IT Network Engineering Manager

The Network, Voice, and Facilities Manager is responsible for the design, operation, reliability, and continuous improvement of enterprise network infrastructure, voice and collaboration platforms, and IT‑related facilities across hybrid cloud and on‑premises environments. This role ensures the availability, security, and performance of data, voice, and collaboration services while overseeing physical infrastructure such as data centers, cabling, power, and environmental systems that support both on‑premises and cloud‑connected workloads. The role has both hands‑on and strategic ownership of modern networking and collaboration platforms, including Cisco Meraki, VMware VeloCloud SD‑WAN, and Cisco Webex. They serve as a key partner to Cloud, Security, Facilities, and Application teams to enable resilient, scalable hybrid architectures. Success in this role requires strong technical leadership, operational discipline, vendor management skills, and the ability to balance strategic planning with day‑to‑day execution in a complex enterprise environment. Responsibilities Design, operate, and support enterprise LAN, WAN, WLAN, and SD‑WAN environments using Cisco Meraki and VMware VeloCloud. Architect and support hybrid network connectivity between on‑premises data centers, branch locations, and public cloud environments (e.g., Azure, AWS, OCI). Own routing, segmentation, firewalling, VPN, and secure connectivity models across on‑prem and cloud‑attached networks. Monitor network performance, availability, and capacity; proactively identify risks and lead remediation efforts. Lead network upgrades, lifecycle refreshes, and technology transitions across legacy and cloud‑native platforms. Maintain technical standards, configuration documentation, and network diagrams for on‑prem and hybrid environments. Own enterprise voice and collaboration services, including Cisco Webex Calling, Webex Meetings, Webex Contact Center, and related integrations. Support hybrid voice architectures spanning on‑prem voice components, cloud calling services, and PSTN/carrier connectivity. Manage SIP services, SBCs, call routing, number management, redundancy, and disaster recovery for voice services. Lead voice and collaboration migrations, feature rollouts, and platform rationalization initiatives. Oversee IT‑associated facilities infrastructure, including data centers, MDF/IDF rooms, structured cabling, racks, power, cooling, and environmental monitoring. Ensure physical infrastructure supports hybrid cloud operations, including redundancy, resiliency, and capacity requirements. Coordinate with Facilities, Real Estate, and Safety teams on site builds, office moves, expansions, and infrastructure upgrades. Manage vendors providing cabling, power, HVAC, access control, and monitoring services related to IT environments. Ensure physical security and disaster readiness for critical on‑prem and hybrid infrastructure. Lead, mentor, and develop network, voice, and facilities engineers and contractors. Own incident response, root cause analysis, and post‑incident reporting for network, SD‑WAN, voice, and connectivity issues. Drive operational excellence through change management, maintenance planning, and production readiness reviews. Provide executive‑level reporting on service health, risks, and improvement initiatives. Manage budgets, forecasts, and vendor spend across networking, telecom, and IT facilities domains. All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.

Qualifications Education:

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field required, or equivalent experience.

Experience:

7+ years of experience supporting and managing enterprise network and voice environments, including leadership responsibility. Hands‑on experience supporting hybrid cloud and on‑premises network environments. Strong working knowledge of Cisco Meraki, VMware VeloCloud SD‑WAN, Cisco AnyConnect VPN, and enterprise VoIP platforms. Experience managing IT facilities infrastructure, including data centers, structured cabling, power, cooling, and environmental systems. Familiarity with cloud networking constructs such as VNETs/VPCs, gateways, routing, and private connectivity. Strong vendor and service provider management experience. Proven incident management, problem‑solving, and executive communication skills. Ability to balance strategic planning with hands‑on operational delivery. Certifications (Preferred): CCNP or CCIE, Meraki CMNO, VMware VeloCloud SD‑WAN certification, or equivalent. Experience working within ITIL‑based incident, change, and problem management frameworks.

Environment:

Ability to work onsite as required, with occasional travel for data center, office, or vendor engagements. Forward Air is an Equal Opportunity Employer #LI-Onsite #LI-LA1