Director, Network Architecture & Cloud Solutions

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership & Architecture 

• Provide executive vision and long-term roadmap for network architecture, cloud integration, and managed services strategy. 
• Lead the design and evolution of modern IP/MPLS and optical transport networks, hybrid/multi-cloud architectures, and software-defined infrastructure. 
• Champion cloud-native transformation, including infrastructure-as-code, containerization, orchestration (Kubernetes), and cloud connectivity solutions. 
• Drive modernization through automation, software-defined infrastructure, AI-assisted operations, and zero-trust security principles.
• Develop standardized reference architectures and service design frameworks to improve scalability, operational consistency, and customer experience.

Cloud & Managed Services Delivery 

• Direct cloud engineering and operations across major platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), focusing on provisioning, cost optimization, observability, disaster recovery, and FinOps practices. 
• Provide architectural leadership and design for our service delivery team.
• Architect and deliver customer-specific solutions that combine network, cloud, and security components to meet enterprise requirements. 
• Partner with sales, product, and delivery teams to develop differentiated managed services, respond to RFPs, and ensure exceptional client outcomes. 

Network Operations & Engineering Excellence 

• Optimize performance, scalability, reliability, and cost-efficiency of core network and cloud infrastructure. 
• Lead proactive monitoring, incident response, and continuous improvement using modern observability platforms. 
• Ensure robust security posture and compliance with industry and regulatory requirements. 
• Oversee design, deployment, and automation of network and cloud infrastructure using DevOps and GitOps methodologies. 

Team & Business Management 

• Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing engineering teams focused on architecture, cloud, automation, and operations. 
• Manage CAPEX and OPEX budgets with strong financial discipline and ROI focus. 
• Cultivate strategic vendor and partner relationships (cloud hyperscalers, networking vendors, security providers). 
• Collaborate across the organization to align technology strategy with business growth objectives. 

Education, Training, and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or related field (Master’s or MBA strongly preferred). 
• 10+ years of progressive experience in network architecture, cloud infrastructure, and managed services, with at least 5 years in senior leadership roles. 
• Strong hands-on expertise in modern cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), network architecture (IP/MPLS, BGP, SD-WAN, SASE), and automation/DevOps practices. 
• Proven success as a Cloud Architect or Solutions Architect designing and delivering complex enterprise solutions. 
• Demonstrated financial acumen and experience managing large technology budgets. 
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Cloud certifications (AWS Solutions Architect Professional, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Google Cloud Professional Architect, etc.). 
• Advanced networking/security credentials (CCIE, CISSP, MEF, etc.). 
• Experience with infrastructure-as-code (Terraform, Ansible), observability (Prometheus, ELK, Grafana), and modern monitoring/AIOps tools. 
• Background in telecommunications or managed service provider environments. 

Required Skills & Attributes 

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence senior leaders and customers. 
• Strong strategic thinker who can translate business needs into technical architectures. 
• Proven ability to lead through ambiguity, drive change, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment. 
• High emotional intelligence, integrity, and ability to build trust across teams. 
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and attention to detail. 
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as needed for critical initiatives. 

TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AND SOFTWARE:

• Demonstrated knowledge of personal computer applications Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Outlook.
• Experience and proficiency with CAD programs, Visio, PowerPoint, and mapping software

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Primarily indoor work primarily in office environment
• Frequent utilization of manual dexterity and visualizing of computer screen
• No unusual physical requirements
• Frequent travel by vehicle and some by air, with some overnights (if applicable).
• Frequent extended hours required in order to meet deadlines and respond to issues. Includes availability after normal business hours and on weekends
• Work environment will be unstructured and with little, if any, direct supervision