Director Cloud & Platform Services (f/m/d)

We are seeking an experienced and visionary leader to build and lead a group-wide Cloud & Platform Services delivery organization. As Head of Cloud & Platform Services, you will drive the transformation from fragmented local infrastructure teams into a unified, high-performing unit that delivers secure, scalable, and automated cloud and platform services to our B2B customers. Supporting both SMEs and large enterprises, you will shape the future of hybrid and multi-cloud environments across all A1 markets.

Your mission is to establish and lead a future-proof, group-wide Cloud & Platform Services organization—delivering secure, automated, and resilient platforms that empower modern applications and enterprise IT environments across all A1 markets.

• Define and execute the group-wide cloud and platform services strategy, covering virtualization (e.g., VMware, KVM), managed OS (Windows, Linux/Unix), managed databases (SQL, NoSQL, DBaaS), and platform services (e.g., ASP, VMC, Private Cloud).
• Lead the transition from legacy infrastructure to cloud-native, API-first, and automated platforms, including integration with hyperscalers (Azure, AWS, GCP), container platforms (Kubernetes, OpenShift), and sovereign cloud providers (e.g., Exoscale).
• Drive standardization, modularization, and reusability across infrastructure automation using Infrastructure as Code (IaC), CI/CD pipelines, and GitOps practices.
• Define and enforce requirements for high availability, performance, security (Zero Trust, Identity, Encryption), and regulatory compliance across all services.
• Collaborate closely with Portfolio Management, Product Management, Security, Compliance, and business teams to ensure alignment with customer needs and regulatory frameworks.
• Manage cross-functional teams to deliver continuous improvement and innovation.
• Define, monitor, and report on KPIs related to service quality, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Your Profile

• Longstanding senior management experience in cloud infrastructure, platform engineering, or IT operations and stakeholder management skills
• Deep technical expertise in cloud-native architectures, virtualization, containers, and platform services
• Proven track record in delivering multi-cloud and hybrid IT solutions at enterprise scale
• Strong knowledge of DevOps, SRE, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), and automation frameworks
• Experience with security, compliance, and governance in regulated environments
• Fluent in English (minimum B2+); German or other languages are a plus
• Willingness to travel occasionally across A1 Group markets

Certifications are an advantage but not a must:

• Cloud Architecture & Operations
  Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert | AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional | Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect
• Platform & Containerization
  Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) | Red Hat Certified Specialist in OpenShift Administration
• DevOps & Automation
  HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate  GitLab Certified DevOps Professional | Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert
• Security & Compliance
  Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) | CISSP or CISM
• Service Management & Delivery
  ITIL® Foundation or higher | PMP®, PRINCE2®

Optional: Technology & Vendor Experience

• Cloud Platforms: Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Exoscale, Sovereign Cloud
• Virtualization & OS: VMware, KVM, Hyper-V, Windows Server, Linux (RHEL, Ubuntu, SUSE)
• Containers & Orchestration: Kubernetes, OpenShift, Docker, Helm
• Platform Services: Managed databases (SQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, DBaaS), Application Services Platforms (ASP), Private Cloud
• Automation & DevOps: Terraform, Ansible, GitOps, Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, ArgoCD
• Security & Identity: Zero Trust Architecture, IAM, encryption, policy enforcement, compliance frameworks (ISO, GDPR, NIS2)

Benefits & More 

• Attractive remuneration package
• Flexible working schedule and opportunity for home office
• Challenging assignments and career development opportunities in multinational environment
• Thousands of online and in-person learning opportunities to grow
• Innovative technologies and platforms to work with
• Modern working environment for your comfort
• Friendly, ambitious, and motivated teammates to support each other
• Numerous additional goodies, including, but not limited to free A1 services, discounts, health insurance and services, sports center, childcare, team and family events, etc.