IT Team Leader – Infrastructure & Operations (m/f/d)

Location: Berlin, Germany

Industry: Life Sciences / Quality & Safety Services

An international product safety and quality services provider is seeking a hands-on IT Team Leader to join its Berlin-based Infrastructure & Operations function. The business is undergoing a significant transformation under new executive leadership, introducing a more structured and governed approach to IT across its global operations.

This is a pivotal hire to help stabilise and organise an IT infrastructure team that is technically capable but in need of clear direction, consistent processes, and hands-on leadership. It’s a great opportunity for someone who enjoys being close to the tech, thrives in environments undergoing positive change, and values bringing structure without unnecessary layers of management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide day-to-day leadership to a Berlin-based team covering IT operations, infrastructure, and service desk functions
• Offer technical direction and support while fostering a collaborative and accountable team culture
• Drive infrastructure projects
• Support the rollout of a new IT operating model with structured change, incident, and problem management
• Work alongside a UK-based Head of IT Operations and collaborate with global business units
• Champion service quality, documentation, and improvement of IT systems including Windows Server, Cisco Meraki, Bitdefender, and NinjaOne

What They’re Looking For:

• 5+ years’ experience in IT roles, with at least some team leadership or coordination responsibilities
• Strong technical expertise in core infrastructure areas (Windows Server, networking, firewalls, cloud migration)
• Practical experience with Microsoft 365, Active Directory, and Asure
• Familiarity with IT Service Management frameworks (e.g. ITIL) and tools
• Ability to bring clarity, organisation, and a steady hand to a team going through transformation
• Comfortable being hands-on - this is not a pure management role
• Experience with change/incident/problem management processes is a plus
• Professional fluency in German (C1) and English is required

The Context:

Recent changes at the executive level (CEO, CFO, CHRO) have created momentum for standardisation, governance, and improved service delivery. The IT department is being restructured under a new operating model, with clearer functional separation between software development, infrastructure, and security.

The infrastructure team, historically underperforming and loosely structured, is now seeking someone to bring professionalism and order - without bureaucracy. This hire will not be adding a new management layer but will instead provide strong technical leadership and help set direction for a capable but misaligned team.

Additional Information:

• On-site data centre in Berlin; long-term move to Asure cloud (cost-effective, phased approach)
• Core tools: Windows Server, Cisco Meraki (firewalls & networking), Bitdefender, NinjaOne (monitoring/security)
• Hands-on, technically credible leadership is essential

Note: A valid work permit for Germany is required for non-EU citizens. Applications without work authorisation cannot be considered.