Senior Network & Systems Engineer- Lead - Saudi Nationals, OTS

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Network & Systems Engineer to lead our IT infrastructure initiatives at Afaq – Warehouse Branch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This critical role is exclusively open to Saudi nationals and is part of our Outsourcing and Technology Services (OTS) program. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, and optimizing robust network and systems architectures to ensure seamless business operations, security, and scalability. This leadership position requires a strategic mindset, technical expertise, and the ability to mentor a team of IT professionals while aligning technology solutions with organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Network Infrastructure Leadership: Lead the planning, deployment, and management of enterprise-grade network infrastructure, including LAN, WAN, VPN, firewalls, routers, switches, and wireless networks. Ensure high availability, performance, and security across all network components.
• Systems Architecture & Administration: Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of servers, storage systems, virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V), and cloud-based solutions (e.g., AWS, Azure). Ensure system reliability, scalability, and disaster recovery capabilities.
• Cybersecurity & Compliance: Develop and enforce security policies, protocols, and best practices to safeguard the organization’s digital assets. Conduct regular security audits, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST).
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and IT staff. Foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration within the team. Conduct performance reviews and support professional development initiatives.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with external vendors, service providers, and internal stakeholders to evaluate, procure, and integrate technology solutions. Ensure cost-effective procurement and adherence to service-level agreements (SLAs).
• Troubleshooting & Incident Management: Serve as the primary escalation point for complex network and systems issues. Diagnose, resolve, and document technical problems to minimize downtime and ensure business continuity.
• Strategic Planning & Innovation: Stay abreast of emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices in network and systems engineering. Recommend and implement innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency, security, and scalability.
• Budget & Resource Management: Develop and manage the IT infrastructure budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources. Monitor expenditures, track ROI, and identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising performance or security.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field. Relevant certifications (e.g., CCNP, CCIE, MCSE, CISSP, ITIL) are highly desirable.
• Experience: Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in network and systems engineering, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership or managerial role. Experience in enterprise environments, preferably within the logistics, warehousing, or supply chain sectors, is a plus.
• Technical Proficiency: In-depth knowledge of networking protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF), routing/switching technologies, firewalls, load balancers, and network monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, PRTG). Proficiency in systems administration, virtualization, cloud computing, and scripting (e.g., Python, PowerShell).
• Leadership & Soft Skills: Strong project management, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage stakeholders, and drive organizational change. Fluency in Arabic and English is required.
• Certifications: Preferred certifications include Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Why Join Afaq?

Afaq is a leading provider of integrated logistics and supply chain solutions in Saudi Arabia, committed to delivering excellence through innovation and technology. As a Senior Network & Systems Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the digital future of our organization while enjoying a competitive compensation package, professional growth opportunities, and a collaborative work environment. This role offers the chance to work on cutting-edge technologies and contribute to the success of a dynamic and forward-thinking company.