📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Network Engineer
Company: Southern Cross Healthcare
Location: Auckland - Te Kupenga, New Zealand
Job Type: Full-time
Category: DevOps & Infrastructure
Date Posted: 2025-07-14
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Lead and manage network operations for a leading New Zealand health insurer
Oversee network services and security to protect enterprise information and ensure reliable service delivery
Drive continuous improvement initiatives within Network Operations
Manage operational relationships with suppliers to meet targets and ensure effective delivery
Collaborate with senior leaders and stakeholders to communicate ideas, strategies, and designs clearly

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a seasoned network engineer with a strong background in enterprise-level network topology and a proven track record in effective multi-vendor service delivery.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Network Operations Management: Oversee day-to-day network operations, ensuring high availability and reliability of services
Security Management: Implement and maintain network security measures to protect enterprise information
Capacity Planning: Lead capacity and network planning activities to accommodate business growth and changing demands
Vendor Management: Manage operational relationships with suppliers, driving performance, and ensuring targets are met
Stakeholder Communication: Collaborate with senior leaders and stakeholders to communicate network strategies, designs, and performance
Continuous Improvement: Identify and drive improvement actions to enhance network operations and security

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a strong commitment to continuous improvement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field. Relevant industry certifications are a plus.

Experience: 10+ years of experience in enterprise-level network engineering, with a strong focus on network security and operations management.

Required Skills:

Proven leadership experience in enterprise-level network topology
Comprehensive hands-on understanding of L7 perimeter and web application firewalls, load balancers, routing, and switching
Experience with cloud networking and wireless technologies
Strong understanding of networking industry standards, including security
Demonstrated ability to lead and drive continuous improvement initiatives
Proven experience in effective multi-vendor service delivery, performance, and financial management
Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly to stakeholders

Preferred Skills:

Experience with enterprise datacenters (must be able to obtain a MOJ security clearance)
Familiarity with agile methodologies and DevOps practices
Knowledge of the healthcare industry and its specific networking requirements

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a well-rounded network engineer with a strong technical background and a proven track record in leadership and stakeholder management.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate a strong track record in enterprise-level network engineering, with a focus on network security and operations management
Showcase your experience in leading continuous improvement initiatives and driving effective multi-vendor service delivery
Highlight your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to stakeholders through case studies or project presentations

Technical Documentation:

Prepare a summary of your experience in network operations management, including your approach to capacity planning, vendor management, and continuous improvement
Include any relevant certifications or industry-recognized qualifications
Be ready to discuss your understanding of networking industry standards and best practices

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: NZD 150,000 - 180,000 per annum (based on industry standards for senior network engineering roles in Auckland)

Benefits:

Five days of wellbeing leave per year
Health insurance for you and your immediate whānau
Life insurance cover and discounts on pet and travel insurance
Extra parental leave benefits and financial wellbeing support
Participation in the workplace wellbeing programme
Flexi leave and volunteer day opportunities
A proud diverse team with a caring, honest, and open culture

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for senior network engineering roles in Auckland, New Zealand. The final salary offer may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Health insurance and healthcare services

Company Size: Large (almost a million members)

Founded: Not specified

Team Structure:

The network engineering team is part of the broader IT department, working closely with other technical teams and business stakeholders
The Principal Network Engineer role reports directly to the Head of IT Infrastructure and is responsible for leading the network operations team

Development Methodology:

The company prioritizes continuous improvement and agile methodologies to drive innovation and enhance service delivery
Network operations are managed using industry-standard tools and best practices, with a focus on high availability, reliability, and security

Company Website: https://www.southerncross.co.nz/

📝 Enhancement Note: Southern Cross Healthcare is a not-for-profit organization with a strong focus on delivering outstanding experiences to its members. The company values a high-performing, values-based team environment where people are at the heart of its operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior Network Engineer

Reporting Structure: The Principal Network Engineer role reports directly to the Head of IT Infrastructure and is responsible for leading the network operations team.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on the company's ability to deliver outstanding experiences to its members by ensuring the high availability and reliability of network services and maintaining robust network security.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Leadership: This role offers the opportunity to lead and mentor junior network engineers, driving their professional development and contributing to the growth of the network operations team
Architecture Decisions: As a senior network engineer, you will have the opportunity to influence architecture decisions, driving the company's network strategy and ensuring it aligns with business objectives
Emerging Technologies: The company encourages its employees to stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and provides opportunities for professional development and certification

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth opportunities for a senior network engineer looking to advance their career in a large, not-for-profit organization with a strong focus on delivering outstanding experiences to its members.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office environment with a focus on employee wellbeing

Office Location(s): Auckland - Te Kupenga, New Zealand

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: The office encourages cross-functional collaboration between technical teams and business stakeholders
Development Tools: The company provides access to industry-standard tools and technologies to support network operations and management
Work-Life Balance: The company offers exceptional work-life balance, with opportunities for flexible working arrangements and a focus on employee wellbeing

Work Schedule: Full-time, with standard business hours and the opportunity for flexible working arrangements

📝 Enhancement Note: The company places a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing and offers a range of benefits to support work-life balance, including wellbeing leave, health insurance, and flexible working arrangements.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone/Video Screen: A brief conversation to discuss your experience and fit for the role
Technical Deep Dive: A detailed discussion of your technical skills and experience, focusing on network operations management, security, and architecture
Stakeholder Meeting: A meeting with senior leaders and stakeholders to assess your communication skills and cultural fit
Final Interview: A final discussion to address any remaining questions and make a hiring decision

Portfolio Review Tips:

Prepare a summary of your experience in network operations management, including your approach to capacity planning, vendor management, and continuous improvement
Highlight your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to stakeholders through case studies or project presentations
Be ready to discuss your understanding of networking industry standards and best practices

