Head of Network Infrastructure Operations

Role Summary

We are hiring a seasoned Head of Network Infrastructure Operations for a well-established technology solutions and services company in Doha, Qatar. The position is focused on leading enterprise-scale network operations, overseeing NOC effectiveness, and driving infrastructure strategy in highly critical, always-on environments.

This leadership role calls for a mix of operational command, advanced networking knowledge, and a track record of managing complex enterprise networks where reliability, speed, and uptime are essential.

What You Will Lead

• Run the 24/7 Network Operations Center with a strong emphasis on preventative monitoring and fast incident handling.
• Define, track, and improve service targets for uptime, responsiveness, and overall network stability.
• Direct engineering teams through high-intensity live operations and time-sensitive event periods.
• Work closely with business and event teams to convert operational needs into practical network designs and specifications.
• Take charge of critical incidents and lead structured root-cause investigations to prevent repeat issues.

Infrastructure Strategy

• Build and execute scalable network designs spanning LAN, WAN, data center, and cloud ecosystems.
• Assess and introduce modern technologies such as SD-WAN, Wi-Fi 6E, and SASE where appropriate.
• Spearhead upgrade programs that retire outdated systems and move services onto current platforms.

Automation and Innovation

• Advance automation for network setup, provisioning, and configuration control.
• Introduce CI/CD practices for network modifications and infrastructure rollouts.
• Drive consistent deployment standards using tools such as Ansible, Terraform, and Python.

Security, Resilience, and Compliance

• Coordinate with cybersecurity teams to support Zero Trust principles and stronger security controls.
• Ensure the environment aligns with recognized standards such as ISO 27001 and SOC 2.
• Lead disaster recovery planning, validation exercises, and business continuity readiness.

Commercial and Vendor Oversight

• Manage capital and operating budgets tied to network infrastructure and operations.
• Handle negotiations with ISPs, suppliers, and managed service partners.
• Review service quality and performance with external technology vendors on a regular basis.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline, along with 12 to 15 years of network engineering experience. At least 5 years should be in a senior leadership capacity.

Applicants should bring experience running large enterprise networks with multiple vendors, plus strong knowledge of backbone technologies such as BGP, MPLS, VXLAN, and SD-WAN. Exposure to hybrid cloud connectivity across platforms like Azure, GCP, ExpressRoute, and Direct Connect is also required.

Hands-on familiarity with data center networking technologies including Cisco ACI, Nexus, UCS, and VMware NSX is expected. CCIE certification is mandatory. Additional certifications such as CCNP, ITIL, PMP, or Azure Advanced Networking are preferred.

Core Technical Expertise

• Software-defined networking and centralized controller platforms such as ACI and NSX.
• Advanced routing and switching, including BGP, OSPF, EVPN, and MPLS.
• Network virtualization and micro-segmentation-based security design.
• Infrastructure automation using Python, Ansible, or Terraform.
• Application delivery and traffic engineering, including load balancing.
• Network security, Zero Trust architecture, and firewall integration.
• Network performance monitoring, telemetry, and optimization.

Additional Information

This opportunity is with an established technology solutions and services provider in Doha, Qatar. The role is full-time and onsite.