The SYNLAB Group is the leading provider of laboratory services in Europe. The company offers the full range of innovative and reliable medical diagnostics for patients, general practitioners, medical care centers, and hospitals. SYNLAB operates in over 30 countries on four continents and holds a leading position in most markets. More than 28,000 employees contribute to the group's success every day.In our daily work, we shape the framework for modern laboratory diagnostics. A dynamic and diverse range of tasks offers the opportunity to make a real difference. In a family-friendly work environment, our work makes a meaningful contribution to the well-being of people every day. Become a part of our team!Das sind Ihre Aufgaben:We are seeking a strategic, highly skilled, and results-driven Head of Networking to lead and manage our network infrastructure and systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, optimization, and security of the organization's network architecture. You will manage two teams of network engineers and collaborate cross-functionally, both locally and with global peers, to ensure seamless network performance, scalability, and security. This position requires strong communication skills to set and execute a company-wide networking strategy, along with proven success in budget planning, project management.Leadership & Team Management:Lead and manage two teams of network engineers and administrators to ensure smooth network operationsMentor and develop team members through training, feedback, and career developmentFoster a collaborative and innovative work culture within the networking teamSet clear performance objectives and KPIs to measure team successAct as a leader in establishing networking best practices and strategies that can be scaled globallyLead an international network team across multiple regions, ensuring global alignment of network strategies and operations, while demonstrating effective leadership and management in a global environmentDeveloping and Executing Networking Strategy:Develop and implement a company-wide networking strategy that aligns with business goals and drives the organization's overall successSet clear priorities for network infrastructure based on business requirements, technical needs, and scalabilityCollaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure networking strategies are integrated across the organization and aligned with key business objectivesTranslate business goals into actionable network projects and initiatives, driving performance, efficiency, and growthCommunicate network strategies and plans effectively across all levels of the organization, ensuring alignment and transparencyBudget Planning & Resource Management:Develop and manage the network infrastructure budget, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively across projectsOversee the allocation of network resources to various projects, ensuring cost-effective and efficient use of funds while maintaining high standards of performance and securityCollaborate with finance and senior leadership to prepare budget proposals, evaluate ROI on network investments, and ensure alignment with business prioritiesProject Management:Lead and manage network projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within scope, and within budgetImplement effective project management processes, including planning, resource allocation, risk management, and progress trackingEnsure clear communication of project timelines, deliverables, and potential risks to senior management and relevant stakeholdersDrive continuous improvements in project management methodologies to ensure efficient delivery of network infrastructure projectsNetwork Infrastructure & Design:Oversee the architecture, design, and deployment of network systems, including LAN, WAN, wireless, VPN, and network access controlEnsure network scalability and performance align with the organization's business goalsLead the implementation of new networking technologies and solutions to support business growth and digital transformationDeep understanding of and hands-on experience with Cisco ACI (for data center networking) and Cisco Secure Access solutions to enhance security and user authenticationCollaboration with peers:Work closely with networking teams across multiple countries and regions to ensure alignment of network strategies, standards, and practicesCoordinate and manage global network projects, ensuring seamless integration and optimization across various geographical locationsBuild strong working relationships with international peers to encourage knowledge sharing and innovation across bordersPromote cross-functional collaboration between regional IT, security, and engineering teams to ensure a unified approach to network managementNetwork Security & Risk Management:Implement and manage robust network security protocols to protect against data breaches, cyberattacks, and unauthorized accessProven success in the implementation of network access control systems to ensure secure and compliant network access for users and devicesDevelop and execute disaster recovery and business continuity plans related to network infrastructureContinuously assess and improve the security posture of the network by staying up to date with industry trends and best practicesDeep technical expertise in firewall technologies, including Fortinet and Cisco firewalls, for managing secure network access and perimeter defenseImplement and manage network security solutions including Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW), VPN configurations, intrusion detection/prevention, and threat intelligence systemsNetwork Operations & Performance Optimization:Monitor network performance, identify issues, and implement solutions to ensure optimal performance and uptimeLead capacity planning and optimization efforts to ensure the network infrastructure supports growing business demandsTroubleshoot complex network issues and collaborate with other departments to resolve them promptlyVendor & Stakeholder Management:Manage relationships with network equipment vendors, service providers, and consultants to ensure quality service delivery and cost efficiencyCollaborate with internal stakeholders (Country IT, cybersecurity, etc.) to align network strategies with organizational goalsNegotiate contracts and manage budgets related to networking services and infrastructureCompliance & Documentation:Ensure network operations comply with relevant industry standards, regulations, and internal policiesMaintain comprehensive network documentation, including configurations, troubleshooting guides, and change management logsDas bringen Sie mit:Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)Minimum of 8+ years of experience in networking, with at least 6 years in a leadership or managerial role in an enterprise environmentMinimum of 5 years of experience leading international teams, managing network infrastructure and operations across multiple countries or regionsProven track record of developing and executing company-wide networking strategies that have aligned with and driven business growthProven success in the implementation of network access control systems, ensuring secure network access for users and devices across the organizationStrong skills in budget planning, including experience in developing and managing network infrastructure budgets and ensuring cost-effective resource allocationExtensive experience in project management, including managing complex network projects, delivering them on time and within budget, and using project management tools and methodologiesDeep understanding of networking technologies and protocolsStrong experience with network design, implementation, and management (e.g. switches, firewalls, load balancers, and VPN solutions)Expertise in network security principles and tools (e.g., firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and VPN)Deep technical knowledge and hands-on experience with Cisco ACI for data center network automation and managementExperience with Cisco Secure Access solutions for secure network access control and user authenticationExtensive experience with Fortinet and Cisco firewalls, including configuration, optimization, and management for enterprise-level securityExperience with cloud networking technologies and platformsFamiliarity with network monitoring and management tools (e.g., SolarWinds, PRTG, Nagios)Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex network issuesExcellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skillsExperience in working in an international environment and with cross-border teamsIndustry certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, Fortinet NSE, or equivalent certifications preferredPersonal Attributes:Fluent in English and German (spoken and written)Strong strategic thinker with the ability to execute on network initiativesProactive, detail-oriented, and capable of working in a fast-paced, global environmentAbility to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in an international contextCollaborative mindset and strong ability to work with cross-functional teams, including geographically dispersed teamsAnalytical approach to problem-solving and decision-makingCultural sensitivity and adaptability when working with diverse international teamsDas können Sie von uns erwarten:Exciting IT tasks in an innovative diagnostics environmentAttractive employee discounts as part of our corporate benefits programPermanent employment in a stable market segmentOpportunity to work with cutting-edge technologyCorporate health managementBe part of an innovative and forward-thinking teamHybrid work options for greater flexibility and work-life balanceCareer growth and development opportunities in a global setting #J-18808-Ljbffr