Senior IT Operations Manager EMEA

Responsible for the IT organization of all Global Manufacturing, Quality & Supply (GMQS) locations in the EMEA region with regard to IT operations and thus focus on IT security and IT infrastructure in the areas of network, hosting (data center, server, storage), end user computing and user support.

Forms and manages an efficient and effective organization and coordinates the service providers, with the aim of a harmonized and standardized process and IT landscape in the area of responsibility and ensures alignment with the business goals of the organization.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plans, coordinates, directs and designs all activities of the IT operations staff in the GMQS locations and oversees the management and support for IT solutions.  Responsible for hiring, mentoring and advising employees, including performance appraisals, disciplinary actions and dismissals with close involvement of HR.  
• Responsible for planning, staffing, budgeting, cost centers, managing spending priorities, and recommending  and implementing changes to current methods.   Ensures budgets, costs, and schedules meet business needs.
• Defines the strategies and direction of each site for organizing IT operations. Negotiates and manages service agreements for the operation of the IT and its infrastructure in the locations with cooperation partners (such as Netcare and the country IT's).
• Oversees the provision of end-user services, including help desk and technical support services.
• Works with other leaders to set strategic plans and goals. Develops strategies for IT operations and contributes to the development of departmental/business unit strategies.
• Conducts benchmarks, analyzes reports on the improvement and growth of IT infrastructure and IT systems.
• Develops business cases and cost-benefit analyses for IT spending and initiatives.
• Reviews the performance of IT systems to identify and improve operational costs, productivity levels, and upgrade requirements.
• Supports negotiation and manages purchasing, outsourcing and consulting contracts, as well as service agreements.
• Reviews bid requests for hardware and software upgrades, submits bids for compliance with specified requirements, and awards the appropriate award.
• Develops and implements IT policies and procedures.
• Defines and implements strategies and projects for the associated infrastructure and applications in terms of lifecycle, release changeover, make-or-buy decisions. Aligns design, development or purchase, integration and management with the company's strategic objectives.
• Defines and communicates project milestones, service level agreements, and resource allocation to employees, department heads, support personnel, and end users.
• Leads research on potential technological solutions and implementations to support new initiatives, opportunities and procurement efforts.
• Follows the Code of Conduct and all applicable company policies and procedures, as well as local, state and federal laws and regulations.
• Implements and organizes user IT training.
• Interface to the corporate departments, IT EMEA, GMQS, IT organizations in the countries, plant managers, IT committee and Fresenius Netcare.
• Coordinates and cooperates closely with the other DTI departments.
• Works closely with purchasing on contracts, agreements, supplier audits, etc.,
• Committed to the search, recruitment and training of junior staff in close coordination with the HR department.
• Close coordination and coordination with purchasing regarding processes for the user lifecycle of external service and work contract employees or partner companies,
• Close coordination and coordination with HR regarding user lifecycle processes for own employees,
• Close coordination and coordination with controlling regarding cost planning, SLAs, DLVs, etc.

EDUCATION:

Diploma/Master in (Business) Informatics or comparable qualification

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:  

• Knowledge of co-determination (BetrVG), Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG) and EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
• At least 10 years of IT professional experience in an international environment.
• More than 3 years of experience in personnel management.
• At least 5 years of project experience (in the function of a project manager).
• High integrity and reliability.
• Very good management skills with the strength to lead cohesive and productive teams across different locations and develop employees.
• Great motivation and good conflict resolution strategies.
• Strong in communication and presentation with the ability to communicate with all levels of management with diplomacy and tact.
• Product knowledge (design, manufacturing process and application) of all major semi-finished and finished goods produced in the factories of the region.
• High analytical competence with very good skills in systematic problem-solving strategies.
• Great innovative strength and willingness to change in combination with decision-making power as well as result and quality orientation.
• Goal-based leadership with a great understanding of the company's goals and targets.
• Great understanding of human resource management principles, practices and procedures.
• Proven knowledge in strategic IT infrastructure planning and development, project management and rulebook development, as well as process knowledge and methodologies in the IT environment,
• Generalist knowledge in the field of IT, especially server environments and technologies, storage, virtualization, network, clients, AD, service management, backup, etc.,
• Extensive knowledge in the operation of IT infrastructure with special attention to IT security and operational reliability,
• Competence and in-depth knowledge for the appropriate use and use of IT tools to control and optimize IT operations, e.g. monitoring applications, KPI tools, IT internal administration tools).
• Sound knowledge of project (portfolio) methods/project management.
• Proven ability to use IT to solve problems in business processes.
• In-depth knowledge of the applicable laws and regulations as far as they relate to IT.
• Knowledge of business theories, business processes, management, budgeting, and office procedures.
• Professional level of German and English language required.
• Willingness to travel (up to 10%).