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Pfeifer & Langen

Europäischer Zuckerhersteller mit 25 Standorten

Head of Infrastructure Operations

IT OperationsConfirmed live in the last 24 hours
Full-timeCologne, GermanyNo salary listed

About the Job

Requirements

  • A completed degree in Computer Science, Business Informatics, or a comparable field.
  • Eight to ten years of professional experience in IT, with a clear focus on infrastructure.
  • A modern leadership approach focused on people and their development.
  • Demonstrated experience in professional and disciplinary leadership of employees.
  • In-depth knowledge of multi-cloud operations using AWS and/or Microsoft Azure, networking, and security, plus an affinity for artificial intelligence and automation.
  • Demonstrated experience in IT security and compliance, including NIS2, KRITIS, and ISO 27001; ISO 62443 is an advantage.
  • Experience with KPI management, budget responsibility, and provider management.
  • Experience managing external service providers and stakeholders at executive or management level.
  • Problem-solving ability, conflict resolution and assertiveness, decisiveness, conceptual and process-oriented thinking, and a hands-on approach.
  • Very good German and English skills; Polish is an advantage.
  • Regular presence at the Cologne site, typically one to two office days per week, and willingness to travel occasionally to business sites, trade fairs, and networking events (10–30%).
  • A valid Category B driver's license is required.

Responsibilities

  • Take overall responsibility for Infrastructure Operations, including strategic direction, professional and disciplinary leadership, and the stable, secure, and cost-effective operation of infrastructure services.
  • Take overall responsibility for operating infrastructure services across multi-cloud platforms (AWS and Microsoft Azure), IT/IoT/OT networks and security infrastructure (including Cisco and Palo Alto), on-premises compute, workplace services, and edge devices.
  • Further develop and optimize the systems landscape, manage incident escalations, and technically direct external providers.
  • Establish and use data- and KPI-driven management mechanisms across Infrastructure Operations.
  • Lead and develop the directly reporting managers and employees in a remote-oriented environment.
  • Establish a clear leadership structure, consistent expectations, and performance management, and foster ownership, clarity, business orientation, quality awareness, learning, and adaptability.
  • Manage capacity, resources, and skills planning and development within the agreed budget and staffing plan; actively address competing priorities, bottlenecks, and dependencies.
  • Plan, manage, and monitor the department budget, and oversee external partners and service providers in coordination with Provider Management for performance, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Serve as the central decision-making and escalation point for internal priority, quality, risk, and interface matters, escalating structural or strategic conflicts to the Managing Directors.
  • Continuously develop roles, responsibilities, governance, and collaboration to improve control and scalability and support cross-functional cooperation.
  • Ensure implementation of and compliance with infrastructure security, risk, and compliance requirements, including NIS2, KRITIS, ISO 27001, and ISO 62443.
  • Further develop incident-response processes and operationalize security audits.
  • Oversee IT infrastructure projects and ensure delivery on time and within budget.
  • Plan and manage budgets for multiple independent business areas.
  • Represent the department to Managing Directors, other department heads, business units, and external partners; work closely with Lead Architects and the CISO, with effective stakeholder management and communication.

Desired Qualifications

  • ITIL and/or project-management certifications are an advantage.
  • Knowledge of ISO 62443 is an advantage.
  • Polish language skills are an advantage.

About the Company

Pfeifer & Langen

Europäischer Zuckerhersteller mit 25 Standorten

Pfeifer & Langen is a European sugar producer that processes sugar beets into refined sugar and related products. The company operates across about 25 sites in Europe and generates around 1.4 billion euros in revenue. Its products come from beets grown locally; sugar is extracted and refined through industrial processes and then packaged for sale to customers across various markets. Compared with rivals, Pfeifer & Langen emphasizes a long-standing tradition (founded in 1870), a broad European footprint, and a culture of teamwork and shared growth, aiming to responsible, steady expansion rather than rapid, flashy changes. The company’s goal is to sweeten daily life worldwide by leveraging community, responsibility, and persistent progress to grow together with its employees and partners.

Company size
201-500
Company stage
Not listed
Total funding
Not listed
Headquarters
Cologne, Germany
Founded
1870

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