The Network Lead will be responsible for the design, implementation, and management of network systems, with a strong focus on security, high availability, and performance critical to Forex trading operations. This role will oversee both managed and unmanaged network infrastructure, with an emphasis on securing the network environment through advanced firewall configurations and robust network security practices. The Network Lead will ensure seamless connectivity, protect sensitive data, and meet the uptime demands of a global Forex trading enterprise with offices in multiple regions.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Network Infrastructure Management:
- Oversee the configuration and maintenance of both managed and unmanaged switches, ensuring optimal performance and security.
- Implement and manage network firewalls to safeguard critical trading data and secure external and internal network traffic.
- Transition legacy unmanaged switches to a managed infrastructure, enhancing control, monitoring, and security features.
2. Network Security & Firewalls:
- Design and enforce network security protocols, including firewall policies, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems, to protect against external threats.
- Monitor firewall activity, conduct security audits, and implement access control mechanisms to ensure only authorized users and devices can access the network.
- Proactively work to identify, address, and mitigate vulnerabilities within the network infrastructure.
3. High Availability and Redundancy:
- Design and implement redundancy and failover solutions for network systems to meet the company’s 99.99% uptime requirement.
- Ensure that the network is optimized for low latency, critical for the performance of Forex trading applications.
- Set up and manage a Network Operations Center (NOC) to provide real-time monitoring and response for network incidents.
4. Network Performance Optimization:
- Continuously monitor network performance to detect bottlenecks or latency issues, implementing adjustments to maintain fast, reliable connections.
- Implement bandwidth management techniques to support high-frequency trading and improve data throughput across regions.
- Utilize network monitoring tools to gather performance data, analyze traffic patterns, and make informed adjustments for optimized performance.
5. Network Security Compliance:
- Ensure that the network complies with industry regulations and security standards, particularly those relevant to the financial sector.
- Conduct regular network security assessments and maintain documentation on security policies, protocols, and firewall configurations.
- Coordinate with the information security team to ensure that network security practices align with broader organizational security policies.
6. Vendor and Resource Management:
- Manage relationships with network hardware and software vendors to ensure timely support and delivery of products and services.
- Coordinate with procurement to negotiate contracts, manage SLAs, and control costs associated with network and security equipment.
- Stay current with network and security technologies and identify tools, systems, and services that could improve network resilience and security.
7. Team Leadership and Knowledge Sharing:
- Lead and mentor a network team with a focus on developing skills in network security, firewall management, and high-availability network design.
- Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for network operations, firewall configurations, and troubleshooting processes.
- Foster collaboration between the network team and other IT teams, including database, application, and security teams, to ensure comprehensive support and issue resolution.
8. Incident Response and Troubleshooting:
- Act as the primary escalation point for network incidents, guiding the team in diagnosing and resolving issues quickly.
- Develop incident response procedures to address network security breaches, connectivity issues, and performance disruptions effectively.
- Prepare and execute network recovery drills to validate disaster recovery (DR) and business continuity (BCP) plans.
9. Project Management:
- Oversee network-related projects, including upgrades, expansions, and new network deployments, ensuring minimal downtime and adherence to schedules.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams for seamless execution of network projects and communicate progress and outcomes to stakeholders.
- Prepare project plans, budget estimates, and timelines, tracking progress and addressing challenges as they arise.
Essential
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Network Engineering, or related field.
- Experience: 8+ years of experience in network engineering, with 3+ years in a leadership role within the financial industry.
- Certifications: CCNP/CCIE or equivalent certifications preferred. Firewall certifications (e.g., Palo Alto, Fortinet) are a plus.
- Network Expertise: Deep understanding of both managed and unmanaged switches, routing, VLANs, and network protocols essential for low-latency and high-reliability setups.
- Firewall and Security Skills: Proficiency in firewall management, including advanced configurations for traffic filtering, access control, and security policies.
- Network Security Knowledge: Experience implementing VPNs, IDS/IPS, DDoS protection, and other measures to maintain secure network operations.
- NOC Operations: Ability to set up and manage a Network Operations Center (OC) to monitor and respond to network issues in real time.
- Problem Solving and Troubleshooting: Strong diagnostic skills for resolving complex network issues, with the ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.
- Technical Leadership: Ability to lead and upskill a network team, creating a culture of continuous learning and operational excellence.
- Strategic Vision: Skilled in aligning network operations with the business needs of a Forex trading environment, emphasizing security and performance.
- Risk Awareness: Expertise in identifying network risks and implementing preventive measures to protect trading operations and sensitive data.
- Communication Skills: Able to communicate network and security plans effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Desirable:
- Experience working in a brokerage industry
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Discretionary performance related bonus
- Paid sick leave days for self and for taking care of your dependents
- Interest free loans
- Hybrid working policy
- A focus on your wellbeing, including talks and access to self-development tools
- Flexi benefits / Quarterly allowance
- Global Employee Assistance Programme
