Julian Hillebrand - IT Project Manager (Senior) | >10 years of experience | Interim Manager IT, Digitalization, Infrastructure

Q: Where is Julian based?

Julian is based in Düsseldorf, Germany .

Q: What languages does Julian speak?

Julian speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced) .

Q: How many years of experience does Julian have?

Julian has at least 8 years of experience. During this time, Julian has worked in at least 8 different roles and for 7 different companies . The average length of individual experience is 1 year and 1 month . Note that Julian may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Q: What is Julian's latest experience?

Julian's most recent position is IT/Software Program Manager XR/VR Training Platform Life Sciences / Pharma .

Q: What companies has Julian worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Julian has worked for Conet ISB GmbH / Institute for Educational Analysis Baden-Württemberg , Drillisch Online GmbH / WEB.DE & GMX , 1&1 Telecommunications SE , Swift Navigation Inc. / Deutsche Telekom / Deutsche Funktur , and Lanxess AG .

Q: Which industries is Julian most experienced in?

Julian is most experienced in industries like Telecommunication , Automotive , and Energy . Julian also has some experience in Information Technology , Tourism , and Education .

Q: Which business areas is Julian most experienced in?

Julian is most experienced in business areas like Information Technology , Project Management , and Product Development . Julian also has some experience in Business Intelligence .

Q: Which industries has Julian worked in recently?

Julian has recently worked in industries like Telecommunication , Automotive , and Energy .

Q: Which business areas has Julian worked in recently?

Julian has recently worked in business areas like Information Technology , Project Management , and Product Development .

Recommended expert

Düsseldorf, Germany

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Experience

Apr 2025 - Present

1 year 2 months

Remote

IT/Software Program Manager XR/VR Training Platform Life Sciences / Pharma

Overall responsibility for planning, managing, and delivering multiple parallel custom software/product development projects in the life sciences environment, ensuring budget, schedule, and quality targets within an agile, regulated software development process (release/quality gates)
Interface management between engineering, UX/UI, QA, IT security, compliance, and client project teams, including clarity on responsibilities and handovers
Managing external service providers and development partners (vendor/contract management) for on-time release delivery
Supporting product and roadmap definition in coordination with business and tech leadership (backlog, prioritization)
Close coordination with international clients for requirement analysis, sprint/release progress tracking, and acceptance of deliverables

Jan 2024 - Feb 2026

2 years 2 months

IT/Software Program Manager Data Platform for Baden-Württemberg Education System

Conet ISB GmbH / Institute for Educational Analysis Baden-Württemberg

Responsible for overall program management of a large-scale software development program to build a modern data platform for managing and analyzing student data in Baden-Württemberg
Managing a complex software program with numerous parallel teams and subprojects in close collaboration with public authorities
Establishing and leading efficient program and governance structures to ensure targeted and timely implementation
Responsible for overarching reporting, escalation management, and status communication at executive level
Aligning technical and functional requirements across project boundaries to ensure an integrated overall solution
Performing budget tracking and resource management for all subprojects within the program context
Identifying and managing risks and dependencies between project streams
Close coordination with internal and external stakeholders for strategic and operational program management
Ensuring compliance with data protection and regulatory requirements in all project phases

Jan 2024 - Dec 2024

1 year

IT Program Manager App-based eSIM Mobile Product

Drillisch Online GmbH / WEB.DE & GMX

Leading a strategically important program to develop and launch an innovative app-based mobile network product in a telecom corporate environment
Managing a program portfolio with parallel projects in development, infrastructure, CRM system integration, sales, and marketing
Close cross-functional coordination with business units, IT, external service providers, and system partners to identify and manage technical dependencies
Designing and integrating end-to-end customer journeys and ensuring seamless connectivity to existing platforms and systems
Planning and managing extensive test and hypercare phases to ensure quality and stability at go-live
Continuous risk and escalation management and structured reporting to C-level and steering committees
Overall responsibility for a technically and functionally demanding program with high strategic value – including managing external partners, time and budget accountability, and quality assurance

Jan 2023 - Dec 2024

2 years

IT Program Manager eSIM Implementation

1&1 Telecommunications SE

Leading a business-critical program for the development and company-wide rollout of an end-to-end eSIM technology in a telecom setting
Managing a complex program setup with parallel projects in IT development, cloud architecture, testing, operations, and product marketing
Coordinating all internal units and external service providers to ensure a coordinated rollout and stable operations
Cross-functional management to integrate new features into existing IT landscapes, including connecting to SaaS/cloud components and internal platforms
Prioritizing and maintaining a complex program roadmap with clear alignment of technical, functional, and timeline dependencies
Active risk and escalation management and regular C-level reporting to steer a mission-critical digital program
Implementing agile governance and decision-making structures to ensure transparency, efficiency, and speed of execution

