NETWORK DESIGN ENGINEER

Listing reference: jse_000434 Listing status: Online Apply by: 19 December 2023

POSITION SUMMARY

Industry: Financial Services

Job category: Banking, Finance, Insurance. Stockbroking

Location: Sandton

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

EE position: Yes

INTRODUCTION

To shape and optimize the JSE network infrastructure to drive innovation. To ensure the JSE network team remain committed to delivering leading-edge technology solutions to support and enable our business stakeholder’s and clients’ success by designing and supporting the JSE’s internal network and client connectivity infrastructure ensuring the platforms meet and exceed availability and resiliency requirements stipulated in SLAs with business, thereby contributing to the mitigation of financial and reputational risks associated with outages or poor system performance. Play a pivotal role in achieving optimal performance, security and scalability of the JSE network and client networks.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Business and Financial Results Management

• Contribute to the development of the network budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness, resource optimization and maximising return of investment on existing technology
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and recommend strategies for network related expenses
• Ensure duplication of technologies are avoided to improve financial performance of the network department
• Keep abreast of team’s platform cost base and cost base trajectory to ensure budget adherence and compliance, and minimise budget overspend, as well as seizing opportunities for cost reduction
• Apply cost effective principles when designing a challenging/complex Network and Client Connectivity infrastructure solutions taking cognizance of financial resources available

Stakeholder Relationship Management

• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including department heads, cyber security and external vendors, to understand business requirements and align network solutions accordingly
• Provide regular updates and reports to management on network performance and projects
• Build relationships with colleagues, peers and staff by using appropriate interpersonal styles
• Interact with others in a way that promotes openness and trust and gives them confidence in one’s intentions
• Participate in all vendor and service provider agreements and processes (Service Contracts and SLAs) covering all networks and client connectivity infrastructure to ensure compliance and minimise risks
• Leverage vendor/partner relationships to ensure wider understanding of offerings/trends in IT industry
• Ensure JSE clients understand the network connectivity requirements of the JSE by engaging with the clients network and connectivity teams
• Work with IM Service Delivery Managers and the Head of IT Infrastructure Management to promote awareness of capabilities, possibilities and limitations of the networks and client connectivity infrastructure across all stakeholder communities in the JSE
• Provide internal consultancy and expert opinions on Networks and Client Connectivity infrastructure to internal stakeholders

Process Management

• Streamline network operations and automate routine tasks to improve efficiency
• Establish and maintain network policies, procedures and standards
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and best practices
• Oversee and support scheduled Networks and Client Connectivity maintenance, upgrades and optimisation activities to ensure highest level of performance and stability of JSE networks and client interfaces
• Develop comprehensive network architecture blueprints that align with business requirements, scalability and security requirements
• Evaluate and select fit for purpose network technologies, hardware and software solutions to optimize performance and reliability
• Monitor project progress, troubleshoot issues, and provide guidance to ensure successful implementation
• Integrate robust security measures into network designs to safeguard sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry regulations
• Continuously assess annd enhance network security protocols and procedures
• Ensure Connectivity infrastructure Solution designs received into production have documentation on all necessary controls, alerts, implementation guidelines aligned to intended operational processes and procedures to ensure operational readiness at the time of handover from IE&SD team to meet stakeholder needs
• Ensure all changes to in-production infrastructure designs are reported to the IE and SD team and that the documentation of present state infrastructure and processes are updated
• Seek continuous improvement opportunities in technology and process in order to deliver business value to JSE and clients
• Maintain a sufficient level of technical fluency in the Networks and Client Connectivity platform infrastructure technology to enable adequate communication of capabilities, risks and issues to all stakeholder communities
• Work with NSP’s (Service Providers) and JSE clients to explore leading edge network technologies and the art of the possible solutions
• Diligently monitor availability of JSE internal networks and network perimeter health
• Ensure the implementation and support of JSE client network connectivity at the network hand-off points for colocation clients
• Ensure disaster recovery plans are in place and procedures are created, tested and documented
• Provide 3rd level escalation support for the Networks, Client Connectivity BAU team and other JSE Businesss units
• Participate in problem resolution for service issues in the Networks and Client Connectivity area by coordinating a team to resolve issues, working closely with IM Service Delivery Managers and other ITD team members to manage and contain impact to JSE business
• Take responsibility for identifying, anticipating, communicating, initiating, understanding and finalising the planning for the organisational impact of evolving existing platform technologies to new technologies or hybrid systems
• Participate in the implementation, optimization and troubleshooting of all JSE network elements
• Mentor and coach new employees, junior Networks and Client Connectivity Infrastructure team members, Customer Support and others to help them improve their competencies on the understanding of the Networks and Client Connectivity infrastructure platforms
• Design and implement short/long term strategic plans to ensure Networks and Client Connectivity capacity meets existing and future requirements

Self Management

• Improve personal capability and professional growth relating to field of expertise, in line with JSE objectives by discussing development needs and proposed solutions with management.
• Keep abreast of changes in relevant technology disciplines through self-study, research and leverage of own personal networks and formal training.
• Epitomise living the JSE values, displaying professional conduct and adherence to required technical standards.
• Conduct continuous research and development into new technologies, keep abreast of latest technology trends.

Transformation and Innovation Management

• Research, analyse, develop and implement continuous improvement processes and procedures for the Networks and Client Connectivity platforms.
• Proposing well researched innovative ideas and value adding Windows and Virtualization infrastructure solution designs.
• Up skilling of junior team members in the immediate team as well as in the Customer Support team.
• Contribute to JSE clients and Service Providers understanding of exchange and capital markets connectivity requirements.
• Contribute to Customer Support client calls acting in an advisory capacity.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Essential Qualification

IT Diploma in Networking, CCNA, CCNP Qualification or similar

Preferred Qualification

Networking, CCNP, CCDP Qualification or similar. Managing self and managing others

Registration

None

Previous Experience

• 10 years IT work experience, 5 years Network Administration, 5 years Network Architecture, Solid experience with Cisco Technologies
• Strong experience with cloud platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS), Strong experience with Microsoft, Linux and Open Source Operating systems’ network technology stacks
• Solid experience working in a multi-disciplinary team, fostering collaboration and teamwork
• Experience with financial industry connectivity requirements
• Experience with automation tools
• Solid experience with network protocols (OSPF, BGP) and in-depth firewall, wireless, routing and switching and network management skills

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All the best with your applications