Site Lead and Sr. Engineering Manager (f/m/d)

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.