Network Architect

JOB DESCRIPTION

Eisai GCC – Global Capability Center, Vizag, India

ROLE DETAILS

Job Title: Network Architect (Manager / Sr. Manager)

Location: Vizag, India

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Job Type: Full-Time

Department: Global Infrastructure – Network & Security

Reporting To: Director, Global Network Lead

Travel Requirements: Occasional travel to Japan, EMEA (London), and the US (New York Metro)

ABOUT THE COMPANY / TEAM

Eisai Global Digital Business Transformation (GDBT) Centre in Vizag is our first truly global capability hub providing high-quality IT capability services across the globe for various Eisai regions. The centre leverages internal critical technical competencies to engineer, build, secure, and operate consolidated, cost-optimized global infrastructure platforms supporting our human health care (hhc) mission.

The Global Infrastructure team is responsible for the design, deployment, and lifecycle management of enterprise-grade network and security platforms across on-premises, data centre, and cloud environments spanning APAC, EMEA, and the Americas.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Network Architect to join our Global Infrastructure team at the GCC in Vizag, India. This strategic role is responsible for defining and driving the global network architecture strategy—spanning campus, data centre, cloud, and OT environments—with a strong emphasis on Zero Trust security, SD-WAN, Zscaler platforms, and AI-driven network analytics. The Architect will serve as the highest technical authority for network design, ensuring scalability, security, and alignment with Eisai's global digital transformation goals.

Why This Role Exists

As Eisai accelerates its global digital transformation, there is a critical need for an authoritative network architecture function that can unify diverse, multi-region network environments under a coherent, future-proof design framework. This role exists to lead that architectural vision—reducing complexity, enforcing global standards, and enabling the business to operate securely and efficiently across all regions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Network Architecture & Strategy

• Define and own the global enterprise network architecture strategy covering campus, data centre, cloud (AWS/Azure), and OT environments.

• Lead the design of scalable, resilient, and secure network solutions aligned with business and digital transformation objectives.

• Develop and govern global technology standards for routing, switching, Wi-Fi, SD-WAN, cloud interconnectivity, and network security.

• Architect secure cloud networking using AWS Transit Gateways, VPCs, and Cloud WAN, ensuring seamless integration with on-premises infrastructure.

• Establish and drive the adoption of Zero Trust architecture principles, including macro and micro-segmentation for lab, OT, and campus networks.

• Lead the evaluation, selection, and standardization of emerging technologies including Gen AI and AI analytics for network optimization.

• Define the strategic roadmap for SD-WAN, Zscaler (ZIA/ZPA), NAC, and NDR platforms across all global regions.

• Produce high-quality architecture documentation including HLD, LLD, standards, and reference architectures.

2. Security Architecture & Compliance

• Design and govern end-to-end network security architecture including Zscaler ZIA/ZPA, Cisco ISE/NAC, Palo Alto, FortiGate, and NDR platforms.

• Lead implementation of Zero Trust principles, micro-segmentation policies, and NGFW rule governance across all environments.

• Collaborate with Cyber Security, SOC/SIEM, and Compliance teams to ensure network designs meet regulatory and audit requirements.

• Define and review firewall policies, access control standards, and security baselines for all platforms.

• Drive architecture reviews and threat-modelling exercises to proactively identify and mitigate network security risks.

3. Technical Ownership & Governance

• Serve as the ultimate technical escalation point (Level 4) for complex network architecture and design issues.

• Conduct architecture review boards (ARBs) and review proposed changes for alignment with global standards.

• Govern lifecycle management strategy for network platforms including Cisco, Palo Alto, FortiGate, and Zscaler.

• Drive automation initiatives in network provisioning, monitoring, and configuration management.

• Evaluate and recommend vendor solutions, manage proof-of-concept (PoC) engagements, and provide technical guidance on procurement.

4. Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership

• Partner with Director-level stakeholders, Business Relationship Managers (BRMs), Cloud Operations, Server/Storage, and Security teams to align network architecture with business priorities.

