IT Network Lead - VR/31494

Overview

Join a leading E&P company as IT Network Lead. You will be responsible for designing and implementing high-level network solutions that support the strategic goals of the organisation.

This role involves developing architecture blueprints, evaluating emerging technologies, and ensuring the scalability, security, and performance of the network infrastructure. The Network Architect collaborates with cross-functional teams and the IT Support Service partners to provide technical leadership throughout the lifecycle of the organisation's network and projects.

Responsibilities

Network Design & Architecture

• Collaborating with Enterprise Architecture to develop and maintain enterprise network architecture standards and documentation.
• Designing scalable, secure, and resilient network solutions for data centres, cloud environments, offshore and company offices.
• Evaluating and recommending new technologies and tools to enhance network capabilities, improve performance and reduce cost. A typical current example includes assessing technologies such as Low Earth Orbit Satellite services with potential to deliver high performance and lower cost services to offshore facilities.

Strategic Planning

• Aligning network architecture with business objectives and IT strategy.
• Leading network transformation initiatives, including cloud migration and SD-WAN deployment.
• Conducting capacity planning and future-proofing of network infrastructure.
• Maintaining assessment of the network environment to ensure required levels of resilience and diversity are understood and in place.

Operations

• Supporting Incident Management and Change Management processes helping to minimise downtime and impact to business operations.
• Having a detailed understanding of networks and routing to troubleshoot incidents when they arise alongside the service partner.
• Maintaining clear sight of network infrastructure and liaising with project delivery to provide forward looking plans to address obsolescence and minimise technical debt.

Security & Compliance

• Integrating security best practices into network design.
• Collaborating with Cybersecurity Teams to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Designing and implementing network segmentation and access control strategies, with a particular focus on network design to support Operational Technology.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Working closely with Network Engineers, Systems Architects, and Application Teams.
• Providing technical guidance and mentorship to Engineering Teams.
• Leading architecture reviews and contributing to governance processes.

Documentation & Standards

• Creating detailed network diagrams, configuration standards, and operational procedures.
• Ensuring up-to-date documentation for all network architecture components.
• Ensuring consistency and standardisation across the network environment.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Strong vendor and stakeholder management skills. Bachelor's or Master's degree in computer science, information technology, or related field.
• Industry certifications such as Cisco CCDE, CCNP/CCIE, Juniper JNCIE, or equivalent.
• 8+ years of experience in network engineering and architecture roles.
• Deep understanding of routing, switching, firewalls, load balancers, and network protocols.
• Experience with cloud networking (Azure, AWS, GCP) and hybrid environments.
• Expertise in WAN, LAN, WLAN, SD-WAN, network protocols, network segmentation.
• Familiarity with network monitoring and performance tools (e.g., NetFlow, SNMP, SolarWinds).
• Strong analytical, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into business-friendly language.