Lead Network & Connectivity (m/f/d)

Bilfinger; Mannheim; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 vacation days

Capital-forming benefits

Company pension scheme

Corporate discounts

Free parking

Deutschlandticket

Cafeteria

Fitness studio access

Ergonomic workstations

Job summary

Bilfinger is seeking a senior IT Infrastructure leader to guide global networking and connectivity from Mannheim. You will shape the strategy for WAN, LAN, WLAN, Internet connectivity, and cloud networking, driving modernization and security across sites worldwide.

You will manage budgets, vendors, and international teams, while coaching staff and aligning IT with business goals. The role offers flexible remote options, travel as needed, and a competitive package.

Qualifications

• Degree in a technical or business-related field.
• Several years of leadership experience in networking, connectivity, or IT infrastructure services.
• Strong strategic thinking and experience in developing and implementing IT strategies.
• Good knowledge of LAN, WAN, WLAN, SD-WAN, Internet connectivity, Network Security, and Cloud Networking.
• Understanding of modern network architectures, including Zero Trust and SASE.
• Experience working with global network environments and international teams.
• Knowledge of network design, service management, provider management, and IT governance.
• Ability to explain complex technical topics in a clear and simple way.
• Experience working in matrix organizations and international environments.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Fluent in English and German, both written and spoken.
• Open to new ideas, eager to learn, and motivated to drive change.
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally when needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead the global Network & Connectivity team.
• Manage planning, design, and continuous improvement of the company’s global network and connectivity services.
• Develop and implement the group-wide network and connectivity strategy.
• Own the global network infrastructure (WAN, LAN, WLAN, Internet, site connections).
• Drive development of modern network solutions (Zero Trust, SASE, Network Security, Cloud Connectivity).
• Define and maintain standards, guidelines, and architecture principles.
• Ensure high service quality, availability, performance and security across the global network.
• Manage relationships with technology partners, MSPs, and vendors.
• Lead global transformation and standardization projects in Network & Connectivity.
• Monitor performance and improve network and security solutions; collaborate with Workplace, Cloud, Cyber Security, Service Management, and BU teams.
• Manage budgets, optimize costs, and support strategic investments.
• Coach and develop team members in an international environment.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Bilingual English/German

Travel willingness

Team coaching

Education

Degree in technical or business field

Tools

LAN/WAN/WLAN

SD-WAN

Zero Trust

SASE

Network Security

Cloud Networking

Job description

Bilfinger is an international industrial services provider with a vision to be the No. 1 for its customers in enhancing efficiency and sustainability within the process industry. Bilfinger’s comprehensive portfolio spans the entire value chain, from consulting & engineering to prefabrication & installation, access & insulation, and services that improve the asset performance of industrial plants.

The company operates in three geography-based segments: Western Europe, Central Europe, and International, with primary activities in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Its process industry customers come from markets such as chemicals & petrochemicals, energy, oil & gas, and pharma & biopharma. With about 31,000 employees, Bilfinger upholds the highest standards of safety and quality, generating revenue of €5.4 billion in the financial year 2025. To achieve its goals, Bilfinger has identified two strategic levers: Operational Excellence to continuously improve its own efficiency and performance, and Market Expansion to strengthen customer orientation and establish Bilfinger as the partner of choice.

You are part of the IT Infrastructure team within Group IT & Digitalization.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead the global Network & Connectivity team.
• Manage the planning, design, and continuous improvement of the company’s global network and connectivity services.
• Develop and implement the group-wide network and connectivity strategy in line with business needs and IT goals.
• Take ownership of the global network infrastructure, including WAN, LAN, WLAN, Internet connectivity, and site connections.
• Drive the development of modern network solutions, including Zero Trust, SASE, Network Security, and Cloud Connectivity.
• Define and maintain standards, guidelines, and architecture principles for network and connectivity services.
• Ensure high levels of service quality, availability, performance, and security across the global network.
• Manage relationships with technology partners, managed service providers, and external vendors.
• Lead global transformation and standardization projects in the Network & Connectivity area.
• Monitor performance and continuously improve network and security solutions.Work closely with Workplace, Cloud, Cyber Security, Service Management, and Business Unit teams.
• Manage budgets, optimize costs, and support strategic investments.
• Coach, support, and develop team members in an international environment.

Your Profile

• Degree in a technical or business-related field, or a comparable qualification.
• Several years of leadership experience in networking, connectivity, or IT infrastructure services.
• Strong strategic thinking and experience in developing and implementing IT strategies.
• Good knowledge of LAN, WAN, WLAN, SD-WAN, Internet Connectivity, Network Security, and Cloud Networking.
• Understanding of modern network architectures, including Zero Trust and SASE.
• Experience working with global network environments and international teams.
• Knowledge of network design, service management, provider management, and IT governance.
• Ability to explain complex technical topics in a clear and simple way.
• Experience working in matrix organizations and international environments.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Fluent in English and German, both written and spoken.
• Open to new ideas, eager to learn, and motivated to drive change.
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally when needed.

What Do We Offer

• A responsible and diverse range of tasks.
• An open and motivated team that warmly welcomes you.
• Plenty of room for your own ideas and creative solutions.
• Challenging projects in an international environment with a wide range of development opportunities.
• Personal growth opportunities across various areas, along with professional development.
• Flexible working hours with autonomy over your schedule and the option to work remotely.
• A structured onboarding process to ensure a smooth and professional start.
• A competitive salary and additional benefits, including:
  • 30 vacation days per calendar year
  • Entitlement to capital-forming benefits
  • Company pension scheme through a direct insurance plan
  • Corporate benefits: discounts from well-known brands and manufacturers
  • Free parking, job ticket/Deutschlandticket, excellent cafeteria, and access to EGYM Wellpass fitness studios
  • Free beverages at the locations
  • Modern and ergonomic workstations

Bilfinger is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or other characteristics protected by law.