Job Description

Overview Of The Role

The individual in this role is responsible for the architecture, design, implementation, and operation of SDWAN for AFG’s global WAN network. Additionally, they are tasked with providing technical demonstrations, showcasing use cases, and ensuring that the WAN network infrastructure operates at optimal performance levels.

What You Will Do

• Architect and design SD-WAN solutions tailored to meet organizational requirements, ensuring scalability, reliability, and performance.
• Integrate SD-WAN with existing network infrastructure, including MPLS, VPNs, and cloud services, ensuring seamless connectivity
• Design and implement robust security measures, including encryption, firewalls, and zero-trust architectures, to protect SD-WAN traffic.
• Ensure efficient and secure connectivity to Azure cloud platforms and SaaS applications.
• Design failover and redundancy mechanisms to ensure high availability and business continuity.
• Define and implement SD-WAN policies for traffic routing, quality of service (QoS), and application performance.
• Monitor and optimize SD-WAN performance, including application prioritization, traffic steering, and bandwidth management.
• Create and maintain detailed documentation, including network diagrams, configurations, and operational procedures
• Optimize costs by leveraging SD-WAN capabilities to reduce reliance on expensive underlay circuits and improve resource utilization.
• Act as an escalation point for resolving complex SD-WAN-related issues and outages.
• Stay updated on emerging SD-WAN trends and technologies, recommending and implementing upgrades as needed.
• Forecast future network requirements and plan for capacity expansion to support business growth.
• Utilize SD-WAN analytics to generate reports on network performance, usage, and security for stakeholders.
• Implement automation tools and scripts to streamline SD-WAN deployment, management, and monitoring
• Ensure comprehensive understanding of AFG’s IT infrastructure environment, identifying opportunities for improvement in performance, availability, and costs. Evaluate utilization of service providers to optimize, streamline operations and gain cost efficiency.
• Monitor bandwidth consumption and recommend cost-effective link utilization strategies.
• Optimize cloud connectivity and SaaS access using direct internet breakouts to reduce dependency on data centre traffic routing.
• Conduct periodic assessments of WAN infrastructure to identify and remediate inefficiencies.
• Provide expert advice on sourcing, negotiations, procurement, and delivery of SDWAN hardware, software, and managed services.
• Collaborate with audit teams to review SDWAN infrastructure and implement corrective measures for identified concerns.
• Ensures the deployment, management, and operation of the SDWAN infrastructure align with business objectives, security policies, compliance requirements, and industry best practices.
• Align SDWAN architecture with industry regulations and corporate governance policies.
• Lead the team in handling critical incidents, ensuring quick resolution of SDWAN-related outages or security breaches.
• Define the SDWAN roadmap, align it with business objectives, and drive long-term network transformation strategies.
• Provide hands-on leadership, training, and mentorship to team members, enhancing their expertise in SDWAN technologies.
• Communicate effectively with senior management, vendors, and business units to align SDWAN initiatives with organizational goals.
• Contribute to enhancing operations and security practices, procedures, methodologies, and tools through involvement in improvement initiatives. Identify and mitigate IT risks and issues.

Required Skills To Be Successful

• Strong presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• A proactive, self-motivated individual who thrives both independently and in a team environment.

What Equips You For The Role

• Minimum 12+ years’ experience in Design, Implement and Manage Enterprise Network and security Infrastructure.
• 4 + years’ experience in Design, Implement and Manage – Cisco SDWAN.
• Extensive knowledge of TCP/IP, routing, switching, and network security principles.
• Proficient in configuring, managing, and troubleshooting routing protocols such as BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP.
• Hands-on experience with Cisco SD-WAN fabric and controllers.
• Expertise in web security, preferably with Zscaler proxy.
• Hands-on experience with SDWAN cloud on ramp implementation.
• Proficient in using Python scripts for automation.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms, particularly Microsoft Azure.
• Preferred certifications: CCIE R&S, Zscaler Administrator and SDWAN Architect.
• Experience working with global telecommunications providers.