Network Operations Lead

IDEX; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

IDEX is seeking a Network Lead to provide technical leadership, oversee network operations, and drive strategic direction with MSPs and internal teams. You will own the network portfolio, lead complex incidents, and shape architecture for scalable, secure services.

You’ll collaborate across IT, business units, and vendors to align roadmaps with business goals, manage high-severity events, and mentor engineers in enterprise networking best practices.

Qualifications

• 5+ Cisco platform experience.
• 5+ years with Palo Alto.
• Cloud networking experience with Azure and/or AWS.
• Strong MS 365/AD/Entra ID skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead administration and continuous improvement of the Network and Operations Service Portfolio.
• Serve as the Network SME for the enterprise, guiding standards and incident response.
• Partner with MSPs and vendors for service delivery and escalations.
• Define roadmaps and oversee large network initiatives.

Skills

Network engineering

Incident leadership

Vendor management

ITIL practices

Azure/AWS

Education

ITIL Foundation (preferred)

Tools

Cisco devices

Palo Alto Firewalls

Meraki

Azure

AWS

Job description

If you’re looking for a special place to build or grow your career, you’ve found it. Whether you’re an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX is a place where you can apply your existing skills and learn new ones in an environment where you can make an impact.With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR, finance, and more across more than 40 diverse businesses around the globe, chances are, we have something special for you.Position SummaryThe Network Lead provides technical leadership, operational oversight, and strategic direction for the Network Operations Service Portfolio. This role serves as the primary escalation point and subject matter expert for complex and large network initiatives, vendor coordination, service delivery and operational excellence. The Network Lead partners closely with Corporate IT, Business Units, and Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to ensure reliable, secure, and scalable network services while balancing complexity, cost, and speed to delivery. The role plays a critical part in roadmap development, incident leadership, and the successful execution of IT-enabled business change.Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical Leadership & OperationsLead the administration, support, and continuous improvement of the Network and Operations Service Portfolio.Serve as the Network Subject Matter Expert for the enterprise, providing technical leadership, guidance, and decision support across the Network Service Portfolio.Lead the definition and adoption of network standards, best practices, and technical direction to ensure scalable, secure, and supportable enterprise solutions.Act as the senior technical escalation point for complex incidents, outages, and problem management efforts.Provide structured leadership during high-severity incidents, guiding troubleshooting, remediation, and post-incident review activities.Ensure operational stability and implement measures to maintain performance, and security across enterprise network environments.Strategy, Architecture & RoadmapsDefine, maintain, and evolve enterprise network architecture standards to ensure scalability, security, resilience, and alignment with business and technology strategies.Review and guide network designs and changes to ensure consistency with architectural principles, operational supportability, and long‑term roadmap objectives.Define and contribute to the vision, strategy, and technical direction for network technologies.Execute business cases, methods, and metrics to support IT-enabled business change roadmaps.Ensure network solutions align with enterprise architecture standards, security requirements, and long-term sustainability goals.Partner with Business Units to translate business needs into scalable and supportable network designs.Managed Service Provider (MSP) & Vendor ManagementServe as the primary technical liaison for Managed Service Providers and strategic vendors to deliver higher tier support, advanced troubleshooting, and timely escalations aligned with enterprise standards.Act as the primary technical point of contact for vendor engagements, ensuring effective service delivery, operational process improvements, performance accountability, and alignment to operational and strategic objectives.Coordinate with MSPs to provide higher-tier support, escalations, and advanced troubleshooting.Ensure MSP services are utilized effectively to optimize operational efficiency and service quality.Participate in vendor relationship management, including performance reviews, service improvement initiatives, and roadmap alignment.Project & Change LeadershipLead large network initiatives and projects with limited oversight using the IDEX PMO methodology.Manage projects from concept through execution and closeout, including:Business case development and benefits identificationStakeholder identification and engagementProject planning, execution, and communicationRisk, issue, and dependency managementProvide technical leadership and oversight for network-related change initiatives.Service Management & KnowledgeContribute to service tower technology planning as a lead subject matter expert.Ensure accurate documentation, standards, and operational procedures are maintained.Lead contributions to the Knowledge Content System (KCS), including publishing and maintaining high-quality knowledge articles.Promote continuous improvement through knowledge sharing, automation, and operational best practices.Mentorship & Team EnablementProvide technical guidance and mentorship to network engineers and analysts.Assist team members in developing technical skills and operational maturity.Support the development of future leaders through project participation and cross-functional collaboration.Required Skills & ExperienceTechnical ExpertiseAdvanced knowledge of enterprise network technologies, including:Routing and switching5+ Cisco Platform ExperienceFirewalls and network security platforms5+ years’ experience with Palo Alto is a requirementVoice, LAN, and WAN technologiesCloud networking (Azure and/or AWS)5+ Express routes experienceStrong knowledge of Microsoft technologies:Active DirectoryAzure ADAzureMicrosoft 365Exchange Online, Teams, SharePointEntra IDDemonstrated expertise in structured troubleshooting, incident leadership, and problem management.Service & Leadership SkillsStrong understanding of ITIL principles and service management practices.Proven ability to lead through influence across distributed teams and vendors.Excellent communication skills, with the ability to advise technical and non-technical stakeholders.Ability to balance operational demands with strategic planning responsibilities.Certifications (Preferred)ITIL Foundation or equivalent experienceProject management certification or demonstrated experience leading complex initiativesTechnical certifications such as Cisco, Palo Alto, Meraki, Microsoft, and/or Cloud (Azure/AWS)ExpectationsMaintain currency of network and security technologies across the enterprise portfolio.Drive consistent, high-quality service delivery through effective use of internal teams and MSP partners.Lead complex troubleshooting and outage response with confidence and clarity.Deliver network initiatives predictably using defined project and service management methodologies.Contribute to long-term roadmap planning and continuous service improvement.Specification AttributesDemonstrates deep technical expertise and the ability to confidently support and lead most production technologies within the service portfolio.Capable of independently driving complex initiatives while mentoring and enabling less-experienced team members.Acts as a bridge between strategy and execution, ensuring alignment between architecture, operations, and business needs.Viewed as a trusted technical leader by peers, leadership, and business stakeholders.Are you ready to join a different kind of company where our people, our culture, and our commitments are centered around providing trusted solutions that improve lives around the world?Total RewardsThe compensation range for this position is $99,800.00 - $149,600.00, depending on experience. This position may be eligible for performance based bonus plan.Benefits PackageOur comprehensive U.S. benefit offerings include: Health benefits, 401(k) retirement savings program with company match, PTO, and more. More information on our benefits and rewards can be found on our career page: https://www.idexcorp.com/careers/our-benefits-and-rewards/IDEX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IDEX gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other consideration or protected category made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.Attention Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at [e-mail] for assistance with an accommodation. These contact tools may be used only by individuals with a disability for accommodation requests. Do not inquire as to the status of an application.This posting is for an existing vacancy.Artificial intelligence is not used to screen, assess or select applicants.