Group Head of Network Architecture & Operations

What You Will Be Responsible For?

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Define and execute the global network architecture strategy aligned with CME’s business, cloud, and media transformation goals.
• Develop and maintain a multi-year modernization roadmap, setting clear milestones for infrastructure evolution and service delivery.
• Lead and coordinate a virtual team of network professionals across CME’s territories, promoting collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

Cloud & VoD Networking

• Design and optimize hybrid connectivity across public and private clouds (e.g., Azure, AWS, O2 Cloud), including secure interconnects, VPNs, and SD-WAN overlays.
• Support VoD platform infrastructure, including CDN integration, high-availability clusters, and web delivery optimization.
• Partner with cloud architects and platform teams to ensure seamless integration of network services with SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS environments.

Infrastructure & Operations

• Manage high-capacity, low-latency transport networks (e.g., OTN/DWDM) for enterprise and media operations.
• Oversee IP management, VLAN segmentation, and multicast configurations across data centers and cloud environments.
• Ensure disaster recovery readiness and cross-border failover for critical services including VoD and broadcast systems.

Support Operations

• Oversee and enhance delivery of L1–L3 network support services, ensuring stability and performance of business-critical systems.
• Maintain clear escalation paths, ownership, and SLA adherence in line with ITIL practices.
• Collaborate with IT, Broadcast, Cybersecurity, and Online units to ensure consistent support coverage and knowledge transfer.

Budgeting & Resource Management

• Own and manage the global network infrastructure budget, including cost forecasting, optimization, and investment planning.
• Evaluate and prioritize network initiatives based on ROI, strategic alignment, and risk assessment.
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and SLAs to ensure quality and cost efficiency.

Innovation & Future-Proofing

• Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies such as SDN, network automation, and cloud-native networking.
• Drive innovation while supporting CME’s ESG goals through energy-efficient network design and sustainable practices.

Security & Compliance

• Implement and maintain strong network security controls, including firewalls, VPNs, NAC, and Zero Trust Architecture.
• Collaborate with CISOs to align network security design with CME’s cybersecurity strategy.
• Ensure compliance with internal governance and relevant industry standards.
• Promote best practices for Change, Incident, and Problem Management in line with ITIL.

Media & Broadcast Support (as applicable)

• Support modernization of media workflows, including IP-based broadcast infrastructure (e.g., SMPTE 2110) and cloud playout.
• Provide architectural guidance for video transport, ensuring reliable, low-latency content delivery.
• Collaborate with broadcast engineering teams to enable UHD and remote production capabilities.
• Optimize multicast routing, synchronization (e.g., PTP), and bandwidth provisioning for high-quality video distribution.

What You Will Need to Succeed?

• Extensive experience in network architecture and operations, ideally within multinational organizations.
• Proven leadership in managing international teams and complex transformation projects.
• Strong background in strategic planning, roadmap development, and budget ownership.
• Expertise in IP networking, SDN, cloud networking, and network security.
• Experience with cloud environments, VoD infrastructure, or IP-based media workflows (advantage).
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CCIE, JNCIE, AWS/Azure Networking Specialty) are an asset.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current on emerging technologies and best practices.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills in English; other CEE languages are a plus.

Why Join CME?

• Lead a high-impact network transformation shaping the future of one of Central and Eastern Europe’s top media groups.
• Work with cutting-edge technologies across enterprise, cloud, and media environments.
• Collaborate with expert teams across multiple countries in a dynamic, innovative organization.
• 29 days off - 25 vacation days + 4 personal days extra, because life isn't just about work.
• 4 volunteering days - we actively help the community we live in.
• Flexible working hours and work from anywhere - We believe everyone has their own rhythm.
• Modern offices in the iconic environment of Barrandov Studios.
• Laptop, phone and other equipment you need.
• Multisport card to keep you fit.
• Healthcare in a premium medical facility.
• Inspiring environment full of creative people.
• International opportunities and collaboration across CME Group.