Network Operations Manager

Network operations managers are the main person responsible for managing the operation of a data center principally through the leadership and coaching of an entire group of network engineers. They also have to be accountable for the strategic planning and implementation and ensuring that the data center is always ahead of the curve with regard to storage capacity processing power, storage capacity, and connectivity. The management's responsibilities include preparing annual budgets, evaluating the current and future needs of infrastructure as well as the decommissioning strategy of older infrastructure prior to the expiration of its life-cycle. Network operations managers take a role in recruitment as well as training new staff, as well. It is usually an all-time job that is performed in a office environment, however it is possible to work overtime when emergencies or outages arise.

A network operations manager must to hold a bachelor's degree from a computer science program or another related field, although master's degrees are generally preferred. A minimum of three years' experience working in the data center, either as an engineer for networks or as a director of operations for networks, are usually also required. Additionally the network operations managers typically require certification for the specific technology used in a particular data center, for example Cisco equipment for a general-use data centre as well as SeaChange VoD for a data center that specializes on streaming videos.

As a Network Operations Manager with 9+ years of experience in the United Kingdom, your primary responsibilities include:

• Oversee and manage the daily operations of the network infrastructure, ensuring its smooth functioning and high performance. This involves monitoring network activities, analyzing network performance, and addressing any issues or disruptions promptly.
• Develop and implement network security protocols and measures to safeguard the organization's data and systems. This includes assessing vulnerabilities, implementing firewalls and intrusion detection systems, and conducting regular security audits.
• Coordinate with stakeholders, such as IT teams, vendors, and service providers, to ensure efficient network operations and timely resolution of network-related problems. You will collaborate with internal and external teams to troubleshoot network issues, deploy upgrades, and optimize network performance.
• Plan and execute network infrastructure projects, including network upgrades, expansions, and migrations.

For a Network Operations Manager job role, the following qualifications are required:

• In-depth knowledge of network infrastructure and technologies to effectively design, implement, and optimize network architectures.
• Strong problem-solving skills to identify and resolve network-related issues, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum network performance.
• Experience in managing and configuring network devices, such as routers, switches, and firewalls, to maintain a secure and reliable network environment.
• Excellent leadership and communication abilities to oversee a team of network engineers, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and effectively communicate network strategies and updates to stakeholders.

The role of Network Operations Manager is crucial for maintaining efficient network infrastructure and operations. With over 9 years of experience in the United Kingdom, professionals in this field have several alternative roles to consider. Here are following options worth exploring:

• IT Service Delivery Manager: Responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of IT services to meet organizational needs, including incident management, problem resolution, and service improvement.
• Cybersecurity Manager: Focused on protecting the organization's network and data from cyber threats, including implementing security measures, conducting risk assessments, and overseeing incident response.
• Cloud Operations Manager: Involved in managing and optimizing cloud-based infrastructure and services, including monitoring performance, implementing scalability measures, and ensuring high availability.
• IT Infrastructure Manager: In charge of overseeing the design, implementation, and maintenance of the organization's IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, and storage systems.

The role of Network Operations Manager in the United Kingdom is projected to experience significant growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, there has been a steady increase in employment opportunities for this position. Based on the latest data points available, it is anticipated that the demand for Network Operations Managers will continue to rise in the coming years. This growth trend is expected to result in a large number of employment opportunities being available in the future.