Network & Firewall Architecture Lead

Remotedxb; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Yum! Brands is seeking a global network architecture leader to own standards, governance, and reference architectures across regions. You will guide firewall policy design, segmentation, and cloud connectivity while driving modernization and reducing technical debt.

The role requires expert knowledge of enterprise networks, SD-WAN, and cloud networking, with strong communication skills to advise Cybersecurity and regional teams.

Qualifications

• Expert-level knowledge of enterprise network and firewall architecture in multi-region environments.
• Deep understanding of routing, switching, firewalls, segmentation, VPN, SD-WAN, and cloud networking.
• Experience leading architecture for major network, infrastructure, or security transformation initiatives.
• Ability to assess technical debt and develop modernization roadmaps.
• Strong risk-based decision-making regarding security, performance, and cost.

Responsibilities

• Own global network and firewall architecture standards, governance processes, reference architectures, and design patterns.
• Define and maintain architectural guardrails for network connectivity, firewall policy design, segmentation, and cloud connectivity.
• Establish architecture review practices to ensure alignment with enterprise standards and cybersecurity expectations.
• Provide architectural leadership and technical guidance for major network, firewall, infrastructure, and cloud transformation initiatives.
• Reduce technical debt through architecture modernization, lifecycle planning, and strategic roadmap execution.
• Serve as the final technical authority for high-risk network and firewall changes and significant design decisions.
• Act as a trusted advisor to Cybersecurity, Infrastructure, and regional technology teams.

Skills

Enterprise network architecture

Firewall architecture

Routing & switching

SD-WAN

Cloud networking

Architecture governance

Risk-based decision making

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/Cybersecurity/CS

Job description

Responsibilities

• Own global network and firewall architecture standards, governance processes, reference architectures, and design patterns
• Define and maintain architectural guardrails for network connectivity, firewall policy design, segmentation, and cloud connectivity
• Establish architecture review practices to ensure alignment with enterprise standards and cybersecurity expectations
• Provide architectural leadership and technical guidance for major network, firewall, infrastructure, and cloud transformation initiatives
• Reduce technical debt through architecture modernization, lifecycle planning, and strategic roadmap execution
• Serve as the final technical authority for high-risk network and firewall changes and significant design decisions
• Act as a trusted advisor to Cybersecurity, Infrastructure, and regional technology teams

Requirements

• Expert-level knowledge of enterprise network and firewall architecture in complex, multi-region environments
• Deep understanding of routing, switching, firewalls, network segmentation, VPN, SD-WAN, and cloud networking
• Experience leading architecture for major network, infrastructure, or security transformation initiatives
• Ability to assess technical debt and develop strategic modernization roadmaps
• Strong risk-based decision-making skills regarding security, performance, and cost
• Experience reviewing and approving high-risk technical changes and complex architecture exceptions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience with architecture governance, change governance, and compliance requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in IT, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related field
• 12+ years of relevant experience in network or cybersecurity architecture
• Relevant certifications such as CCIE, CCNP, CISSP, or CISM

About the Company

Yum! Brands is a global leader in the restaurant industry, owning iconic brands including KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Habit Burger & Grill.