Engineering Site Lead (f/m/d) Cologne

• As Site Lead, you take overall management responsibility for our IONOS development site in Cologne and ensure the operational and organizational continuity of the location and the long-term engagement of its employees.
• You are the central point of contact for all site-related topics – from office management, facilities and employee retention to culture-building and shaping an attractive, modern working environment.
• You lead and provide content guidance to a development team of approximately 15 employees that currently focuses on our Website Builder Application, evolving team, technology and product together with Product Management and stakeholders.
• You are accountable for the technical development of the team, safeguard the quality, reliability and innovation pace of the Website Builder Application, and create the conditions for excellent engineering work.
• You drive our “AI first” initiative at the Cologne site and continuously enable all employees to use AI methods and tools productively in their daily work.
• You establish sustainable learning, training and enablement formats, build a lasting AI-first culture at the site, and scale best practices across the wider organization.
• You collaborate closely with senior management, other site leads and cross-functional teams to deliver on strategic initiatives and to further strengthen IONOS as a top tech employer in Cologne.

Tasks

• As Site Lead, you take overall management responsibility for our IONOS development site in Cologne and ensure the operational and organizational continuity of the location and the long-term engagement of its employees.
• You are the central point of contact for all site-related topics – from office management, facilities and employee retention to culture-building and shaping an attractive, modern working environment.
• You lead and provide content guidance to a development team of approximately 15 employees that currently focuses on our Website Builder Application, evolving team, technology and product together with Product Management and stakeholders.
• You are accountable for the technical development of the team, safeguard the quality, reliability and innovation pace of the Website Builder Application, and create the conditions for excellent engineering work.
• You drive our “AI first” initiative at the Cologne site and continuously enable all employees to use AI methods and tools productively in their daily work.
• You establish sustainable learning, training and enablement formats, build a lasting AI-first culture at the site, and scale best practices across the wider organization.
• You collaborate closely with senior management, other site leads and cross-functional teams to deliver on strategic initiatives and to further strengthen IONOS as a top tech employer in Cologne.

Qualifications

• Several years of experience in a comparable leadership or management role, ideally as Site Lead, Engineering Manager or Head of Development in a technology-driven environment.
• Proven track record in leading, developing and motivating software engineering teams, ideally in the area of web applications, SaaS or website builder products.
• Solid technical understanding of modern web technologies and agile development and product processes, enabling you to guide your team at eye level.
• Hands‑on experience with AI and GenAI tools and a clear understanding of how to integrate AI effectively into engineering workflows and product development.
• A strong hands‑on mentality combined with strategic vision – you take ownership, make decisions and think long‑term.
• Excellent communication skills, empathy and a passion for developing people, shaping a strong site culture and driving change in a positive way.
• Strong verbal and written German skills; English skills are a big plus.

Benefits

• Hybrid working model.
• Flexible working hours through trust‑based working hours.
• At some locations a subsidized canteen and various free drinks.
• Modern office space with very good transport connections.
• Various employee discounts for activities and products.
• Employee events such as summer and winter parties, as well as workshops.
• Numerous training and development opportunities.
• Various health offers, such as sports and health courses.