• Represent the Global Network team in cross-functional governance forums and global infrastructure planning meetings.

• Mentor and guide Network Engineers and senior engineers, providing technical direction and career development support.

• Communicate complex architectural concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences across global regions.

• Coordinate with regional teams in APAC, EMEA, and the Americas to ensure consistent architecture adoption and compliance.

5. Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Research and assess emerging network technologies, including AI/ML-driven analytics, intent-based networking, and next-generation security platforms.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize network performance, cost efficiency, and security posture.

• Develop and maintain the 3–5 year global network technology roadmap aligned with Eisai's strategic IT objectives.

• Establish KPIs and success metrics for architecture delivery, platform performance, and security compliance.

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Experience Requirements

• Total Experience: 10+ years in enterprise network engineering and architecture.

• Specialized Experience: 5+ years in a network architecture or senior design role within a global, multi-region enterprise.

• Leadership Experience: 3+ years leading technical teams or architecture functions.

Technical Expertise – Must Have

• Expert-level knowledge of Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) and Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) design and deployment.

• Deep expertise in Cisco routing and switching, SD-WAN architecture, and global WAN design.

• Proven experience designing and governing multi-vendor NGFW environments: Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, and FortiGate.

• Strong experience architecting cloud networking on AWS (Transit Gateways, VPCs, Cloud WAN) and Microsoft Azure.

• Mastery of Zero Trust architecture, macro/micro-segmentation, Cisco ISE/NAC, and NDR solutions.

• Experience with AI analytics and Gen AI applications for network automation and operations optimization.

• Proficiency in network monitoring and diagnostics platforms including ThousandEyes and packet capture tools.

• Strong documentation skills: HLD, LLD, reference architectures, and global standards development.

Soft Skills

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; ability to present to C-level and Director stakeholders.

• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving capabilities for complex, multi-region network challenges.

• Ability to influence without direct authority and drive consensus across global, cross-functional teams.

• Self-directed with the ability to manage multiple architecture workstreams simultaneously.

• Collaborative mindset with a One Team approach across all global regions and functions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in regulated industries such as Pharmaceuticals or life sciences (GxP compliance exposure preferred).

• Familiarity with ITIL, Agile, or DevOps methodologies within an infrastructure context.

• Experience with intent-based networking and AI/ML-driven network management platforms.

• Prior experience managing or collaborating with managed service providers (MSPs) for global LAN/WAN operations.

• Exposure to OT (Operational Technology) and lab network environments.

• Experience developing 3–5 year technology roadmaps and presenting to senior leadership.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related field (required).

• Master's degree in a relevant discipline (preferred).

Certifications

• Cisco CCIE (Routing & Switching or Enterprise Infrastructure) – Highly preferred.

• Cisco CCNP Enterprise or equivalent – Required if CCIE not held.

• Zscaler Certified Cloud Professional (ZCCP) or equivalent – Preferred.

• AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty – Preferred.

• Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) – Preferred.

• Fortinet NSE 7 or above – Preferred.

SUCCESS INDICATORS (FOR RECRUITER UNDERSTANDING)

30–60–90 Day Milestones

• 30 Days: Understand the current global network architecture, key platforms, and existing documentation. Build relationships with global stakeholders.

• 60 Days: Identify architectural gaps, risks, and improvement opportunities. Present initial findings and recommendations to the Director, Global Network Lead.

• 90 Days: Define a prioritized architecture roadmap and begin driving at least one strategic architecture initiative.

6 & 12 Month Goals

• 6 Months: Complete a global architecture standards refresh; lead at least one major platform deployment or cloud networking initiative.

• 12 Months: Achieve measurable improvements in network security posture, platform standardization, and operational efficiency. Deliver the 3-year technology roadmap.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• % adoption of global network architecture standards across all regions.

• Reduction in critical network incidents attributed to design/architecture gaps.

• On-time delivery of architecture projects and roadmap milestones.

• Stakeholder satisfaction scores from cross-functional partners.

• Number of architecture reviews conducted and documented.