ms latency).
• Timely incident response and service restoration, with adherence to documented Time to Fix targets (e.g., 4 hours for Severity 1 incidents).
• Secure, policy-compliant enablement of application connectivity across company Transform and OpCos.
• Successful delivery of connectivity for all required applications.