Network & Data Center Practice Lead

Position Overview The Network & Data Center Practice Lead is responsible for owning and scaling a core technical service line within the organization. This leader defines practice strategy, builds market-ready services, drives pre-sales excellence, and oversees delivery governance to ensure high performance, consistent quality, and exceptional customer satisfaction.The ideal candidate brings deep hands-on expertise in enterprise and hyperscale data center architecture—including switching, routing, optical transport, compute, storage, automation, and physical infrastructure. They understand how global networks and data center ecosystems are engineered, operated, scaled, and optimized.This role collaborates closely with Sales, Solutions Architecture, Delivery, PMO, Talent Acquisition, and Executive Leadership to accelerate growth across regions and clients.Key ResponsibilitiesService Line Ownership & StrategyOwn the long-term strategy, roadmap, and vision for Network & Data Center services.Develop scalable service offerings (NOC, DC Operations, Network Deployment, Smart Hands, Monitoring, SDN, RAN/Wireless, etc.).Perform market and competitive research to stay ahead of technology trends (AI Ops, automation, optical, hyperscale DC frameworks).Build pricing models, delivery frameworks, and cost structures.Define success metrics, SLAs/SLOs, KPIs, and performance standards.Partner with leadership on P&L management, margin optimization, and growth strategies.Identify and evaluate strategic technology partners, platforms, and tools.Solutions & Pre-Sales SupportAct as the primary SME for Networking & Data Center solutions.Support RFP/RFI/RFQ processes with architecture inputs, SOW creation, and LOE estimates.Lead customer discovery workshops and technical deep dives.Validate proposed solutions for scalability, security, cost efficiency, and operational readiness.Collaborate with Sales and Service Delivery Managers to shape account strategies and technical roadmaps.Present complex solutions to executive stakeholders in clear business terms.Define talent profiles, skill matrices, and resource plans to support new service opportunities.Delivery Governance & QualityCreate and maintain delivery playbooks, SOPs, runbooks, escalation matrices, and operational workflows.Partner with Delivery leaders to drive operational excellence across all engagements.Ensure strict adherence to SLA/SLI commitments, MTTR/MTTA targets, and QoS metrics.Oversee technical escalations; guide teams through RCA and service improvement initiatives.Champion continuous improvement, automation, and tooling enhancements.Standardize best practices across global regions (Americas, APAC, EMEA).Participate in QBRs/MORs to provide technical oversight and future-state guidance for strategic customers.Required Technical Expertise10+ years designing, deploying, and supporting enterprise or hyperscale data centers.Deep understanding of global network architecture: routing, switching, firewalls, optical transport, load balancing, wireless, and site interconnect.Experience with data center physical infrastructure (rack/stack, structured cabling, power/cooling, IDF/MDF layouts, fiber plants).Familiarity with AI/ML monitoring tools, observability platforms, automation frameworks, CMDB, and ITSM processes.Strong knowledge of NOC operations: incident lifecycle, SLO/SLA management, MTTA/MTTR optimization, noise reduction, and escalation models.Experience with multisite, globally distributed network design and operations.Cloud network integration (AWS, GCP, Azure) experience is a plus.Preferred certifications:CCNP/CCIE, Data Center Specialist,CDCP/CDCS, or equivalent hyperscale experience.Leadership & Business SkillsProven experience leading a technical practice or large service line.Strong pre-sales, client-facing, and executive communication skills.Ability to guide cross-functional teams across architecture, delivery, PMO, and operations.Expertise in developing structured processes, documentation, and operational playbooks.Strong business and financial acumen: margin management, labor models, utilization, and resource planning.Ability to coach and mentor technical teams; build capability and career pathways.Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).10–15 years in Networking, Data Center Engineering, or technical operations.5+ years in a leadership, practice lead, service owner, or similar role within an MSP, ISP, CSP, or hyperscale environment.Salary Range$132,240.00 - $208,800.00 USD (Salary)Please note that the salary information provided herein is base pay only (gross); it does not include other forms of compensation which may or may not apply to this specific position, namely, performance-based bonuses, benefits-related payments, or other general incentives - none of which are guaranteed, may be subject to specific eligibility requirements, and are wholly within the discretion of Astreya