Lead Network Operations Center (NOC) Manager - Remote

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top-tier health insurance

Retirement savings with employer match

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead NOC Manager to oversee 24/7 network availability, performance and security for a global telecom infrastructure anchored near Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This is a fully remote leadership role requiring strategic oversight and incident response excellence.

You will lead a remote team of NOC engineers, implement monitoring tools, drive continuous improvement, ensure SLA compliance and coordinate across time zones to keep services resilient worldwide.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CS/IT/Telecom or related field.
• 8+ years in network operations and monitoring, 4+ in leadership.
• Experience with MPLS, BGP, Ethernet, Wireless.
• Proven use of monitoring tools and ticketing systems (SolarWinds, Nagios, Zabbix).
• ITIL knowledge for incident/problem/change management.

Responsibilities

• Lead a global NOC team to ensure 24/7 availability and performance.
• Establish 24/7 monitoring, fault detection, and incident management.
• Develop incident response protocols to minimize downtime.
• Identify and analyze network performance and security risks.
• Manage escalations and stakeholder communications during incidents.
• Drive continuous improvements in efficiency, automation, and best practices.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for monitoring and procedures.
• Collaborate with engineering, IT, and other departments.
• Oversee tool selection and utilization for NOC operations.
• Ensure SLA compliance and adherence to policies.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and coaching.

Skills

Leadership

Remote leadership

Incident management

Network monitoring

ITIL

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/IT/Telecommunications

Tools

SolarWinds

Nagios

Zabbix

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding global telecommunications company, is seeking an experienced and proactive Lead Network Operations Center (NOC) Manager to oversee their remote operations from anywhere in the world, with a focus on supporting their significant infrastructure located near Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This is a crucial leadership position responsible for ensuring the 24/7 availability, performance, and security of our vast network infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in managing high-performing NOC teams, implementing robust monitoring strategies, and driving incident response and resolution. You will leverage your expertise in network operations, team leadership, and strategic planning to maintain exceptional service levels. This fully remote role offers the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to contribute to our mission of seamless connectivity while working from your preferred location. We are looking for a driven leader passionate about operational excellence in the telecommunications domain.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a global team of NOC engineers, ensuring high performance and adherence to operational procedures.
• Establish and maintain 24/7 network monitoring, fault detection, and incident management processes.
• Develop and implement effective incident response and resolution protocols, minimizing downtime and impact on services.
• Oversee the proactive identification and analysis of network performance issues and security threats.
• Manage escalations and ensure timely communication with relevant stakeholders during critical incidents.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the NOC, focusing on efficiency, automation, and best practices.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for network monitoring, troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
• Collaborate with network engineering, IT, and other departments to ensure seamless network operations.
• Manage the selection, implementation, and utilization of NOC monitoring tools and technologies.
• Ensure compliance with service level agreements (SLAs) and organizational policies.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching and development opportunities for NOC staff.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Telecommunications, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in network operations and monitoring, with at least 4 years in a leadership or management role within a NOC environment.
• Extensive knowledge of telecommunications network infrastructure (e.g., MPLS, BGP, Ethernet, Wireless).
• Proven experience with network monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Nagios, Zabbix) and ticketing systems.
• Strong understanding of ITIL best practices for incident, problem, and change management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate remote teams effectively.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills under pressure.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours and manage operations across multiple time zones.
• Experience in cybersecurity threat detection and response is a significant plus.

Benefits

• top-tier health, dental, and vision insurance
• robust retirement savings plan with employer matching
• generous paid time off

As a fully remote position, you will experience unparalleled flexibility and autonomy. We provide all necessary equipment and support for a productive remote work environment. Join a forward-thinking, global leader in telecommunications and play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability of our network services worldwide, contributing to our operations supporting Durban and beyond.