Network and Telecom Manager

Network and Telecom Manager

Location: Chicago, IL 60611 (hybrid)

Employment Type: Full-Time/ Permanent
Experience Level: manager

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of enterprise network infrastructure across multiple data centers.
• Manage Azure networking environments, including virtual networks, ExpressRoute, VPN gateways, and network security groups.
• Implement and maintain global load balancing services to ensure high availability and optimal performance.
• Ensure network infrastructure meets security, compliance, and business continuity requirements.
• Develop and maintain business continuity plans for network and telecom systems.
• Optimize and manage Genesys Cloud CX platform for contact center operations.
• Oversee Microsoft Teams and Zoom video conferencing and telephony infrastructure.
• Lead global telecom support operations, ensuring 24/7 availability and service quality.
• Manage voice and video communications systems, including SIP trunking, call routing, and quality monitoring.
• Drive cost optimization for telecom services while maintaining service quality.
• Design and implement Cisco-based network solutions including routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless infrastructure.
• Monitor network performance, capacity, and security across all locations.
• Troubleshoot complex network issues and lead incident response efforts.
• Implement network automation and optimization strategies.
• Maintain comprehensive network documentation and topology diagrams.
• Collaborate with Infrastructure Security teams to enforce network security policies and controls.
• Partner with Application Development teams to ensure network infrastructure supports business applications.
• Manage relationships with carriers, ISPs, and technology vendors globally.
• Negotiate contracts and SLAs to optimize cost and performance.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and vendors to support business needs.
• Coordinate vendor and staff access within data centers.
• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing network and telecom support team.
• Establish team goals, performance metrics, and professional development plans.
• Assist with budget management and cost optimization.
• Manage on-call rotation and paging service.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Bring (Must-Haves)

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in IT network and telecommunication environments, including planning, implementation, and maintenance.
• 7+ years of experience leading and managing technical teams.
• Strong proficiency with Cisco, Azure networking, Genesys Cloud CX, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.
• Expertise in routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP) and SD-WAN technologies.
• Experience with network monitoring tools (SolarWinds, PRTG, Nagios) and automation (Python, Ansible, PowerShell).
• Understanding of network security principles including firewalls, IDS/IPS, and zero-trust architecture.
• Experience with ITSM tools (ServiceNow, Jira Service Management).
• Proven ability to manage large-scale network and telecom projects with minimal downtime.
• Excellent communication skills for technical and executive audiences.
• Strong vendor negotiation and contract management experience.
• Budget management and cost optimization expertise.
• Change management experience in enterprise environments.

Bonus Points (Preferred Skills)

• Industry certifications: Cisco CCNP/CCIE, Microsoft Azure Administrator, Genesys Cloud CX Professional, ITIL v4, PMP.
• Experience with public cloud infrastructure connectivity.
• Familiarity with M365, MS Visio, and MS Project.