Job Description

Job Title: Senior Network Administrator
Full-time Permanent Opportunity
In-office: Hybrid 3x per week on-site (downtown Toronto)

Patch is partnering with a high-profile client seeking an experienced Senior Network Administrator to join their dynamic IT team. This is a critical role responsible for ensuring the continuous, reliable, and secure operation of the company's enterprise-level, multi-site network infrastructure, and for leading major infrastructure projects, including a datacenter relocation. The selected candidate will be accountable for the continuous and effective monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintenance of the client’s entire data network systems, ensuring 24/7 reliability and efficient functioning of all network services without interruption.

Responsibilities:

• Network Infrastructure Management:
• Implement and support all aspects of Local Area Network (LAN) and Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) technologies across all office locations, including core and edge switches, Wi-Fi access points, and load balancers (e.g., Kemp).
• Administer and configure enterprise Cisco switches (e.g., Catalyst, Meraki) including VLANs, PoE, QoS, DHCP, and advanced IOS CLI commands.
• Wide Area Network (WAN) & Cloud Connectivity:
• Manage and support the client's WAN services, including MPLS, LAN Extension, IPSec Tunnels, ISP providers, and WAN Optimizer services (e.g., Riverbed).
• Manage and administer the networking infrastructure within the Azure tenant, specifically handling NSG, Express Route, and Peering.
• Security & Domain Services:
• Manage and administer all company Firewalls (e.g., Palo Alto – PanOS, Panorama) and VPN services (e.g., GlobalProtect) for secure remote access.
• Ensure network security through continuous monitoring, vulnerability scans, and security patching to guard against threats, adhering to standards like ISO 27001.
• Provide advanced Microsoft Active Directory Domain Administrator services and manage Internet domain name services.
• Troubleshooting & Maintenance:
• Diagnose and resolve complex network connectivity, stability, and performance issues, performing a broad range of activities at an advanced technical level.
• Perform regular log monitoring, penetration testing, and system health checks.
• Conduct testing of new network designs, failover procedures, and hardware/software upgrades.
• Project Leadership & Strategic Work:
• Lead the planning and execution of a major datacenter relocation, ensuring minimal disruption to network services.
• Participate in the development of the network architectural strategy, including technology standardization for enterprise, data center, and disaster recovery infrastructures.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Network and Security Architects, Server and Platform Engineers, and Data Center Operations.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience leading or playing a critical role in a datacenter migration or relocation project.
• Proven expertise with network protocols: TCP/IP, EIGRP, VLANs, QoS, ACLs, VSS.
• Strong, demonstrable IP troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with DNS and DHCP services, and WiFi protocols.
• Hands-on experience with Windows Server AD and VMware Networking.
• Solid understanding of networking principles and technologies in an enterprise-level, multi-site environment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex multi-platform hardware and software issues.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication and customer service skills.

Certifications:

• Cisco CCNA or CCNP
• Palo Alto PCNSE is highly desirable.

Work Environment:

• Ability to be on call 24/7 for network emergencies and lead the mitigation and resolution processes when required is essential.
• Must be able to respond to after-hours emergencies and participate in change management processes.