Manager, Network Engineering

Green Thumb Industries (GTI); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the cannabis sector is seeking a skilled Network Manager to oversee and enhance its enterprise-wide network infrastructure. This role is pivotal in ensuring optimal performance and compliance across multiple sites, including retail locations and production facilities. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in network administration and security, along with a proactive approach to problem-solving and project management. Join a dynamic team where your expertise will directly contribute to the company's growth and operational excellence in a highly regulated environment. If you're ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in network administration, with leadership experience.
• Expertise in network security best practices and tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, and maintain secure LAN/WAN infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal cannabis regulations.

Skills

Network Administration

Network Security

TCP/IP

VPN

Project Management

Analytical Problem-Solving

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology

Tools

Cisco

Meraki

Fortinet

Job description

We are a leading vertically integrated cannabis company, operating across multiple states with an expansive retail footprint and state-of-the-art cultivation and processing facilities. Our commitment to quality, compliance, and innovation drives our continued growth in a highly regulated and competitive industry. We are seeking a skilled and experienced Network Manager to join our IT team and support our rapidly scaling infrastructure.

The Network Manager is responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, security, and maintenance of the company’s enterprise-wide network infrastructure across retail locations, production facilities, and corporate offices. This role will ensure optimal performance, reliability, and compliance of the network systems to support mission-critical business operations and strict regulatory requirements specific to the cannabis industry.

Responsibilities

Network Architecture & Operations

• Design, deploy, and maintain secure and scalable LAN/WAN infrastructure across multiple sites.
• Oversee installation, configuration, and optimization of network hardware and software (e.g., routers, switches, firewalls, wireless controllers).
• Monitor network performance and availability and implement improvements as necessary.

Security & Compliance

• Ensure networks comply with state and federal cannabis industry regulations, including data privacy and security mandates.
• Manage network security infrastructure, including firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and endpoint protection.
• Conduct regular audits, vulnerability assessments, and patch management.
• Lead network-related projects such as site expansions, M&A integrations, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Manage relationships with ISPs, cloud providers, and hardware/software vendors.
• Develop and enforce service level agreements (SLAs) with external partners.
• Manage a team of network engineers and technicians, including hiring, training, and performance management.
• Provide technical mentorship and escalation support for troubleshooting complex issues.

Disaster Recovery & Documentation

• Develop and maintain network disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date network diagrams, inventories, and SOPs.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in network administration, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Experience with Cisco, Meraki, Fortinet, or similar enterprise network platforms.
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPN, VLAN, and routing protocols.
• Proven experience managing networks in multi-site environments.
• Expertise in network security best practices and tools.

Preferred:

• Experience in cannabis, pharmaceutical, or other regulated industries.
• Certifications such as CCNP, CCNA, CompTIA Network+, or CISSP.
• Familiarity with ITIL practices and cloud networking (e.g., AWS, Azure).
• Strategic thinking and analytical problem-solving
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• High attention to detail and a proactive mindset

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel to retail and production facilities (10–20% travel expected).
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds occasionally.
• May require after-hours or on-call availability during emergencies.

Additional Requirements

• Must pass any and all required background checks
• Must be and remain compliant with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry
• Must possess valid driver’s license
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age
• Must be approved b y state badging agency to work in cannabis industry

The pay range is competitive and based on experience, qualifications, and/or location of the role. Positions may be eligible for a discretionary annual incentive program driven by organization and individual performance.

Green Thumb Pay Range

$140,000 - $160,000 USD

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