Key Responsibilities:
Network Management:
- Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of the global network infrastructure, including WAN, LAN, SD-WAN, VPN, and wireless systems.
- Ensure network performance meets the demands of manufacturing facilities, OT systems, and enterprise users.
- Monitor and troubleshoot network connectivity issues, ensuring minimal disruption to critical manufacturing systems.
- Partner with global IT and OT teams to optimize communication protocols and network configurations for OT devices.
OT & Manufacturing Infrastructure:
- Take ownership of OT device connectivity and infrastructure across global manufacturing plants.
- Work closely with manufacturing teams to integrate and manage industrial OT solutions, including PLCs, sensors, and smart devices.
- Implement network segmentation and security policies to protect critical manufacturing infrastructure from cyber threats.
Leadership & Strategy:
- Develop and implement the global network strategy aligned with the organization's business objectives.
- Lead a global team of network engineers and technicians, ensuring effective delivery of services and projects.
- Partner with stakeholders to assess evolving needs for network and OT capabilities in manufacturing.
- Stay informed about emerging networking and OT technologies, providing recommendations for innovation and process improvement.
Security & Compliance:
- Establish and enforce network security protocols and practices, particularly for OT-connected manufacturing systems.
- Ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001) and local regulations in all operating regions.
- Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and collaborate with the cybersecurity team to mitigate risks.
Vendor & Budget Management:
- Manage vendor relationships for network hardware, software, and services.
- Plan and manage the global network budget, including forecasting costs for upgrades and expansions.
- Oversee the procurement and deployment of OT and networking equipment globally.
Team Development and Support
- Build and mentor a team of network engineers and administrators specializing in IT/OT networks.
- Develop training programs to keep the team updated on emerging technologies and best practices.
- Act as a point of escalation for critical network issues.
Version Management and Continuous Updates
- Ensure that all network infrastructure components, OT systems, and software tools are kept up to date with the latest firmware, patches, and version upgrades.
- Develop a lifecycle management process for evaluating, testing, and implementing updates without disrupting operations.
- Stay informed of emerging technologies and advancements to identify opportunities for modernization.
Qualifications:
- Experience:
- 7+ years of experience managing global enterprise networks, with at least 3 years of experience supporting manufacturing environments or OT systems.
- Proven experience with SD-WAN, Cisco, Aruba, or similar networking technologies.
- Strong understanding of OT protocols (e.g., MQTT, OPC-UA) and industrial networks.
- Skills:
- Expertise in network design, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
- Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices for OT and manufacturing environments.
- Exceptional leadership and communication skills to manage global teams and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certifications such as CCNP, CCDP, CISSP, or equivalent.
- Experience with cloud-based networking solutions (e.g., Azure, AWS).
- Familiarity with IT/OT convergence and industrial control systems (ICS).