Jan 2021 - Dec 2023

3 years

IT Program Manager GNSS Network Rollout

Swift Navigation Inc. / Deutsche Telekom / Deutsche Funktur

Rollout of modern GNSS positioning technologies through IoT and cloud integration to improve service quality, data availability, and location accuracy in 14 European markets
Leading a multinational technology program to deploy positioning solutions with direct connections to existing B2B service platforms and network infrastructures
Coordinating cross-functional teams and managing international technology partners and external service providers for technical implementation and integration
Establishing and managing scalable governance structures for the rollout and integration of cloud and IoT components into existing IT and system landscapes
Managing technical integrations and interface connections to existing systems and operational processes in a group-wide context
Ensuring operational readiness during the rollout through active risk and escalation management
Close collaboration with internal departments, technical stakeholders, and external partners to align with strategic goals and market requirements
C-level reporting for transparent steering and support of operational and strategic decisions during the European rollout

Jan 2021 - Dec 2022

2 years

IT Program Manager for Global Windows 10 Rollout

Lanxess AG

Led a global rollout to introduce Windows 10, modern cloud technologies, and company-wide business systems (e.g., CRM) in 33 countries, including production sites with critical operational requirements
Efficiently managed international service providers, especially teams in India, to support the implementation of technical requirements and provide remote support
Developed and executed detailed rollout plans for industrial sites, ensuring system availability, data migration, and integration of existing applications
Managed transformation requirements in the context of acquisitions, including ongoing carve-out and outsourcing processes
Standardized rollout processes with a focus on technical analysis, interface integration (e.g., CRM/ERP systems), feedback loops, and schedule control
Developed a comprehensive change management plan to introduce the new system landscape, including communication strategies, training measures, and user enablement
Collaborated closely with international site managers, business units, and external partners to align strategic milestones and operational execution
Implemented modern security standards, cloud, and CRM integrations to build a future-ready and scalable system architecture

Jan 2018 - Dec 2024

7 years

Head of Digital / Software Program Management (Telecom Focus)

COCUS AG

Built and led a high-performing program management team with full leadership responsibility for numerous complex client projects in the 7- to 8-figure budget range
Managed a team of 15 project managers, responsible for parallel projects across various industries, focusing on telecom, automotive, logistics, and energy
Built a complete backend infrastructure to launch new app-based B2B services for the Vodafone Group, including vendor management, integration architecture, and operational handover
Developed and implemented modern software and SaaS solutions, including end-to-end responsibility for design, development, testing, and deployment, with a special focus on IT infrastructure transition projects and modernizing customer IT environments
Advised and supported IT infrastructure modernization, including cloud migrations and the introduction of scalable SaaS solutions, considering current trends like Industry 4.0, IoT, and digital platform strategies
Collaborated closely with C-level stakeholders to develop and implement strategic transformation and IT goals
Supported the implementation of modern security standards and the optimization of existing IT landscapes to meet data protection and cybersecurity requirements

Jan 2018 - Dec 2021

4 years

IT Program Manager for Market Entry in the SEA Region

TUI AG

Led an international team and managed an Indian service provider with over 100 employees working across different time zones and cultures
Developed a cloud-based booking platform with modern technologies, including SaaS and machine learning, to deliver innovative and scalable market solutions
Managed product development and integration into existing IT systems, adapting to local requirements and regulatory standards in target markets
Planned and monitored a significant budget and detailed schedules for a complex global project with strategic importance
Collaborated closely with C-level stakeholders and regional leaders to ensure strategic goals were met and market entry strategies were successfully executed
Coordinated teams across multiple areas, including software development, infrastructure, testing, marketing, and customer support, to ensure seamless collaboration
Implemented modern governance and reporting structures to support effective decision-making and on-time delivery

Industry Experience

See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time.

Experienced in Telecommunication, Automotive, Energy, Information Technology, Tourism, and Education.

Telecommunication

Automotive

Energy

Information Technology

Tourism

Education

Business Area Experience

See which departments and functions this freelancer has contributed to most.

Experienced in Information Technology, Project Management, Product Development, and Business Intelligence.

Information Technology

Project Management

Product Development

Business Intelligence

Summary

Experienced IT project and program manager with over 10 years of experience in managing large, international projects and teams – particularly in the telecommunications sector with a focus on infrastructure, service, and migration projects.

Specialized in leading complex IT initiatives, I support companies in the strategic and operational implementation of system migrations – including coordinating interdisciplinary project teams, managing external partners, and structured alignment with business units and management.

