Network Director

AgFirst Farm Credit Bank provides financing, as well as a range of technology and other services, to a network of agricultural lenders in the United States and Puerto Rico. Located on Main Street in Columbia, S.C., AgFirst is committed to providing a comfortable, inclusive work environment. We believe in investing in our employees so they can help lead our $40 billion company into the future. If you are looking to fuel your professional development and gain exposure in the field of Information Technology apply today!

The Network Director is responsible for the network operations and service levels for the data and voice networking equipment and software including VoIP PBX, video, and network processing devices. Develops and implements standards, procedures, and processes for the network services group. Plans and manages the support of the new technologies, network performance and reliability. Defines and negotiates service level agreements. Oversees and coordinates the daily activities of the network operations area. Plans for human resources, equipment arrangements, electrical power and cable requirements for the telecommunications equipment. Responsible for providing IT network equipment and support, determining user and system needs and incorporating them into the design and overall plan for support. Organizes and coordinates the activities associated with installation, deployment, and upgrade of software, hardware and facilities as it relates to network environment.

Duties & Responsibilities :

• Develop overall staff knowledge of key technologies targeted for the emerging AgFirst network systems (WAN/LAN) and client environment. Examples include topics such as MPLS, SD-WAN, Load Balancing, WAN monitoring, Quality of Service, Class of Service, Intrusion Detection, firewall, and wireless technologies. Ensure that personal development plans are established for all members of assigned groups and meet with each group no less than annually to track progress and assess overall direction

• Manage teams responsible to administer and monitor network systems to ensure that AgFirst maintains the highest possible levels of availability, reliability, performance and security for network operations. This includes prompt resolution of problems and creation and documentation of procedures to ensure that the network infrastructure is secured physically and logically with strong security administration policies, procedures and practices.

• Develop measurement and reporting procedures to assess and communicate the availability, reliability, performance, and security of network systems to customers and bank management personnel

• Establish and maintain vendor relationships with critical service providers and ensure accurate measurement of SLA’s with each

• Ensure that all project and resource management tasks are completed on time with high-quality deliverables that comply with AgFirst and IT standards. These include:

  • (1) ongoing maintenance of a twelve-month rolling resource plan specifying the commitments and availability

  • (2) Timely review and estimation of projects submitted through the Project Approval Process

  • (3) Effective communication with all project participants and project stakeholders regarding project deliverables, resource requirements and current status

  • (4) Production of high-quality project documentation – especially the Business Case/Statement of Work (BC/SOW), project work plans and regular project status reports

  • (5) Obtaining prior approval for the project BC/SOW and subsequent project phases from Project sponsors, Business System Owners and Senior Management personnel as specified by PMO Standards

  • (6) Providing documentation and obtaining approval for all major changes in scope, costs or schedule for all projects

• Promote and ensure team meets the require SLA and OLA requirements with all assigned systems and functions
• Provide an accurate and effective resource management methodology to ensure that the assigned groups’ staff can address the full range of their accountabilities including production problems, project assignments, ongoing support responsibilities and analysis of new requests
• Provide timely reporting and analysis of technology initiatives and issues to all concerned parties. This includes preparing status reports, business plans, budgets, presentations and communications to management and customers
• Foster a work environment of open communications
• Provide staff personnel with opportunities for empowerment and accountability
• Promote growth and innovation by rewarding high-achievers, recruiting key leaders and by promoting opportunities for personal growth
• Actively solicit and frequently implement continuous improvements to our processes and our systems

Requirements :

• Preferred Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Information Systems, or other related field
• 10 years of IT and business/industry work experience
• 2-5 years of leadership experience in managing multiple, large, cross-functional teams or projects and influencing senior level management and key stakeholders
• Strong experience in areas such as data communications software and hardware, network administration, support and maintenance, and network operations monitoring
• Strong oral, written and presentation skills to build and maintain effective team and customer relationships
• Ability to contribute at the global/strategic business level
• Moderate travel required

#LI-OM

Are you ready for a career with us that will impact more than you ever imagined? At AgFirst, you have an opportunity to make a difference for agriculture and rural communities while elevating your career. When you work here, you are part of a cooperative that provides financing, technical support and business services to banks in the national Farm Credit system. You can be part of the solution for those banks – our customers – as they make loans to more than 80,000 farmers, businesses and homeowners in rural America. At AgFirst, we value your skills and unique perspective. We think you’ll like the impact you can make here and the benefits you will enjoy. AgFirst is dedicated to fostering an engaged workplace that makes every employee feel valued, appreciated and heard. We invest in our employees because they invest in us and work hard to make our bank successful. Among its range of benefits, AgFirst offers competitive pay, flexible work schedules, a corporate incentive plan and even free coffee and soft drinks in the break room. If you’re ready to impact more than you ever thought possible, we’re ready for you!

While we offer a variety of lending and credit jobs, we’re more than just an agricultural lending company. We have many roles in areas such as information technology and information security, as well as support services. No matter your career path, find a way to impact more with AgFirst!

OUR BRAND AND CULTURE

We want to make a difference in people’s lives – and that includes yours! We strive to create a workplace environment where all employees feel welcome and open to bringing their whole selves to work. We have a diverse, talented workforce that helps us bring a well-rounded perspective to the solutions we provide. At AgFirst, we aim to give our employees room to grow both personally and professionally. We hope you will find more than just a job here. We hope you will find a fulfilling career that allows you to use your abilities to impact more.

OUR BENEFITS AND REWARDS

AgFirst believes employee satisfaction is built around a career that combines personal and professional accomplishment with financial rewards that help you build toward the future. We believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. At AgFirst, you’ll find a total rewards package that includes:

• Competitive pay, with paid vacation, holidays and sick leave, as well as paid time off for volunteering.
• Corporate incentive plan with spot bonuses for top-notch work.
• Medical, dental and vision insurance, as well as life and disability insurance.
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
• Generous 401(k) matching contributions, as well as additional employer contributions.
• Reimbursement for approved higher education pursuits.
• A wellness program for employees, which includes resources for a healthier lifestyle.
• A Leadership Academy for professional development.
• Other perks, such as employee discounts, annual on-site flu shots and even free periodic chair massages.

In addition, we are located in a modern office building in a revitalized business district on Main Street in Columbia, S.C., near multiple restaurants and shops. Our open floor plan features a variety of meeting areas, from cozy collaboration rooms to large meeting spaces – all equipped with state-of-the-art technology to meet your business needs.

Other benefits of our office building include:

• Free parking in an attached garage.
• An on-site restaurant.
• A newly renovated fitness center.
• On-site conveniences, such as dry cleaning and oil change services.

Regular building events, such as luncheons and ice cream socials