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your knowledge of enterprise-level network topology, with a focus on network security and operations management
Prepare for questions on your experience with L7 perimeter and web application firewalls, load balancers, routing, and switching
Familiarize yourself with the company's industry and specific networking requirements

ATS Keywords: (Organized by category)

Networking Technologies: L7 perimeter, web application firewalls, load balancers, routing, switching, cloud networking, wireless technologies
Networking Standards: ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27002, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, COBIT, ITIL
Networking Tools: Cisco IOS, Cisco NX-OS, Arista EOS, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Check Point, F5, Citrix NetScaler, VMware NSX, AWS, Azure, GCP
Networking Concepts: Network segmentation, microsegmentation, zero trust, SD-WAN, SDN, NFV, VRF, VLAN, VPN, MPLS, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, QoS, QOS, WAN optimization, network performance monitoring, network traffic analysis, network visibility, network automation, ACI, SDDC, hybrid cloud, multi-cloud
Soft Skills: Leadership, stakeholder management, communication, problem-solving, continuous improvement, agility, adaptability, teamwork, collaboration

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess your technical skills and experience, as well as your cultural fit and communication abilities. Be prepared to discuss your approach to network operations management, security, and architecture, and be ready to provide specific examples of your experience and achievements.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Networking Technologies:

L7 perimeter and web application firewalls: Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Check Point
Load balancers: F5, Citrix NetScaler
Routing and switching: Cisco IOS, Cisco NX-OS, Arista EOS
Cloud networking: AWS, Azure, GCP
Wireless technologies: Cisco, Aruba, Meraki

Networking Standards:

ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27002, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, COBIT, ITIL

Networking Tools:

Network performance monitoring: SolarWinds, Datadog, New Relic
Network traffic analysis: Wireshark, tcpdump, Microsoft Network Monitor
Network visibility: Gigamon, Ixia, ExtraHop
Network automation: Ansible, Puppet, Chef, SaltStack

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is focused on enterprise-level network topology, with a strong emphasis on network security and operations management. Familiarize yourself with the specific tools and technologies used by the company and be prepared to discuss your experience with them.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

User Focus: The company places a strong emphasis on delivering outstanding experiences to its members, with a focus on high availability, reliability, and security
Continuous Improvement: The company encourages a culture of continuous improvement, with a focus on driving innovation and enhancing service delivery
Collaboration: The company values cross-functional collaboration between technical teams and business stakeholders, with a focus on driving shared goals and objectives
Expertise: The company seeks to attract and retain talented professionals with a strong commitment to their field and a passion for delivering exceptional results

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: The company encourages collaboration between technical teams and business stakeholders, with a focus on driving shared goals and objectives
Code Review Culture: The company values a culture of continuous learning and improvement, with a focus on peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and mentoring
Knowledge Sharing: The company encourages its employees to share their knowledge and expertise with their colleagues, contributing to the growth and development of the broader team

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values a high-performing, values-based team environment where people are at the heart of its operations. The culture is focused on delivering outstanding experiences to its members, with a strong emphasis on continuous improvement, collaboration, and expertise.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Network Security: Maintaining robust network security in a constantly evolving threat landscape, with a focus on protecting enterprise information and ensuring reliable service delivery
Capacity Planning: Accommodating business growth and changing demands, with a focus on ensuring high availability and reliability of network services
Vendor Management: Managing operational relationships with suppliers to meet targets and ensure effective delivery, with a focus on driving performance and leveraging supplier expertise
Continuous Improvement: Identifying and driving improvement actions to enhance network operations and security, with a focus on driving innovation and enhancing service delivery

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: The company encourages its employees to stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and provides opportunities for professional development and certification
Conference Attendance: The company supports its employees in attending industry conferences and events, with a focus on driving continuous learning and professional development
Technical Mentorship: The company offers opportunities for technical mentorship and leadership development, with a focus on driving the growth and development of the broader team

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant technical challenges and growth opportunities for a senior network engineer looking to advance their career in a large, not-for-profit organization with a strong focus on delivering outstanding experiences to its members.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Network Operations Management: Discuss your approach to network operations management, including your experience with capacity planning, vendor management, and continuous improvement
Network Security: Describe your experience with network security, including your approach to protecting enterprise information and ensuring reliable service delivery
Network Architecture: Explain your understanding of network architecture and your experience with designing and implementing enterprise-level network topologies
Industry Standards: Discuss your understanding of networking industry standards, including ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27002, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, COBIT, and ITIL

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Mission: Explain how your approach to network operations management and security aligns with the company's mission to deliver outstanding experiences to its members
Team Dynamics: Describe your experience working in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment and how you have driven shared goals and objectives
Continuous Improvement: Discuss your approach to continuous improvement and how you have driven innovation and enhanced service delivery in previous roles

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Prepare a summary of your experience in network operations management, including your approach to capacity planning, vendor management, and continuous improvement
Highlight your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to stakeholders through case studies or project presentations
Be ready to discuss your understanding of networking industry standards and best practices

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess your technical skills and experience, as well as your cultural fit and communication abilities. Be prepared to discuss your approach to network operations management, security, and architecture, and be ready to provide specific examples of your experience and achievements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Network Engineer position:

Submit your application through the application link provided
Prepare a summary of your experience in network operations management, including your approach to capacity planning, vendor management, and continuous improvement
Highlight your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to stakeholders through case studies or project presentations
Be ready to discuss your understanding of networking industry standards and best practices
Research the company's industry and specific networking requirements, and be prepared to discuss your alignment with their mission and values

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Principal Network Engineer