Head of Networking (m/f/d)

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!

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 operations
  • Mentor and develop team members through training, feedback, and career development
  • Foster a collaborative and innovative work culture within the networking team
  • Set clear performance objectives and KPIs to measure team success
  • Act as a leader in establishing networking best practices and strategies that can be scaled globally
  • Lead an international network team across multiple regions, ensuring global alignment of network strategies and operations, while demonstrating effective leadership and management in a global environment

• Developing and Executing Networking Strategy :
  • Develop and implement a company-wide networking strategy that aligns with business goals and drives the organization's overall success
  • Set clear priorities for network infrastructure based on business requirements, technical needs, and scalability
  • Collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure networking strategies are integrated across the organization and aligned with key business objectives
  • Translate business goals into actionable network projects and initiatives, driving performance, efficiency, and growth
  • Communicate network strategies and plans effectively across all levels of the organization, ensuring alignment and transparency

• Budget Planning & Resource Management :
  • Develop and manage the network infrastructure budget, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively across projects
  • Oversee the allocation of network resources to various projects, ensuring cost-effective and efficient use of funds while maintaining high standards of performance and security
  • Collaborate with finance and senior leadership to prepare budget proposals, evaluate ROI on network investments, and ensure alignment with business priorities

• Project Management :
  • Lead and manage network projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within scope, and within budget
  • Implement effective project management processes, including planning, resource allocation, risk management, and progress tracking
  • Ensure clear communication of project timelines, deliverables, and potential risks to senior management and relevant stakeholders
  • Drive continuous improvements in project management methodologies to ensure efficient delivery of network infrastructure projects

• Network Infrastructure & Design :
  • Oversee the architecture, design, and deployment of network systems, including LAN, WAN, wireless, VPN, and network access control
  • Ensure network scalability and performance align with the organization's business goals
  • Lead the implementation of new networking technologies and solutions to support business growth and digital transformation
  • Deep understanding of and hands-on experience with Cisco ACI (for data center networking) and Cisco Secure Access solutions to enhance security and user authentication

• Collaboration with peers :
  • Work closely with networking teams across multiple countries and regions to ensure alignment of network strategies, standards, and practices
  • Coordinate and manage global network projects, ensuring seamless integration and optimization across various geographical locations
  • Build strong working relationships with international peers to encourage knowledge sharing and innovation across borders
  • Promote cross-functional collaboration between regional IT, security, and engineering teams to ensure a unified approach to network management

• Network Security & Risk Management :
  • Implement and manage robust network security protocols to protect against data breaches, cyberattacks, and unauthorized access
  • Proven success in the implementation of network access control systems to ensure secure and compliant network access for users and devices
  • Develop and execute disaster recovery and business continuity plans related to network infrastructure
  • Continuously assess and improve the security posture of the network by staying up to date with industry trends and best practices
  • Deep technical expertise in firewall technologies, including Fortinet and Cisco firewalls, for managing secure network access and perimeter defense
  • Implement and manage network security solutions including Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW), VPN configurations, intrusion detection/prevention, and threat intelligence systems

• Network Operations & Performance Optimization :
  • Monitor network performance, identify issues, and implement solutions to ensure optimal performance and uptime
  • Lead capacity planning and optimization efforts to ensure the network infrastructure supports growing business demands
  • Troubleshoot complex network issues and collaborate with other departments to resolve them promptly

• Vendor & Stakeholder Management :
  • Manage relationships with network equipment vendors, service providers, and consultants to ensure quality service delivery and cost efficiency
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Country IT, cybersecurity, etc.) to align network strategies with organizational goals
  • Negotiate contracts and manage budgets related to networking services and infrastructure

• Compliance & Documentation :
  • Ensure network operations comply with relevant industry standards, regulations, and internal policies
  • Maintain comprehensive network documentation, including configurations, troubleshooting guides, and change management logs

• 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 environment
• Minimum of 5 years of experience leading international teams, managing network infrastructure and operations across multiple countries or regions
• Proven track record of developing and executing company-wide networking strategies that have aligned with and driven business growth
• Proven success in the implementation of network access control systems, ensuring secure network access for users and devices across the organization
• Strong skills in budget planning, including experience in developing and managing network infrastructure budgets and ensuring cost-effective resource allocation
• Extensive experience in project management, including managing complex network projects, delivering them on time and within budget, and using project management tools and methodologies
• Deep understanding of networking technologies and protocols
• Strong 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 management
• Experience with Cisco Secure Access solutions for secure network access control and user authentication
• Extensive experience with Fortinet and Cisco firewalls, including configuration, optimization, and management for enterprise-level security
• Experience with cloud networking technologies and platforms
• Familiarity with network monitoring and management tools (e.g., SolarWinds, PRTG, Nagios)
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex network issues
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Experience in working in an international environment and with cross-border teams
• Industry certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, Fortinet NSE, or equivalent certifications preferred

Personal Attributes :

• Fluent in English and German (spoken and written)
• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to execute on network initiatives
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of working in a fast-paced, global environment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in an international context
• Collaborative mindset and strong ability to work with cross-functional teams, including geographically dispersed teams
• Analytical approach to problem-solving and decision-making
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability when working with diverse international teams

• Exciting IT tasks in an innovative diagnostics environment
• Attractive employee discounts as part of our corporate benefits program
• Permanent employment in a stable market segment
• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology
• Corporate health management
• Be part of an innovative and forward-thinking team
• Hybrid work options for greater flexibility and work-life balance
• Career growth and development opportunities in a global setting

SYNLAB