The Head of Global Network Services has responsibility for planning, implementing and managing a global enterprise network and the network services organization. This role will develop the strategy, roadmaps and lead technical implementations of data network services. This position is accountable for leading a team chartered to design, engineer and implement network services which includes Wide Area Network (WAN), Campus Area Network (CAN), Data Center Network (DCN), and Local Area Networks (LAN), Wireless LAN (WLAN), Telecom, Network Security, Load Balancing and Remote Access technologies in support of our global workforce.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Establish a service management discipline that is focused on increased automation and optimized service delivery while promoting a self-critical and continuous assessment and improvement culture, gap identification (people, process and technology) and resolution in timely manner thereby promoting and supporting continuous improvement of team, process and technology

Manage TIAA’s Network Services team across strategy, architecture, engineering, product management, people and business management, financial management, solution development, vendor management, and automation disciplinesDrive global technology transformation across multiple businesses and technology unitsEstablishes the strategy for the identification, implementation and monitoring of best practices for technology architecture, while providing expert advice on core infrastructure initiatives.Liaises with senior leadership on project, operational, and strategy risks and opportunities along with corrective action plans when required. Collaborates with cyber security teams to develop and implement security capabilities of the network platformsChampions solutions, improvements and best practices to increase operational efficiency and lower operating cost.Directs department regarding capacity workload modeling and availability analysis for a variety of platforms and environments.Manages performance of team through regular, timely feedback as well as the formal performance review process to ensure delivery of exceptional products and engagement, motivation, and development of team.Provide technical oversight, direction and mentoring to the team

Educational Requirements

University (Degree) Preferred

Work Experience

10+ Years Required

Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements: Sedentary Work

Career Level
11PL

Managing Director, Head of Network and Data Center Services

Position Overview

TIAA seeks a visionary leader to serve as Managing Director, Head of Network and Data Center Services, responsible for the strategic oversight and operational excellence of our global network infrastructure and data center operations. This role encompasses comprehensive leadership of services supporting all TIAA lines of business, including our investment arm Nuveen, across more than 90 U.S. locations and 16 international offices spanning EMEA and APAC regions.

The successful candidate will lead the transformation of our network and data center services to enable business growth, enhance security posture, and drive operational excellence across our geographically distributed infrastructure. This includes management of four Regional Service Hubs at Equinix facilities in Seattle, Ashburn, London, and Singapore, our Primary Data Center in Charlotte, and Disaster Recovery operations in Broomfield, Colorado.

This position offers the opportunity to shape the future of enterprise infrastructure at one of the nation's leading retirement services companies, driving innovation while ensuring the reliability and security of mission-critical systems that serve millions of participants globally.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

Develop and execute comprehensive network and data center strategies that anticipate future business needs and align with TIAA's digital transformation initiativesCreate multi-year transformation roadmaps leveraging next-generation technologies including SASE, Zero Trust architecture, and hybrid cloud connectivityPartner with senior leadership to drive enterprise-level initiatives that deliver competitive advantage and enable business outcomesEstablish architecture principles that balance innovation, cybersecurity, performance, and cost efficiency across global operations

Network Services Management

Oversee end-to-end management of diverse network portfolio including Wide Area Network (WAN), SD-WAN, Local Area Networks (LAN), Wireless LAN (WLAN), routing services, load balancing, DNS/DHCP/IPAM, and firewall managementLead network modernization initiatives including cloud connectivity, edge computing, IoT integration, and SaaS proxy services through Zscaler Zero Trust platformDrive implementation of advanced monitoring platforms for proactive fault detection, performance analytics, and incident responseManage telecom expense optimization programs to control and optimize telecommunications costs across the organization

Data Center Operations Excellence

Direct comprehensive management of data center services including electrical grids, HVAC systems, fire suppression, space and rack services, and physical securityEnsure optimal environmental conditions and regulatory compliance while maintaining hardware longevity and operational efficiencyLead capacity planning and scalability initiatives to support future growth and technology integrationOversee disaster recovery and business continuity strategies with focus on rapid recovery capabilities

Security & Risk Management

Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to architect defense-in-depth network security frameworks aligned with zero-trust principlesImplement network segmentation strategies and encrypted communication protocols across hybrid IT infrastructureLead regular security assessments, penetration testing, and vulnerability management programsEnsure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements for financial services

