Manager, Network Architecture & Operations

Manager, Network Architecture & Operations (Hybrid - Columbia, SC)

The Manager of Network Architecture & Operations leads AgFirst''s network team as a hands-on player coach, with responsibility for the architecture and day-to-day operation of the enterprise network across data centers, offices, supported Farm Credit associations, and hybrid cloud environments. The Manager establishes network architecture standards and the network roadmap, leads and develops network engineering staff, directs contracted and managed service partners, and ensures network, perimeter security, remote access, and voice services are reliable, secure, compliant, and prepared to support business continuity and disaster recovery objectives. The Manager reports to the Director of Technology Architecture & Operations.

What You''ll Do

Network Architecture & Strategy

• Own the enterprise network architecture across data center, campus, WAN, wireless, internet edge, and hybrid cloud environments, including architecture standards, reference designs, and the network roadmap.
• Serve as the hands-on network design authority, producing and reviewing designs for new initiatives and providing technical direction for complex solutions.
• Lead network design for cloud adoption and modernization, including hybrid cloud connectivity, secure access service edge (SASE), and software-defined WAN.
• Advance network automation and infrastructure as code to improve the consistency, speed, and reliability of network delivery.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and manage platform lifecycle and technical debt to maintain a supported, scalable, and cost-effective network.

Network Engineering & Operations

• Ensure the availability, performance, and capacity of network, remote access, voice, and contact center services, including defining, measuring, and reporting service levels.
• Maintain proactive monitoring and disciplined incident, problem, and change management, serving as the escalation point for major network incidents and root cause analysis.
• Maintain accurate network documentation, inventory, diagrams, and runbooks, and continuously improve service management processes for network services.
• Plan and execute the network components of business continuity and disaster recovery, including recovery testing across data center and cloud environments.
• Direct contracted resources, managed service providers, and carriers and hold them accountable for performance against established scope and service levels.

Network Security, Risk, & Financial Management

• Own network security controls, including firewalls, segmentation, and remote access, in partnership with Information Security, and complete required reviews and attestations.
• Ensure network designs and operations meet bank policy, regulatory, and audit requirements, including maintaining control evidence and remediating findings and identified risks.
• Remediate vulnerabilities and maintain network platforms on current, supported software within required timelines.
• Manage network expenditures within the approved budget, track variances, review invoices and accruals, and contribute to annual budget planning.
• Manage network vendor relationships, contracts, renewals, and third-party risk management activities.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and manage network engineering staff, including setting priorities, assigning work, providing performance feedback, coaching, and supporting employee development.
• Establish clear team accountabilities and align resources with network strategy, operational requirements, and business priorities.
• Build team capability through knowledge sharing, cross-training, mentoring, and development of technical expertise.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and disciplined engineering and operational practices.

What You''ll Need

• Bachelor''s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Network Engineering, or related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 7-9 years of experience in enterprise network engineering, architecture, or operations.
• 4-6 years of experience leading or supervising technical teams, including contracted or managed service resources.
• 1-3 years of experience designing and supporting hybrid cloud network connectivity.
• 1-3 years of experience with SASE, software-defined WAN, or network automation initiatives.
• 1-3 years of experience in financial services or another regulated industry.
• Certifications: CCNP - Cisco Certified Network Professional, AWS Certified Solution Architect, ITIL Foundations v3
• Advanced knowledge of enterprise network architecture and design, including routing, switching, data center, WAN, and wireless technologies.
• Knowledge of network security principles and technologies, including firewalls, segmentation, remote access, and zero trust.
• Knowledge of hybrid and public cloud networking architectures and connectivity.
• Skill in vendor, contract, and budget management.
• Ability to communicate complex technical designs, risks, recommendations, and operational status clearly to technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Ability to lead, coach, and develop technical professionals and establish clear priorities and accountability.

AgFirst Farm Credit Bank provides financing, as well as technology and other value-added services, to association partners so they can lend to rural residents and agricultural operations of all sizes. We take pride in investing in our employees, our partners and our community.

Find out more on AgFirst.com, and follow us on LinkedIn!