Manager, Network & Cloud Architecture - Ecobank

The Manager Network & Cloud Architecture is responsible for the design, architecture, and implementation of enterprise networking infrastructure, including cloud, LAN, WAN, and network security, to support financial services across the Ecobank Group. This role ensures adherence to international standards and best practices while driving infrastructure standardisation.

• Providing strategic guidance to Senior Network Engineers and Engineers, the Manager Network & Cloud Architecture oversees projects and initiatives, collaborates with business stakeholders, partners, and OEMs, and acts as a solution architect to deliver cost-effective and optimized network solutions.
• Combining technical decision-making with managerial duties, the role supports change management programs and the development of Infrastructure Services into a cohesive unit.
• The responsibilities of this role encompass the oversight of life cycle management, which includes network installations, upgrades, and decommissions. The role also entails maintaining optimal network performance and assessing new hardware and software for their relevance, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with organizational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical thought leader, driving initiatives on network optimizations, expansions across affiliates, and security improvements and implementation.
• Develop and lead strategies for network architecture and services supporting data, voice, and video traffic, ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic goals.
• Continuously identify areas for network optimization and simplification to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Design and document network solutions adhering to best practices, with a focus on LAN, WAN, and network security.
• Translate business requirements into technical specifications and align information security policies with actionable standards.
• Establish and maintain standards, guidelines, and frameworks for cloud networking, network security, and communication links (e.g., LAN, WAN, ATM, B2B).
• Lead large-scale projects by managing resources, providing guidance, and mentoring IT Operations staff.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, enterprise architects, and IT partners to align network designs and network strategies with business requirements.
• Offer consulting support and act as a subject matter expert on network hardware/software specifications and scope development.
• Perform network analysis, performance tuning, and troubleshooting to maintain optimal network performance and meet user demand.
• Ensure network access, monitoring, control, and documentation practices adhere to agreed standards to reduce operational risk and improve availability.
• Develop and enforce operational procedures to ensure tasks are performed consistently, minimizing unplanned outages.
• Manage critical situations to assist with service restoration and review network and firewall change requests.
• Evaluate and recommend emerging technology solutions, hardware, software, and ensure they align with organizational needs.
• Monitor market trends to identify innovative methods and techniques that provide a competitive advantage and cost savings.
• Collect and analyze operational data to identify trends, log problems, and implement solutions to increase network availability.

Key Performance Indicators

• Successfully implement at least 90% of planned initiatives for network optimization, expansion, and security improvements within the defined timelines.
• Achieve alignment of all network architecture strategies with organizational goals, as evidenced by stakeholder approval and strategy reviews.
• Deliver 100% of network designs adhering to best practices, with no critical issues identified in peer reviews or audits.
• Maintain up-to-date network and cloud architecture standards, ensuring compliance with international benchmarks and group policies.
• Achieve a minimum of 15% annual cost savings through network simplification and optimization initiatives.
• Implement at least two innovative technologies or methods annually that contribute to cost efficiency and operational improvements.
• Ensure 95% of large-scale projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meeting defined scope requirements.
• Conduct regular mentoring sessions, with at least 90% of IT Operations staff reporting improved knowledge and skills in feedback surveys.
• Maintain network uptime at 99.9% or higher, with minimal unplanned outages.
• Resolve 95% of critical situations (e.g., service restoration, firewall change requests) within SLA timelines.
• Implement operational procedures that reduce the frequency of recurring issues by at least 20% year-over-year.
• Conduct monthly network performance reviews, identifying and resolving at least 95% of logged trends or recurring issues.
• Ensure all network analysis, performance tuning, and troubleshooting activities meet agreed user demand within SLA targets.
• Evaluate and recommend at least three emerging technology solutions annually, ensuring alignment with organizational needs.
• Implement a minimum of one new technology or solution per year, achieving measurable improvements in cost savings or performance.
• Achieve a 100% engagement rate with senior leadership and IT partners to align network strategies and designs with business requirements.
• Provide consulting support for 100% of identified hardware/software requirements, with stakeholder satisfaction ratings of 90% or higher.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Computer or Telecommunication engineering, Information Systems, or a related field, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in computer science, Computer or Telecommunication engineering, Information Systems, or a related field, or a related field preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in Network Infrastructure Engineering & Operations, including at least 4 years in Network Architecture, Design, and Implementation.
• Expertise in Cloud Technologies, Networking, Network Security, and Enterprise connectivity solutions.
• Demonstrate experience at professional certification levels such as CCNP, CCDP, and CCSP or higher. CCIE, JCIE, or equivalent expert-level credentials preferred.
• Extensive hands-on experience in configuring, upgrading, and designing routers, firewalls, load balancers (Cisco, F5) in large customer environments.
• Proficiency with Cisco routers & switches (IOS, NXOS), Cisco and Checkpoint, Palo Alto and FortiGate Firewalls.
• Strong background in network design principles: Hierarchical, High Availability, Scalability, Performance and Security.
• Experience in network bandwidth management, traffic prioritization, QoS concepts, and network security (firewalls, ACLs, route filtering).
• In-depth knowledge of OSI model and troubleshooting techniques.
• Proven ability to translate business requirements into high-level designs, and further into detailed, implementable designs.
• Experience with Layer 2 and Layer 3 LAN/WAN technologies (Ethernet, MPLS, IP addressing, routing protocols, OSPF, BGP).
• Experience working with service providers on voice access solutions (PRI, CAS, E1, ISDN).
• Understanding of core data infrastructure (LAN/WAN services) and basic troubleshooting.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and maintain strong relationships with customers and colleagues at all levels.
• Capable of managing multiple projects and setting customer and project manager expectations.
• Proficient in network device installation and configuration (routers, switches, firewalls).
• Ability to research, evaluate, and recommend new network configurations and equipment.
• Familiarity with IT support tools and basic knowledge of Microsoft Windows servers, VMware, and data replication.
• Understanding of ITIL and Service Management SLAs.

Skills, Capabilities & Attributes

• Strong leadership skills in managing cross-country teams.
• Effective people and stakeholder management across diverse cultures and languages.
• In-depth understanding of banking IT and network infrastructure.
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks, manage resources, and work in a matrix organization.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts in business terms.
• Proficient in documentation and presentation, especially using Visio, Word, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Project.

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