Global IT Network Manager

Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you.

Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations.

Lets simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?

Position Summary

The Global Network Manager is responsible for leading the design, implementation, operation, automation, and continuous improvement of the companys global network services. This role manages a globally distributed team responsible for enterprise LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, wireless, Internet, cloud networking, network security, and voice services while driving the adoption of network automation, infrastructure-as-code, and AI-enabled operational practices.

The successful candidate will combine strong leadership capabilities with deep technical expertise in enterprise networking and modern network automation methodologies. This individual will partner closely with cybersecurity, cloud, and business technology teams to deliver highly reliable, secure, scalable, and automated network services that support global business operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Network Strategy & Architecture (20%)

• Define and execute the global network roadmap.
• Develop network standards, reference architectures, and lifecycle plans.
• Lead strategy for:
• Campus networking
• Data centre networking
• WAN and SD-WAN
• Wireless infrastructure
• Internet connectivity
• Cloud networking
• Network security integration
• Evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends.
• Drive simplification, standardisation, and operational maturity across the global network estate.

Network Operations & Service Delivery (25%)

• Ensure availability, performance, and reliability of global network services.
• Own network service delivery across manufacturing, distribution, office, and data centre environments.
• Establish and manage service level objectives (SLOs) and operational KPIs.
• Lead major incident response, root cause analysis, and problem management activities.
• Drive proactive monitoring and observability initiatives.
• Ensure resilient network designs supporting business continuity and disaster recovery requirements.

Network Automation & Engineering Excellence (25%)

• Establish and lead a Network Automation and NetDevOps programme.
• Develop a vision for autonomous network operations and self-healing infrastructure.
• Standardise infrastructure-as-code practices across networking environments.
• Lead automation initiatives using:
• Python
• Ansible
• Git
• APIs
• Terraform

Drive automated:

• Provisioning
• Configuration management
• Compliance validation
• Software upgrades
• Configuration backups
• Security remediation
• Performance analysis
• Leverage AI-driven operational analytics to improve incident prediction and resolution.
• Establish automated testing and network validation processes before production deployments.
• Create engineering standards for network programmability and automation governance.
• Build reusable automation frameworks that reduce manual effort and improve operational consistency.

Team Leadership & Talent Development (15%)

• Lead and develop a high-performing global network engineering organisation.
• Coach engineers in advanced networking, automation, and cloud networking technologies.
• Build succession plans and career development pathways.
• Promote a culture of innovation, accountability, operational excellence, and continuous learning.
• Drive adoption of engineering and DevOps best practices.

Vendor, Financial & Project Management (15%)

• Manage strategic relationships with telecommunications and networking vendors.
• Oversee global carrier contracts and network managed services.
• Develop and manage operational and capital budgets.
• Lead major network transformation programmes including:
• SD-WAN deployments
• Network refresh initiatives
• Wireless modernisation
• Cloud connectivity projects
• Network automation programmes
• Zero Trust network initiatives

Requirements and Preferred Skills

• 10+ years of enterprise networking experience.
• 5+ years leading global network engineering teams.
• Experience supporting large-scale multinational environments.
• Proven success leading network transformation and automation initiatives.
• Bachelors degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related discipline.
• Equivalent experience may be substituted.

Technical Expertise

Enterprise Networking

• Cisco routing and switching
• Cisco Catalyst and Nexus platforms
• Wireless networking technologies
• WAN and SD-WAN solutions
• BGP, OSPF, EIGRP
• MPLS and Internet-based transport
• DNS, DHCP, IPAM
• Voice and unified communications networking

Network Security

• Palo Alto firewalls
• VPN technologies
• Network segmentation
• NAC platforms
• SASE and Zero Trust networking

Automation & DevOps

• Python scripting
• Ansible automation
• REST APIs
• JSON/YAML
• Git version control
• Terraform
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
• CI/CD pipelines
• Network source-of-truth platforms
• Observability and telemetry platforms

Cloud Networking

• Azure networking
• AWS networking
• Hybrid connectivity
• ExpressRoute
• Direct Connect

Preferred Certifications

• CCNP Enterprise
• CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure
• Cisco DevNet Professional
• AWS Advanced Networking Specialty
• Azure Network Engineer Associate
• ITIL Foundation

Pay & Benefits

• Full-Time
• Salary: $155,000 - $180,000
• Bonus Eligible: 15%
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire
• Eligible for 3 of paid vacation + 11 holidays (9 scheduled & 2 floating) + 8 sick days. All vacation days are accrued
• 401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match
• Tuition Reimbursement

Why Gates?

Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as One Gates and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.

Work Environment

Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to work with objects, tools, or controls; and use office equipment including computers, telephones, and/or copiers/scanners. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in Colorado, Gates is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation range is specific to the State of Colorado and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to the candidates relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.

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