Senior Network Manager at TFG (The Foschini Group)

Job Description
Key Responsibilities

• Ensure high availability, performance, and security of all network infrastructure including LAN, WLAN, WAN, Data Centres, and Internet services.
• Develop and execute strategic technology roadmaps for Network and Security Infrastructure in collaboration with external partners and industry experts.
• Ensure that developed plans are realistic, comprehensive, kept up to date and revised where necessary, i.e. Project planning, resource planning, support planning.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to align network infrastructure with business growth and digital transformation goals.
• Demonstrate strong financial acumen: Oversee Opex and Capex budgeting, analyze cost drivers, ensure cost-effective operations, collaborate with finance teams to align network investments with business objectives, evaluate ROI on technology initiatives, and support strategic decision-making through accurate forecasting and financial analysis.
• Manage and mentor a larger team of internal staff and external contractors, fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.
• Establish and maintain strong vendor relationships to maximize value and drive innovation through strategic partnerships.
• Ensure 24/7/365 monitoring, incident response, and proactive maintenance of the network infrastructure.
• Lead disaster recovery planning and implementation for network services.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, data protection regulations, and internal policies.

Scope of Operations

• Support approximately 7,000 users at Head Office and 3,500 stores across 950 lines in South Africa and other African countries. 
• Maintain connectivity to 7 distribution centres, 3 manufacturing warehouses, 4 regional offices.
• Manage a complex network built using multiple ISP clouds for redundancy. 
• Oversee three data centers housing approximately 1,200 servers and a WAN spanning across multiple geographical regions.

Security Responsibilities

• Manage enterprise perimeter firewalls, web application firewalls, and other security devices to protect internal infrastructure and ensure secure external access.
• Oversee secure internet browsing and endpoint protection across the organization
• Implement and maintain intrusion detection and prevention systems.
• Ensure compliance with cybersecurity frameworks.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• 10+ years of experience in managing large-scale enterprise network and security infrastructure.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or related field.
• Proven ability to interpret financial data, manage budgets, and make data-driven investment decisions to maximize value and efficiency.
• Strong leadership and people management skills with experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong expertise in managing Cisco, Fortinet, Arista, or similar enterprise-grade networking platforms.
• Good working knowledge WAN, LAN, WLAN, data centre networking, and security technologies.
• Experience with capacity planning, demand forecasting, and infrastructure design.
• Excellent vendor management and negotiation skills.
• Ability to stay abreast of emerging technologies and translate them into strategic initiatives.
• Lead network-related projects such as store rollouts, data center migrations, and infrastructure upgrades.

Desirable Attributes

• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to operate in a geographically dispersed and technically complex environment.
• Proven ability to lead change and drive continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to understand, value, and respond effectively to the needs and concerns of team members.
• Committed to the success and well-being of their team by building a supportive, high-performing environment where people thrive.