team leader

The Durham District School Board acknowledges that many Indigenous Nations have longstanding relationships, both historic and modern, with the territories upon which our school board and schools are located. Today, this area is home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that the Durham Region forms a part of the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, the Mississauga Peoples and the treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. It is on these ancestral and treaty lands that we teach, live and learn.

This statement was co-created in partnership with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island.

Organizational Relationship
Reports to the Infrastructure Manager.

The Team Leader – Network Operations serves as the organization's technical authority on network engineering and cloud connectivity. This role combines deep hands-on expertise in enterprise and cloud networking with leadership of a specialized team. The Team Leader designs and implements complex network architectures, drives modernization initiatives (cloud networking, SDN, Zero Trust), and ensures operational excellence in highly secure, scalable, and resilient environments.

This role requires a strong orientation towards automation, AI-driven operations, and Intent Based Networking. Ability to lead the transition towards fully cloud-based, programmable, and self-healing networks. Strategic mindset to anticipate emerging technologies (edge, 5G, quantum networking) and align organizational roadmaps.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect, implement, and maintain advanced enterprise and cloud network infrastructures, including LAN/WAN, wireless, VPNs, firewalls, and load balancers.
• Design and deploy hybrid and multi-cloud networking solutions (Azure VNets, ExpressRoute, Virtual WAN; AWS VPC, Transit Gateway, Direct Connect).
• Implement SD-WAN, SASE, and Zero Trust frameworks across the enterprise.
• Engineer secure-by-design network architectures that integrate with IAM, MFA, and CASB solutions.
• Manage on-prem and cloud telephony, and UCaaS solutions (Microsoft Teams Voice, Mitel, SIP trunks, etc).
• Lead performance management and professional development of the Network team.
• Work closely with other IT teams and cross-functional departments to ensure alignment and integration of network initiatives.
• Continuously evaluate and improve business processes for operational efficiency.
• Ensure timely execution of IT change management activities in alignment with Change Advisory Board standards.
• Oversee testing and quality assurance of deployed changes/releases.
• Manage resolution of help tickets in accordance with SLAs and defined processes.
• Analyze and report on KPIs related to network operations; ensure team accountability to SLAs.
• Promote contribution to knowledge base and documentation repository.
• Implement mechanisms to reduce risk of data breaches and data loss.
• Conduct security assessments and risk analysis; implement corrective actions.
• Monitor and respond to security alerts and events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge And Skills

• Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, Computer Science, or Information Technology, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 8+ years of progressive networking experience with at least 3 years in a leadership or technical lead role.
• Minimum 2 years of working knowledge and hands-on experience in AI networking technologies.
• Advanced knowledge of network protocols (BGP, OSPF, EVPN, VXLAN) and OSI model.
• Expertise with firewalls and security platforms.
• Expert troubleshooting skills (packet analysis, flow monitoring, protocol decodes).
• Deep understanding and proven proficiency with Microsoft Azure networking services and architecture.
• Extensive experience transitioning on-prem network infrastructure into the Cloud for an enterprise environment.
• Strong expertise in Microsoft Teams Voice in an enterprise environment.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to foster a collaborative and cohesive team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, managerial, time management, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Certifications

• Successful candidate must hold CISSP, CCNP, and Azure Network Engineer Associate Certifications.
• Additional certifications to be considered an asset: AWS Advanced Networking Specialty, CCDE, Fortinet Certified Expert (FCX), Teams Voice, Terraform Associate, Kubernetes (CKAD).

This is a permanent, 12 month position.

Equity and Inclusion
The Durham District School Board recognizes Indigenous rights are distinct. In the exercise of those rights, Indigenous staff and students shall not be subjected to actions with the aim or effect of depriving these distinct rights.

The DDSB is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. We are committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve and encourage applications from candidates who bring a variety of experiences and backgrounds. We adhere to fair, transparent hiring practices and are committed to equity and accessibility throughout the recruitment process. If you need accommodation during the application process, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Ignite Your Career
At the Durham District School Board (DDSB), we inspire the lives of over 80,000 students. Our diverse communities are places where your impact will be felt every day.

Picture yourself in a workplace where your ideas are celebrated, and your growth is a top priority. Here, collaboration and innovation thrive. Whether you're directly inspiring young minds or providing essential support behind the scenes, your contributions will have a meaningful impact on students and the community.

We welcome you to bring your experiences, your passions, and your talents to our inclusive community. Join us and be part of a team that values your well-being as much as your contributions. Ignite your potential at DDSB and help us make a difference, one student at a time.