Network and Communications Lead

Unilabs is on a journey to implement a new technology operating model, with a focus on centralising core services while retaining local expertise, optimizing supplier relationships, and aligning technology and location strategies. The aim is to enhance service delivery, improve efficiency, and support Unilabs' future long-term goals. 

The Network and Communications Lead will operate as part of the Centre of Excellence for Service Delivery Operations, and will lead the design, implementation and standardisation of global management of the company’s network infrastructure and communications systems. This role is pivotal in ensuring seamless connectivity, robust security, and efficient communications across all markets.   

This role will manager partners and manage third party contracts/vendors to deliver voice and data network infrastructure and ensure that current and future network systems are optimally designed, implemented and maintained. The role requires a strong leader with extensive knowledge in network systems, excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment across markets. 

In terms of working structure, this is hybrid with 3 days per week in the Porto office and travel to European sites as required. 

Requirements

Strategic Leadership and Transformation  

• Define and execute a modern network platform strategy, integrating cloud networking and software-defined networking (SDN) 

• Develop and execute the strategic vision for network and communications systems, aligning with the company’s overall technology target operating model  

• Ensure end-to-end network automation to improve operational efficiency, agility, and reliability. 

• Provide technical leadership to the CIO’s and Heads of technology, managing and co-ordinating team workloads both globally and in market with local teams  

• Collaborate and align with Cloud and Hosting and End User to enable the delivery of a well thought Network Product 

• Establish network reliability objectives, including SLOs, SLIs, and error budgets. 

Network Security and Architecture  

• Oversee global network architecture, spanning data centers, cloud environments, and enterprise connectivity. 

• Lead network modernization, integrating multiple acquired networks and driving architectural maturity across the business 

• Design, implement, and manage scalable and secure network infrastructure, including LAN, WAN, VPN, data, and mobile network infrastructure (SD-WAN, Wi-Fi, LAN, WAN, 4/5G Networks etc) 

• Work with key partners and third-party contracts/vendors to deliver voice and data network infrastructure  

• Optimize network traffic, application delivery, and global routing strategies to improve performance. 

• Drive zero-trust security frameworks, ensuring secure and resilient network access based on Fortinet Hardware 

• Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to enhance network threat detection and mitigation 

• Implement automated security policy enforcement, reducing human intervention in risk mitigation. 

Communications Systems  

• Oversee the deployment and maintenance of communication systems such as VoIP, email, and collaboration tools. 

Team Management 

• Lead and mentor a team of network engineers and communication specialists, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. 

• Promote a collaborative, data-driven, and proactive culture, ensuring agility and innovation. 

Vendor Management  

• Manage relationships with external vendors and service providers, ensuring optimal performance and cost-efficiency. 

• Optimize network infrastructure spending, ensuring cost-effective, high-performance connectivity. 

• Support vendor selection, contract negotiation, and vendor relationship management. 

• Ensure network services align with business goals, optimizing ROI and cost efficiency. 

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Qualifications:  

• 10+ years of experience in network architecture and communications, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. 

• Strong knowledge of network protocols, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies.  

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Relevant certifications (e.g., CCNP, CISSP) are highly desirable. 

• Deep expertise in cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP), SD-WAN, Zscaler Technology and network automation. 

• Proven track record in end-to-end network automation, observability, and self-healing networks. 

• Experience in AI-driven networking, predictive analytics 

• Strong understanding of zero-trust networking, compliance frameworks, and security policies. 

• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. 

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-availability IT environment, with a focus on network automation and scalability. 

• Excellent leadership and communication skills 

• Ability to work effectively in a cross-cultural environment 

• Fluency in English and local language 

• Customer centric in approach, clear communicator with the ability to simplify complexity and strong interpersonal skills to ensure they can execute. 

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to manage escalations and communicate effectively. 

• Analytical mindset, with the ability to use data to drive operational decisions and improve performance. 

• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to appropriately engage and influence change at all levels 

• Ability to win the respect and trust of a varied and diverse team. 

• Resilient and adaptable to change