Network Specialist

Role – Network SpecialistExperienceMinimum 8+ years of hands-on experience in the Networking domain.Prior experience in the Retail industry preferred.Strong working knowledge of:Routing & Switching, Firewall Management, Load Balancers, Wi‑Fi Technologies, IPS/IDS ,Proxy Solutions , ISP Link ManagementProven experience managing large projects across the full project lifecycle.Preference for candidates with strong core networking backgrounds and leadership experience.Practical experience with network monitoring, diagnostics, and analytics tools.Education & CertificationsB.E. / B.Tech in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related discipline.CCNA is mandatory; CCNP/CCIE certification preferred.Roles & ResponsibilitiesNetwork Operations & PlanningLead, plan, and oversee all activities of the Network Operations team, including implementation, review, and monitoring of key business projects.Collaborate with cross-functional leadership teams to align network operations with organizational goals.Manage network performance, proactively identify issues, minimize customer impact, and ensure optimal service delivery.Network Management & Technical ExpertiseStrong experience in IP networking, switching, routing, and deep packet analysis using tools for routers, switches, WLAN, WAN optimizers, and load balancers.Expert understanding of routing and switching protocols, with required hands‑on experience in Fortinet SDWAN (Software‑Defined WAN), Meraki LAN & Wireless.Solid understanding of routing protocols (EIGRP, OSPF, BGP) and switching; hands‑on experience with MPLS, QoS, and VoIP.Security & Information SecurityExperience with firewalls, proxy, VPN, IPS/IDS, and knowledge of security incident response processes and best practices.Implement and support security standards like PCI‑DSS for network devices; perform device hardening as per industry benchmarks.Assist in defining and maintaining organizational security policies, procedures, and guidelines.Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of evolving network & information security technologies and incorporate improvements accordingly.Monitoring, Troubleshooting & SupportProvide L3-level support, ensuring ownership and resolution of incidents and problem cases.Monitor network systems, analyze logs, and set up proactive alert mechanisms.Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve complex network issues; work closely with end users and L3 teams as required.Operate master consoles to track network and system performance.Vendor & Partner CoordinationManage vendor relationships for network infrastructure and services.Coordinate with ISPs, partners, and remote engineering teams to resolve issues or support project deployments.Documentation & Best PracticesMaintain a central repository of technical documents, ensuring knowledge sharing and adherence to best practices.Support Agile project methodology to enhance the capabilities of SSL Infrastructure services.Ensure timely ticket resolution as per SSL’s ticket management processes.Business Continuity & Security ProgramsDevelop, maintain, and oversee key security program elements including:Vulnerability ManagementRisk ManagementBusiness Continuity and Disaster Recovery PlanningContribute to policy dissemination, user training, and governance activities.Projects & InnovationParticipate in major incident reviews, POCs, and evaluation of new technologies with the SSL Infra team.Support and implement network-related infrastructure projects across the organization.GeneralManage support cases to ensure fast, customer‑focused resolutions.Leave policies will align with Shoppers Stop guidelines.