Looking for more than just another assignment? We're looking for you! This isn't just another assignment, but a real opportunity and a challenge for the right person.
LRS Consulting Services is seeking a IT Network Manager for a contract to hire or direct hire opportunity with our client in Central Illinois! LRS Consulting Services has been delivering the highest quality consultants to our clients since 1979. We've built a solid reputation for dealing with our clients and our consultants with honesty, integrity, and respect. We work hard every day to maintain that reputation, and we're very interested in candidates who can help us. If you're that candidate, this opportunity is made for you. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding and hands-on experience in networking, compute, storage, backup, cloud, Windows network infrastructure, and database administration. This role requires a well-rounded individual who can contribute to the design, implementation, and management of complex IT environments.

Key Responsibilities:
Networking:

• Configure, manage, and troubleshoot Cisco IOS Route/Switch, Nexus, and Meraki, including wireless environments.
• Manage Cisco Firepower Threat Defense and Firewall Management Center.
• Participate in network architecture and design efforts, ensuring secure and efficient network operations.
• Manage and optimize WAN environments, leveraging tools like Solarwinds for network performance monitoring.
• Manage Cisco Umbrella for cloud-delivered security.
• Administer Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for network access control.
• Administer and support Microsoft Azure networking
• Administer internal and external DNS
• Manage cloud networking

Team Management:

• Support and collaborate with team members to achieve project goals and maintain high-quality standards.
• Encourage a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Assist in coordinating team efforts and provide guidance on technical challenges.
• Facilitate communication within the team to share knowledge and best practices.
• Provide constructive feedback and support professional development opportunities for team members.

Qualifications:

• 4+ years of experience in a IT Networking role, with hands-on experience in the below areas:
• • Configure, manage, and troubleshoot Cisco IOS Route/Switch, Nexus, and Meraki, including wireless environments.
  • Manage Cisco Firepower Threat Defense and Firewall Management Center.
  • Participate in network architecture and design efforts, ensuring secure and efficient network operations.
  • Manage and optimize WAN environments, leveraging tools like Solarwinds for network performance monitoring.
  • Manage Cisco Umbrella for cloud-delivered security.
  • Administer Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for network access control.
  • Administer and support Microsoft Azure networking
  • Administer internal and external DNS
  • Manage cloud networking
• Relevant certifications such as Cisco CCNA/CCNP, Microsoft Azure, or equivalent are highly desirable.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience with hybrid or native cloud environments.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with ITIL practices.
• Scripting or automation experience (e.g., PowerShell, Python).
• Experience with generative AI tools such as ChatGPT or Copilot.

Candidate must be able to effectively communicate in English (written & verbal)
Candidate must have permanent authorization to work in the USA for any employer
Corp to corp candidates will not be considered

LRS is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for employment will receive consideration without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, gender identity, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship status or protected veteran status.

Hourly rate between $20 - $125 per hour