Julian Hillebrand - Senior IT Project Manager | 10+ Years Experience | Interim IT, Digitalization & Infrastructure Manager

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 7 different roles and for 7 different companies . The average length of individual experience is 1 year and 2 months . 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, Data Platform for BW Education System at Conet ISB GmbH / Institute for Educational Analysis Baden-Württemberg .

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

Experience

Jan 2024 - Dec 2025

2 years

IT/Software Program Manager, Data Platform for BW Education System

Conet ISB GmbH / Institute for Educational Analysis Baden-Württemberg

Overall program management of a large software development program to build a modern data platform for managing and analyzing student data in Baden-Württemberg
Managing a complex software program with multiple teams and subprojects working in parallel, in close cooperation with public authorities
Setting up and leading efficient program and governance structures to ensure goal-oriented and timely delivery
Responsible for overall reporting, escalation management, and status communication at the executive level
Aligning technical and functional requirements across project boundaries to ensure an integrated solution
Conducting budget tracking and resource management for all subprojects within the program
Identifying and managing risks and dependencies between project streams
Close coordination with internal and external stakeholders for strategic and operational program control
Ensuring compliance with data protection and regulatory requirements at all project stages

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 group environment
Managing a program portfolio with parallel projects in development, infrastructure, CRM integration, sales, and marketing
Close cross-functional coordination with business units, IT, external vendors, and system partners to identify and manage technical dependencies
Designing and integrating end-to-end customer journeys and ensuring seamless connection to existing platforms and systems
Planning and overseeing extensive testing and hypercare phases for quality assurance and stability at go-live
Ongoing risk and escalation management, with structured reporting to the C-level and steering committees
Full responsibility for a technically and functionally complex program with high strategic importance – 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 mission-critical program to develop and roll out an end-to-end eSIM technology across the company in a telecom environment
Managing a complex program setup with parallel projects in IT development, cloud architecture, testing, operations, and product marketing
Coordinating all internal teams and external vendors to ensure a coordinated rollout and stable operation
Cross-interface management for integrating new functions into existing IT landscapes, including connection to SaaS/cloud components and internal platforms
Prioritizing and maintaining a complex program roadmap with clear alignment of technical, business, and timing dependencies
Active risk and escalation management, along with regular C-level reporting to control a business-critical digital program
Implementing agile governance and decision-making structures to ensure transparency, efficiency, and delivery speed

Jan 2021 - Dec 2023

3 years

IT Program Manager, GNSS Network Rollout

Swift Navigation Inc. / Deutsche Telekom / Deutsche Funktur

Rolling out modern GNSS tracking 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 implement tracking solutions with direct connections to existing B2B service platforms and network infrastructures
Coordinating cross-functional teams and managing international tech partners and external vendors for technical implementation and integration
Establishing and managing scalable governance structures to guide the deployment and integration of cloud and IoT components into existing IT and system landscapes
Overseeing technical integrations and interface connections to existing systems and operations across the corporate environment
Ensuring operational readiness during rollout through active risk and escalation management
Close coordination with internal teams, technical stakeholders, and external partners to align with strategic goals and market requirements
C-level reporting for transparent management and to support operational and strategic decisions during the European rollout

Jan 2021 - Dec 2022

2 years

IT Program Manager, Global Windows 10 Rollout

Lanxess AG

Leading a global rollout to deploy Windows 10, modern cloud technologies, and company-wide business systems (including CRM) in 33 countries – including production sites with critical operational requirements
Efficiently managing international vendors, especially teams in India, to support technical requirements and provide remote support
Developing and executing detailed rollout plans for industrial sites, including ensuring system availability, data migration, and integration of existing applications
Managing transformation requirements in the context of acquisitions and considering ongoing carve-out and outsourcing processes
Standardizing rollout processes with a focus on technical analysis, interface connection (e.g. CRM/ERP systems), feedback loops, and scheduling
Creating a comprehensive change management plan for the new system landscape – including communication strategy, training measures, and user adoption
Close collaboration with international site managers, business units, and external partners to align strategic milestones and operational execution
Introducing modern security standards, cloud and CRM integrations to build a future-proof and scalable system architecture

Jan 2018 - Dec 2024

7 years

Head of Digital / Software Program Management (Telco 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
Led a team of 15 project managers, responsible for concurrent projects across various industries, focusing on telecommunications, automotive, logistics, and energy
Built a complete backend infrastructure for launching new app-based B2B services for the Vodafone Group – including vendor management, integration architecture, and operational handover
Designed and implemented modern software and SaaS solutions, with end-to-end responsibility for design, development, testing, and deployment – with a special focus on transition projects in IT infrastructure and modernization of clients' 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 objectives
Assisted in implementing modern security standards and optimizing 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 using cutting-edge technologies, including SaaS and machine learning, to deliver innovative and scalable market solutions
Oversaw product development and integration into existing IT systems, including adapting to local requirements and regulatory standards in target markets
Planned and monitored a significant budget and detailed timelines for a complex global project of strategic importance
Worked 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 disciplines, including software development, infrastructure, testing, marketing, and customer support, to ensure seamless collaboration
Implemented modern governance and reporting structures to enable 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 leading large, international projects and teams – especially in the telecommunications sector with a focus on infrastructure, service, and migration projects.

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

Skills

It And Software Program/project Management: Leading Complex It, Infrastructure, And Migration Projects With Eight-figure Budgets And Project Teams Up To 100 People – Mainly In The Telecom Environment Focusing On Service Platforms And Business/b2b Systems
System Migrations & New Platform Rollouts: Experience Planning And Managing Company-wide Rollouts, Migration Strategies, And Replacing Legacy Systems As Part Of Large Transformation Programs
Stakeholder Management: Close Collaboration With Internal And External Stakeholders – From Operational Teams To Executive Management – And Preparing And Running Steering Committees
Cloud, Crm & Data Architectures: Knowledge Of Modern It Architectures, Crm Systems, And Data-driven Processes – Including Integrating New Solutions Into Existing B2b It Landscapes
Outsourcing And Vendor Management: Many Years Of Experience Managing International Service Providers, Including Near-/offshore Models (E.g. India) – With Focus On Quality, Time, And Budget
Team Leadership And People Management: Leading Interdisciplinary Project Teams And Targeted Skill Building For Technical And Domain Roles In Migration Projects
Hybrid & Agile Project Management: Confident Use Of Traditional And Agile Methods (Scrum, Safe) To Manage Complex Project Environments And Iterative Delivery
Industries: Telecommunications
Industries: Travel / Tourism
Industries: Chemicals
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 7

Experience in Telecommunication 7 y

Avg length 2 y 11 m

Longest experience 6 y 11 m

Expertise

Recent roles IT/Software Program Manager, Data Platform for BW Education System, IT Program Manager, App-based eSIM Mobile Product, IT Program Manager, eSIM Implementation

Main industries Telecommunication, Automotive, Energy

Main business areas Information Technology, Project Management, Product Development

Qualifications

Highest degree Bachelor

Profile

Created

January 2024

Last Update

March 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 7 different roles and for 7 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 1 year and 2 months. 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, Data Platform for BW Education System, IT Program Manager, App-based eSIM Mobile Product, IT Program Manager, eSIM Implementation.

What is Julian's latest experience?

Julian's most recent position is IT/Software Program Manager, Data Platform for BW Education System at Conet ISB GmbH / Institute for Educational Analysis Baden-Württemberg.

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.