Senior Network Systems Engineering Manager

Employment Type: Salaried
Work Designation: Hybrid 

Position Summary:

The purpose of the Sr. Manager, Network Systems Engineering position is to manage the design, implementation, and operations Ventura Foods’ complex network infrastructure, ensuring high availability, security, and optimal performance across all locations. This role requires advanced expertise in network architecture, security protocols, and access controls to support the organization’s business operations effectively. The Sr. Manager will collaborate closely with cross-functional IT teams, providing guidance on network resilience strategies, troubleshooting critical issues, and executing strategic projects, including IT/OT integration, SD-WAN, and Zero Trust initiatives. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Network Design and Implementation
  • Develop, configure, and deploy network infrastructure solutions, including LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, and SASE, ensuring optimal connectivity and performance across all Ventura Foods locations
  • Design and implement network security protocols aligned with Zero Trust Architecture and Cisco ISE, enhancing secure access control and continuous verification of users and devices
• Maintenance and Optimization
  • Perform regular monitoring, maintenance, and tuning of network systems using tools such as SolarWinds and Infoblox, ensuring high availability and proactively addressing potential issues
  • Conduct periodic reviews and upgrades of network components, including Cisco Catalyst, Nexus switches, and Palo Alto firewalls, to maintain alignment with industry best practices
• Network Operations
  • Manages and plans the activities of assigned staff, service providers and/or user personnel in support of IT Network operations for all locations, this includes 1st and 2nd level ITS user support calls
  • Act as the escalation point for complex network issues, diagnosing and resolving critical incidents swiftly to minimize downtime and ensure business continuity. Provide ongoing support for network-related inquiries and incidents, collaborating with cross-functional teams to resolve issues efficiently
• Documentation and Reporting
  • Ensure the development and maintenance of detailed network documentation, including configurations, SOPs, DR plans, and failover procedures, to support operational consistency and compliance
  • Prepare and present regular reports on network performance, security posture, and project progress to inform stakeholders and support strategic decision-making
• Project Management and Collaboration
  • Lead and contribute to key infrastructure projects, such as IT/OT integration, SD-WAN deployment, and cloud connectivity, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and timelines
  • Collaborate closely with IT teams, including Security, Compliance, and DevOps, to support seamless execution of cross-functional projects and initiatives
• Security and Compliance
  • Implement and manage security measures on network devices, including firewalls and VPNs (GlobalProtect), ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations
  • Conduct regular vulnerability assessments, risk analyses, and simulations to identify and mitigate potential threats, supporting Ventura Foods’ resilience goals
• Documentation and Reporting
  • To support operational consistency and compliance, develop and maintain detailed network documentation, including configurations, SOPs, DR plans, and failover procedures
  • To inform stakeholders and support strategic decision-making, generate regular reports on network performance, security posture, and project progress
• Vendor and Stakeholder Management
  • Coordinate with external vendors and service providers for network hardware, software, and managed services, ensuring timely support, updates, and alignment with Ventura Foods' standards
  • Act as a key point of contact for internal stakeholders, gathering requirements, providing technical insights, and ensuring network solutions meet operational needs and strategic objectives
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or related field or equivalent experience, is required
• Required: 7+ years prior experience in network engineering, including managing switches, firewalls, routers, etc., is required
• Experience with network monitoring tools, is required
• Proficiency in Cisco ISE for secure network access (authentication, authorization, and accounting), is required
• Proficiency in Firewall Management, expertise with Palo Alto f