Senior Network Engineer

Dis-Chem Pharmacies has an opportunity available for a Senior Network Engineer who will be responsible for the architecture, design, implementation, and advanced support of the organization’s enterprise network across head office, distribution center’s, cloud environments, and hundreds of retail stores. This role ensures secure, resilient, and high-performance connectivity that supports mission-critical retail operations (POS, payments, inventory, WMS), corporate systems, and digital channels. The position serves as the networking SME, escalation point, and technical leader for modernization initiatives such as SD-WAN, Wi-Fi optimization, network segmentation & Zero Trust.

Requirements

• 5 years' experience in Network
• N+
• Cisco CCNP (required for most retailers)
• Cisco CCIE (highly advantageous)
• Related Professional certifications advantageous.

Responsibilities

Network Architecture & Design

• Design and maintain enterprise network architecture (WAN, LAN, Wi-Fi, SD-WAN, VPN, cloud networking).
• Develop network standards, configurations, templates, and documentation.
• Evaluate new technologies.
• Participate in capacity planning, scalability assessments, and performance engineering.

Implementation & Deployment

• Lead implementation of routers, switches, wireless controllers/access points, firewalls, load balancers, proxies, and edge devices.
• Drive SD-WAN rollout and network modernization across all retail and distribution sites.
• Support new store buildouts, relocations, and refits; ensure standardized network

Operations, Troubleshooting & Support

• Provide Level 3 escalation for complex network incidents across WAN, LAN, WLAN, and security layers.
• Troubleshoot store connectivity issues impacting POS, payments, inventory, or back-office systems.
• Perform root cause analysis (RCA) and implement permanent resolutions.
• Optimize network performance and proactively address bottlenecks or degradation.

Network Security & Compliance

• Ensure network compliance with PCI DSS, POPIA, and internal cybersecurity standards.
• Maintain and enhance network visibility and telemetry through tooling

Ways of working (Agile and squad-based)

• Promote consistent engineering practices without becoming a bottleneck
• Operate as part of the Network Tribe while embedding into squads to deliver outcomes
• Work iteratively with transparency, quality focus, and continuous improvement

Key Performance Indicators

• Network uptime and SLA adherence (HO, stores, DCs)
• Reduction in P1/P2 network incidents
• Mean Time to Resolve (MTTR) for network-related issues
• Wi-Fi performance and end-user experience metrics
• Store readiness and network compliance (e.g., POS, PCI DSS)
• SD-WAN rollout progress and performance improvements
• Contributes positively to team culture, engagement, and continuous improvement

Special Conditions of Employment:

• South African citizen
• MIE, clear criminal and credit
• Driver’s license and/or own reliable transport

Remuneration and benefits:

• Market related salary
• Medical aid
• Provident fund
• Staff account

ONLY SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED. IF YOU HAVEN`T BEEN CONTACTED WITHIN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION AS UNSUCCESSFUL.

Dis-Chem Pharmacies is an equal opportunity employer. Dis-Chem’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process aligned to Dis-Chem’s Employment Equity & Transformation Strategy. Dis-Chem actively supports the recruitment of People with Disabilities.