Network Manager (hands-on)

My client is at an exciting time of growth and expansion and looking to bring on board a talented Network/Systems Manager. This person will be responsible for leading managing and organizing the Networking department. Located in the western suburbs of Chicago, my client will offer an excellent compensation package with a hybrid schedule. This is a Direct Hire position. Not a remote job

Manage and monitor IT projects and activities related to the IT Network Systems department in a timely manner

Design, implement, and maintain the organization's local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and telephony environments

Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address security risks

Monitor network traffic for signs of security breaches and take appropriate action to mitigate threats

Meet regularly with senior IT staff, departments and Network Systems staff to define, develop and review goals, initiatives and challenges regarding the Network Systems department

Review and maintain data protection and emergency recovery plans

Ensure that the networks are operating efficiently, securely, and effectively to meet the needs of the organization's operations

Manage the development and documentation of Network Systems policies, procedures, workflows (SLAs) and standardizations

Proactively reach out in order to understand and help facilitate all global IT needs and initiatives

Will evaluate current network environment and focus on process improvements, managing vendors, and assisting hiring manager with overall network strategy

Must have:

5+ years in network administration or network engineering roles

3+ years in a leadership or management position

In-depth working knowledge on network devices, scalability constraints, and design required. Working knowledge of scripting language to monitor system performance of data center infrastructure/environment.

Proven experience with industry standard networking infrastructure including routers, switches, firewalls, etc. is critical

Expertise network management, VOIP, security management, and wireless network services.

Through understanding of IP Network, including VLANs. Firewalls, switches, routers and other network equipment (Netgear, Meraki, Ruckus, Watchguard, VPN, Load Balancer, Web Application Firewall, SD-WAN, External DNS, Redundancy, Load balancing, Anti-Malware and Cybersecurity concepts, Intrusion detection and prevention Strong understanding of Azure and cloud environments

Implementing best practices to keep sights up and running 24/7

5+ years of experience in managing networks for a multi-site (50+) Company

Strong leadership skills, able to step in and take charge

Strong understanding of network security principles and best practices

Experience with network monitoring and management tools

Excellent oral/written communications, organizational, teamwork, time management, and interpersonal skills

Ability to multi-task in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

Demonstrate outstanding level of professionalism, including ability to exercise good judgment, discretion, tact, and diplomacy