Network & Data Center Practice Lead

Role Overview

• Own the long-term strategy, roadmap, and vision for Network & Data Center services.
• Develop scalable service offerings (NOC, DC Operations, Network Deployment, Smart Hands, Monitoring, SDN, RAN/Wireless, etc.).
• Perform market and competitive research to stay ahead of technology trends (AI Ops, automation, optical, hyperscale DC frameworks).
• Build pricing models, delivery frameworks, and cost structures.
• Define success metrics, SLAs/SLOs, KPIs, and performance standards.
• Partner with leadership on P&L management, margin optimization, and growth strategies.
• Identify and evaluate strategic technology partners, platforms, and tools.
• Act as the primary SME for Networking & Data Center solutions.
• Support RFP/RFI/RFQ processes with architecture inputs, SOW creation, and LOE estimates.
• Lead customer discovery workshops and technical deep dives.
• Validate proposed solutions for scalability, security, cost efficiency, and operational readiness.
• Collaborate with Sales and Service Delivery Managers to shape account strategies and technical roadmaps.
• Present complex solutions to executive stakeholders in clear business terms.
• Define talent profiles, skill matrices, and resource plans to support new service opportunities.
• Create and maintain delivery playbooks, SOPs, runbooks, escalation matrices, and operational workflows.
• Partner with Delivery leaders to drive operational excellence across all engagements.
• Ensure strict adherence to SLA/SLI commitments, MTTR/MTTA targets, and QoS metrics.
• Oversee technical escalations; guide teams through RCA and service improvement initiatives.
• Champion continuous improvement, automation, and tooling enhancements.
• Standardize best practices across global regions (Americas, APAC, EMEA).
• Participate in QBRs/MORs to provide technical oversight and future-state guidance for strategic customers.

Requirements

• 10+ years designing, deploying, and supporting enterprise or hyperscale data centers.
• Deep understanding of global network architecture: routing, switching, firewalls, optical transport, load balancing, wireless, and site interconnect.
• Experience with data center physical infrastructure (rack/stack, structured cabling, power/cooling, IDF/MDF layouts, fiber plants).
• Familiarity with AI/ML monitoring tools, observability platforms, automation frameworks, CMDB, and ITSM processes.
• Strong knowledge of NOC operations: incident lifecycle, SLO/SLA management, MTTA/MTTR optimization, noise reduction, and escalation models.
• Experience with multisite, globally distributed network design and operations.
• Cloud network integration (AWS, GCP, Azure) experience is a plus.
• Preferred certifications: CCNP/CCIE , Data Center Specialist, CDCP/CDCS , or equivalent hyperscale experience.
• Proven experience leading a technical practice or large service line.
• Strong pre-sales, client-facing, and executive communication skills.
• Ability to guide cross-functional teams across architecture, delivery, PMO, and operations.
• Expertise in developing structured processes, documentation, and operational playbooks.
• Strong business and financial acumen: margin management, labor models, utilization, and resource planning.
• Ability to coach and mentor technical teams; build capability and career pathways.

Tech Stack

• AWS
• Azure
• Cloud
• Firewalls
• Google Cloud Platform
• ITSM
• Switching

Benefits

• Medical provided through UHC (PPO, HSA, Surest options) / Medical provided through Kaiser (HMO option only) for California employees only
• Dental provided through UHC Nationwide
• Vision provided by UHC
• Flexible Spending Account for Health & Dependent Care
• Pre-Tax Account for Commuter Benefit/Parking & Transit (location-specific)
• Continuing Education and Professional Development via various integrated platforms, e.g. Udemy and Coursera
• Corporate Wellness Program provided by Goomi Group
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Days
• 401k Plan
• Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Critical Illness, Critical Hospital, and Voluntary Accident Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement (available 6 months after start date, capped)
• Paid Time Off (accrued and prorated, maximum of 120 hours annually)
• Paid Holidays
• Any other statutory leaves, paid time, or other ancillary benefits required under state and federal law