Lead Infra Architect (Network) (Contract)

We are seeking a highly accomplished Lead Infrastructure Architect (Network) to drive the strategic design and evolution of MAS's enterprise network infrastructure. This role focuses on technical architectural leadership, strategic planning, procurement oversight, and technical governance of critical information infrastructure that underpins Singapore's financial sector.

Strategic Technical Architecture & Planning:

• Lead the design and implementation of enterprise-wide network infrastructure solutions, including cloud, software-defined networks, observability and network automation to support MAS's critical information infrastructure

• Develop and maintain network architecture roadmaps aligned with organisational strategies, ensuring resilience and security of critical systems that underpin Singapore's financial sector

• Define architectural standards, principles, and best practices for network infrastructure across the organisation

• Evaluate and recommend emerging technologies to enhance network capabilities whilst maintaining the integrity and security of critical information infrastructure

Procurement & Vendor Management:

• Lead strategic procurement initiatives for network infrastructure solutions, including preparation of comprehensive technical specifications, evaluation of vendor proposals, and contract negotiations

• Develop and execute procurement strategies that align with MAS's architectural vision and budgetary constraints, ensuring value for money and risk mitigation

• Establish and manage strategic vendor relationships with cloud and network technology providers, ensuring alignment with technical architectural standards and business requirements

• Conduct comprehensive technical and commercial evaluations of network solutions, balancing cost-effectiveness with performance and security requirements

• Oversee vendor performance management and ensure compliance with contractual obligations and service level agreements

• Collaborate with procurement teams to establish framework agreements and preferred vendor arrangements for network technologies

• Lead market research and supplier assessments to identify innovative solutions and emerging vendors in the network infrastructure space

• Manage procurement governance processes, including tender evaluations, contract reviews, and risk assessments for network technology acquisitions

Technical Leadership & Oversight:

• Oversee the management and optimisation of network services, ensuring the highest levels of security, performance, and availability for mission-critical operations

• Provide technical leadership and architectural guidance on complex network solutions including data centre networking, operational observability, security infrastructure, and hybrid cloud connectivity

• Review and validate technical designs from project teams and vendors, ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture, observability and security requirements

• Lead technical assessments and proof-of-concepts for new technologies and solutions

Stakeholder Engagement & Mentorship:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver secure network infrastructure solutions in hybrid technology operating environment that meet stringent regulatory and operational requirements

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the network services team, fostering innovation and best practices in critical infrastructure management

• Engage with senior stakeholders to translate technical strategies into business value and risk considerations

• Work with vendors and technology partners on strategic initiatives and architectural reviews

• Minimum 10 years of experience in network architecture and infrastructure design, with at least 5 years in a senior architect or technical leadership capacity

• Proven experience designing and implementing large-scale network infrastructure in enterprise or financial services environments

• Experience with critical information infrastructure protection and regulatory compliance requirements

• Minimum 5 years of experience in technology procurement, vendor management, or contract negotiations for network infrastructure solutions, preferably in government or highly regulated environments

• Wireless Technologies: Proficient in enterprise wireless solutions including Wi-Fi deployment, wireless controller management, and RF planning and optimisation.

• WAN Connectivity: Extensive experience with WAN technologies including MPLS, SD-WAN solutions, VPN implementations, and hybrid connectivity architectures

• End User Computing: Strong understanding of endpoint technologies like Network Access Control (NAC), and ClearPass Policy Manager (CPPM) for device authentication and authorisation.

• Network Observability & Monitoring: Expertise in network performance monitoring and analytics using SolarWinds suite, Thousand Eyes for end-to-end visibility, and Riverbed for network layer monitoring.

• Security Policy Automation: Proficient in automated firewall policy management solutions including Fire Flow for streamlined security rule deployment and compliance management

• Data Centre & SDN: Deep expertise in Cisco ACI fabric architecture (Spine-Leaf, APIC, VXLAN/EVPN), software-defined networking principles, and data centre design

• Network Security: Strong knowledge of enterprise security architecture including firewalls, network segmentation, and security policy design

• Routing & Switching: Expert-level knowledge of routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP) and their application in enterprise environments

• Cloud Networking: Minimum 5 years of experience with hybrid cloud networking architectures and integration with on-premises infrastructure

• Network Automation: Experience with network automation tools and Infrastructure as Code principles using Terraform, Ansible, and related technologies

• Comprehensive understanding of government procurement frameworks, including GeBIZ processes and compliance requirements

• Strong commercial acumen with experience in total cost of ownership analysis, lifecycle costing, and budget management for network infrastructure

• Expertise in preparing detailed technical specifications, statement of requirements, and evaluation criteria for network technology procurements

• Experience in leading cross-functional procurement committees and managing complex tender evaluation processes

• Knowledge of contract management principles, including service level agreements, performance metrics, and penalty clauses

• Understanding of intellectual property considerations, licensing models, and technology transfer agreements in network infrastructure procurements

• Demonstrated leadership experience in mentoring technical teams and making independent architectural decisions in high-stakes environments

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills with proven ability to present technical strategies to senior management and build credibility with executive-level stakeholders

• Strong negotiation skills and commercial awareness with proven track record in managing complex vendor relationships and procurement processes

• Strong team player with track record of working both autonomously and collaboratively, building effective relationships with internal teams, vendors, and external partners

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities in a mission-critical environment

• Passion for driving transformational change and innovation in network infrastructure whilst maintaining operational excellence

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to assess risk and impact on critical systems

This is a 2-year contract position offering the opportunity to shape the future of mission-critical network infrastructure within Singapore's central banking and financial regulatory environment, with exposure to cutting-edge technologies and strategic procurement initiatives, and high-level stakeholder engagement..

As part of the shortlisting process for this role, you may be required to complete a medical declaration and/or undergo further assessment. All applicants will be notified on whether they are shortlisted or not within 4 weeks of the closing date of this job posting.