Head of IT Operations
Lead the digital backbone of a mission-critical European organisation.
Are you ready to build and lead an IT Operations powerhouse that keeps a complex, high-availability infrastructure running 24/7. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of IT operations in one of Europe’s most strategically important organisations – one that’s scaling fast, transforming digitally, and operating at the highest levels of reliability and security.
About the Organisation
Our client is a major European operator of critical infrastructure, playing a pivotal role in supporting millions of people and businesses across multiple regions. With an ambitious growth plan and a deep commitment to innovation, the organisation is expanding rapidly and investing heavily in technology to ensure resilience, scalability, and security across its operations.
The Role
As Head of IT Operations, you’ll take ownership of the organisation’s entire IT infrastructure and services. You’ll define and execute the strategy to ensure world-class availability, security, and performance – all while leading a transformation that scales IT operations.
You’ll be at the forefront of building an IT environment designed for the future – combining operational excellence with modern frameworks, automation, and a culture of continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and deliver the IT Operations strategy aligned with organisational goals and digital transformation initiatives.
- Team Building & Growth: Design and lead a high-performing, scalable IT Operations organisation with clear roles, leadership layers, and accountability.
- Operational Resilience: Oversee mission-critical, 24/7 systems across multiple data centres, ensuring stability, performance, and compliance.
- Service Management: Implement and mature IT Service Management (ITSM) processes aligned with ITIL, driving consistency, reliability, and service excellence.
- Security Integration: Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to develop a new Security Operations Centre (SOC) and embed a culture of high availability and security.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Partner with senior business leaders, translating complex IT challenges into clear, actionable insights for non-technical audiences.
What You Bring
- Proven experience leading large-scale IT Operations in a mission-critical or regulated environment (e.g. infrastructure, telecoms, transport, financial services, or public sector).
- Deep knowledge of IT service management, infrastructure operations, and change management.
- Strong understanding of ITIL frameworks and hands-on experience implementing ITSM best practices.
- Expertise in managing distributed systems, high availability platforms, and data centre environments.
- Experience establishing or scaling a Security Operations Centre (SOC) is highly desirable.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Fluency in German (close to essential) and English proficiency.
- Willingness to travel occasionally between key operational sites in Germany.