Team Leadership & Vendor Management

Build and develop high-performing global teams with emphasis on engineering excellence and continuous improvement cultureManage strategic relationships with managed network services providers, telecommunications carriers, and technology vendorsNegotiate and oversee service contracts that deliver optimal value while ensuring vendor accountabilityFoster culture of client experience focus, innovation, and proactive problem-solving

Service Delivery & Operations

Establish rigorous service level agreements and performance frameworks to ensure consistent, high-quality operationsAdvance automation and orchestration capabilities to increase operational efficiency and reduce human errorDrive continuous service improvement through performance data analysis and best practice implementationEnsure seamless service delivery during business-critical events through effective incident and problem management

Required Experience:

Leadership Experience

10 years of progressive experience in enterprise network engineering and operations, (with 5 years leading global network services organizations at comparable scale a plus)Proven track record building and operating across global organizations in Financial Services or similarly regulated industriesDemonstrated ability to influence business and technology leadership and inspire followership across organizationsExperience managing organizational change and technology transitions with ability to lead cross-functional teamsStrong stakeholder management experience at all levels, including senior executives (CIO-1 level)

Technical Expertise

Deep understanding of network technologies including Routing/Switching, DNS/DHCP/IPAM, WAN/LAN/CAN, firewalls, load balancing, IDS/IPS, web proxy, and network securityComprehensive knowledge of cybersecurity architecture and controls in hybrid IT deployments with operational alignment experienceExpertise in public cloud networking architectures (AWS, Azure, GCP) with focus on secure, scalable enterprise solutionsStrong understanding of SASE, Zero Trust Network Access, SD-WAN, and secure edge connectivity technologiesExperience with network automation, software-defined networking, and AI/ML applications for network operationsKnowledge of data center infrastructure including power, cooling, fire suppression, and physical security systems

Business Acumen

Proven ability to develop and execute network strategies that deliver measurable business value on time and within budgetExperience with technology transformation journeys and awareness of associated challenges and solutionsStrong client experience orientation with focus on translating technical capabilities into business outcomesDemonstrated success in vendor management, contract negotiation, and service delivery optimization

Education & Certifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field; Master's degree or MBA preferredAdvanced networking certifications (CCIE, CCNP, or equivalent) highly valuedNetwork security certifications (CISSP, CCSP, etc.) preferredOEM vendor certifications (Cisco, Palo Alto, F5, etc.) a plus

Related Skills

Accountability, Adaptability, Business Acumen, Cloud Platforms, IT Business Analysis, IT Disaster Recovery, IT Infrastructure, Network Infrastructure, Risk Mitigation

Anticipated Posting End Date:

2025-09-15

Base Pay Range: $209,000/yr - $286,000/yr

Actual base salary may vary based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, base salary of internal peers, prior performance, business sector, and geographic location.  In addition to base salary, the competitive compensation package may include, depending on the role, participation in an incentive program linked to performance (for example, annual discretionary incentive programs, non-annual sales incentive plans, or other non-annual incentive plans). 

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Company Overview

Every worker deserves a secure retirement. For more than 100 years, TIAA has delivered it for millions of people. Founded to help educators retire with dignity, today weʼre a market-leading retirement company fueled by world-class asset management. But weʼre not just another legacy financial services firm. Weʼre fighting harder than ever before for our clients and the many Americans who need us.

Benefits and Total Rewards

The organization is committed to making financial well-being possible for its clients, and is equally committed to the well-being of our associates. That’s why we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to make a positive difference in the lives of our associates and their loved ones. Our benefits include a superior retirement program and highly competitive health, wellness and work life offerings that can help you achieve and maintain your best possible physical, emotional and financial well-being. To learn more about your benefits, please review our Benefits Summary.

Equal Opportunity

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. TIAA does not discriminate against any candidate or employee on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, sex, religion, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status.

Read more about your rights and view government notices here.

Accessibility Support

TIAA offers support for those who need assistance with our online application process to provide an equal employment opportunity to all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities. 

If you are a U.S. applicant and desire a reasonable accommodation to complete a job application please use one of the below options to contact our accessibility support team: 

Phone: (800) 842-2755

Email: accessibility.support@tiaa.org

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