Skills

It And Software Program/project Management: Managing Complex It, Infrastructure, And Migration Projects With Eight-figure Budgets And Project Teams Of Up To 100 Staff – Primarily In The Telecom Sector With A Focus On Service Platforms And Business/b2b Systems
System Migrations & New Platform Implementations: Experience In Planning And Managing Company-wide Rollouts, Migration Strategies, And Retiring Legacy Systems As Part Of Large Transformation Programs
Stakeholder Management: Close Collaboration With Internal And External Stakeholders – From Operational Departments To Executive Management – As Well As Preparing And Leading Steering Committees
Cloud, Crm & Data Architectures: Knowledge Of Modern It Architectures, Crm Systems, And Data-driven Processes – Including Integrating New Solutions Into Existing It Landscapes In A B2b Context
Outsourcing And Vendor Management: Many Years Of Experience Managing International Service Providers, Including Near-/offshore Models (E.g., India) – Focusing On Quality, Time, And Budget
Team Leadership And People Management: Leading Interdisciplinary Project Teams And Targeted Skill Development For Technical And Functional Roles In Migration Projects
Hybrid & Agile Project Management: Proficient Use Of Traditional And Agile Methods (Scrum, Safe) To Manage Complex Project Landscapes And Iterative Delivery
Industries: Telecommunications
Industries: Travel / Tourism
Industries: Chemical
Industries: Public Administration
Industries: Retail
Industries: Automotive
Industries: Insurance
Industries: Logistics
Industries: Energy
Tools: Jira
Tools: Confluence
Tools: Ms Project (Time And Resource Planning)
Tools: Ms Office
Tools: Ms Teams
Tools: Miro
Tools: Ms Visio
Tools: Github
Tools: Slack
Technologies: Cloud Computing
Technologies: Saas
Technologies: Paas
Technologies: Iaas
Technologies: Cybersecurity
Technologies: Blockchain
Technologies: Genai/ai
Technologies: Vr/ar
Technologies: Enterprise Solutions
Technologies: Erp
Technologies: M365
Technologies: Aws
Technologies: Internet Of Things (Iot)
Technologies: Wordpress
Technologies: Bpm 2.0

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

Education

Cologne Business School

Bachelor of Arts · International Business - Marketing Management · Cologne, Germany

Statistics

Experience

Total positions 8

Experience in Telecommunication 7 y

Avg length 2 y 9 m

Longest experience 6 y 11 m

Expertise

Recent roles IT/Software Program Manager XR/VR Training Platform Life Sciences / Pharma, IT/Software Program Manager Data Platform for Baden-Württemberg Education System, IT Program Manager App-based eSIM Mobile Product

Main industries Telecommunication, Automotive, Energy

Main business areas Information Technology, Project Management, Product Development

Qualifications

Highest degree Bachelor

Profile

Created

January 2024

Last Update

April 2026

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have questions? Here you can find further information.

Where is Julian based?

Julian is based in Düsseldorf, Germany.

What languages does Julian speak?

Julian speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced).

How many years of experience does Julian have?

Julian has at least 8 years of experience. During this time, Julian has worked in at least 8 different roles and for 7 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 1 year and 1 month. Note that Julian may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Julian be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Julian would be well-suited for roles such as: IT/Software Program Manager XR/VR Training Platform Life Sciences / Pharma, IT/Software Program Manager Data Platform for Baden-Württemberg Education System, IT Program Manager App-based eSIM Mobile Product.

What is Julian's latest experience?

Julian's most recent position is IT/Software Program Manager XR/VR Training Platform Life Sciences / Pharma.

What companies has Julian worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Julian has worked for Conet ISB GmbH / Institute for Educational Analysis Baden-Württemberg, Drillisch Online GmbH / WEB.DE & GMX, 1&1 Telecommunications SE, Swift Navigation Inc. / Deutsche Telekom / Deutsche Funktur, and Lanxess AG.

Which industries is Julian most experienced in?

Julian is most experienced in industries like Telecommunication, Automotive, and Energy. Julian also has some experience in Information Technology, Tourism, and Education.

Which business areas is Julian most experienced in?

Julian is most experienced in business areas like Information Technology, Project Management, and Product Development. Julian also has some experience in Business Intelligence.

Which industries has Julian worked in recently?

Julian has recently worked in industries like Telecommunication, Automotive, and Energy.

Which business areas has Julian worked in recently?

Julian has recently worked in business areas like Information Technology, Project Management, and Product Development.

What is Julian's education?

Julian holds a Bachelor in International Business - Marketing Management from Cologne Business School.

What is the availability of Julian?

Julian is immediately available full-time for suitable projects.

What is the rate of Julian?

Julian's rate depends on the specific project requirements. Please use the Meet button on the profile to schedule a meeting and discuss the details.