Network Operations Manager

About the role

As a Network Operations Manager, you will make an impact by leading a 24x7 Network Operations Center responsible for the reliability, performance, and availability of critical network infrastructure. You will strengthen operational effectiveness, improve incident response outcomes, and elevate team capability while ensuring consistent service delivery. Your leadership will directly influence network stability, response efficiency, and stakeholder confidence. You will be a valued member of the Cloud Infrastructure and Security team and work collaboratively with the Engagement Delivery Lead.

In this role, you will:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of L1, L2, and L3 network engineers, specialists, and shift leads within a 24x7 operational environment.
• Ensure full shift-lead coverage across all shifts to maintain consistent operational oversight and timely decision-making.
• Drive proactive network monitoring and timely incident response in alignment with established SOPs and SLAs.
• Support effective incident resolution, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement of operational processes.
• Coordinate scheduled maintenance, change activities, and operational readiness for projects and initiatives.
• Partner with site technicians, OEM vendors, telcos, and internal teams to support reliable and predictable service delivery.
• Communicate incident status, service impacts, and operational updates clearly and efficiently to stakeholders.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
• Maintain accurate network documentation, reporting, and operational records.

Work model

At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible, and we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs. Based on this role's business requirements, this is an onsite position requiring 5 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in Austin, TX.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you're engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

What you need to have to be considered

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in network operations within enterprise or large-scale environments.
• 3+ years of experience leading technical teams in a NOC or network operations setting.
• Extensive experience with network hardware from vendors such as Cisco, Juniper, Arista, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams in high-availability, incident-driven environments.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills across technical and non-technical audiences.
• Solid understanding of network operations best practices, SLAs, and incident management frameworks.

These will help you stand out

• Experience improving operational processes, incident response workflows, or service reliability over time.
• Exposure to large-scale or mission-critical network infrastructures.
• Background working closely with OEM vendors and telecom providers.
• Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives within a 24x7 environment.

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed.

Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future.