Lead Network Architect

Alexander Ash are looking for a Lead Network Architect to define and drive the end-to-end network architecture for a large, complex, multi-country organisation. This is a high-impact leadership role focused on building a resilient, secure, and scalable network foundation that enables business growth and transformation.

The Role

As the design authority for network architecture, you will set the vision, standards, and governance across all environments - ensuring consistency, performance, and security by design.

You’ll translate business strategy into future-ready architectural blueprints, while tackling legacy complexity and enabling long-term transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and evolve the end-to-end network architecture across global operations
• Define and maintain the target-state architecture aligned to business and technology strategy
• Act as the architecture design authority across all initiatives and partners
• Drive high availability, resilience, and performance by design
• Establish standardised architecture blueprints across:
• Retail, corporate, and distribution environments
• WAN / SD-WAN and internet edge
• LAN, segmentation, and Wi-Fi
• Cloud and hybrid connectivity
• Embed security-by-design (Zero Trust, segmentation, secure access)
• Define and enforce architecture governance, standards, and guardrails
• Lead network observability, telemetry, and performance KPIs
• Enable Network-as-Code and automation governance
• Oversee vendors and strategic partners, ensuring architectural alignment
• Translate operational insights into continuous architectural improvements

What We’re Looking For

• 10+ years in networking, with strong architecture leadership experience
• Proven experience in large, distributed, multi-country environments
• Deep expertise across:
• Cisco (Meraki, Catalyst, SD-WAN)
• Network Access Control (ISE)
• Firewalls (Fortinet / Cisco)
• SASE / SSE architectures
• LAN / WAN / Wi-Fi design & segmentation
• Strong experience with cloud & hybrid networking (Azure/AWS preferred)
• Solid understanding of Zero Trust and secure network design principles
• Experience with architecture governance frameworks (ARB / TDA)
• Exposure to Terraform / network automation models
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and align cross-functional teams
• Strong focus on business outcomes: scalability, stability, and user experience

Why This Role?

• Own the network architecture vision at scale
• Drive enterprise-wide transformation and modernisation
• Work across retail, logistics, corporate, and cloud ecosystems
• Shape a secure, future-ready digital backbone

If interested in this role, please reach out to anushree.singh@alexanderash.com