Technical Product Manager Network Security & Firewall

Are you an expert in network and security technology who enjoys working with others? Can you take network infrastructure to the next level so that users can rely on secure, stable, and innovative IT services? We’re looking for a technical specialist who loves to innovate, is passionate about education and research, has in-depth knowledge of network security, and is also willing to take on operational responsibilities.

Where you will work

SURF is the ICT cooperative for Dutch educational and research institutions. Together with them, we work on digital services and complex innovation challenges to enhance the quality of education and research.

Working at SURF means working for a unique and open organization. This is evident in everything: the structure of the organization, the setup of the project teams, the culture in our offices, and the atmosphere among colleagues. SURF offers excellent terms of employment and a flexible approach to work/life balance. Employees enjoy working independently. In addition, everyone is given the space and freedom to use and develop their talents as effectively and broadly as possible.

The team you will join

You will be working in the Campus Development team, which is part of the Network department. Together, we provide reliable and innovative network infrastructure that enables education and research to function optimally. We develop and manage services such as eduroam, iotroam, SURFwireless, and SURFfirewall, and work on innovations such as Smart Campus, open Wi-Fi, and private 6G.

Collaboration and knowledge sharing are central to the team. You’ll work alongside colleagues with diverse technical expertise and have frequent contact with educational and research institutions, suppliers, and other partners. The atmosphere is open and collegial: we help each other grow, communicate transparently, and work together to develop future-proof network services.

What you will do

As a Network Security Expert, you will be responsible for managing and further developing the SURFfirewall service for education and research institutions. You will move effortlessly between operational, tactical, and strategic issues and collaborate with product managers, technical colleagues, vendors, and institutions to deliver a reliable and future-proof service. In doing so, you ensure that the service continues to meet the needs of our members and play a key role in its further development, including in the areas of configuration support, campus filtering, and innovative applications such as automated threat detection. Additionally, you contribute to the long-term vision for network security and explore new technologies that strengthen the digital resilience of education and research.

Other responsibilities include:

• You will oversee the operational management of the SURFfirewall service, monitor its quality, and assist institutions in connecting to the service.
• You will initiate and implement service improvements in close collaboration with the product manager, vendors, and other relevant colleagues.
• You will research, design, and test new network security solutions and translate innovations into practical services for our members.
• You will contribute to the strategic development of network security within the domain of campus network connectivity.
• You will collaborate with national and international partners on the development of new technologies and standards.
• You will actively share your knowledge with colleagues and the community through presentations, workshops, blogs, and other knowledge-sharing activities.

Your skills and experience

You are a technically skilled professional who enjoys taking ownership and is energized by further developing a complex service offering. You combine subject-matter expertise with a proactive attitude and know how to translate technical challenges into practical solutions. You easily navigate interactions with various stakeholders, enjoy collaborating, and actively share your knowledge with colleagues and the community.

In addition, you have:

• a completed associate’s or bachelor’s degree, preferably in IT or Telecommunications;
• at least 5 years of experience in a similar role, including experience with project-based work and managing vendors;
• knowledge of modern network security, Internet protocols, and networks;
• experience with Fortinet solutions, such as FortiGate, FortiManager, and FortiAnalyzer. Experience with other firewall platforms, such as Juniper, is a plus;
• a proactive, analytical, and results-oriented work ethic, with a constant eye for opportunities to improve service delivery;
• excellent communication skills and a strong command of Dutch and English.

SURF takes pleasure in doing its recruitment itself; acquisition is therefore not appreciated.