Managing Director - Head Of Network Services And Data Center Services - Remote Eligible

Managing Director, Head Of Network And Data Center Services

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

• Develop and execute comprehensive network and data center strategies that anticipate future business needs and align with TIAA's digital transformation initiatives.
• Create multi-year transformation roadmaps leveraging next-generation technologies including SASE, Zero Trust architecture, and hybrid cloud connectivity.
• Partner with senior leadership to drive enterprise-level initiatives that deliver competitive advantage and enable business outcomes.
• Establish 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 management.
• Lead network modernization initiatives including cloud connectivity, edge computing, IoT integration, and SaaS proxy services through Zscaler Zero Trust platform.
• Drive implementation of advanced monitoring platforms for proactive fault detection, performance analytics, and incident response.
• Manage 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 security.
• Ensure optimal environmental conditions and regulatory compliance while maintaining hardware longevity and operational efficiency.
• Lead capacity planning and scalability initiatives to support future growth and technology integration.
• Oversee 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 principles.
• Implement network segmentation strategies and encrypted communication protocols across hybrid IT infrastructure.
• Lead regular security assessments, penetration testing, and vulnerability management programs.
• Ensure 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 culture.
• Manage strategic relationships with managed network services providers, telecommunications carriers, and technology vendors.
• Negotiate and oversee service contracts that deliver optimal value while ensuring vendor accountability.
• Foster 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 operations.
• Advance automation and orchestration capabilities to increase operational efficiency and reduce human error.
• Drive continuous service improvement through performance data analysis and best practice implementation.
• Ensure 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 industries
• Demonstrated ability to influence business and technology leadership and inspire followership across organizations
• Experience managing organizational change and technology transitions with ability to lead cross-functional teams
• Strong 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 security
• Comprehensive knowledge of cybersecurity architecture and controls in hybrid IT deployments with operational alignment experience
• Expertise in public cloud networking architectures (AWS, Azure, GCP) with focus on secure, scalable enterprise solutions
• Strong understanding of SASE, Zero Trust Network Access, SD-WAN, and secure edge connectivity technologies
• Experience with network automation, software-defined networking, and AI/ML applications for network operations
• Knowledge 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 budget
• Experience with technology transformation journeys and awareness of associated challenges and solutions
• Strong client experience orientation with focus on translating technical capabilities into business outcomes
• Demonstrated 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 preferred
• Advanced networking certifications (CCIE, CCNP, or equivalent) highly valued
• Network security certifications (CISSP, CCSP, etc.) preferred
• OEM 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).