Paul Karnowka - Program Manager – Multi-Project Operational Stabilization (Operational Excellence)
Experience
Program Manager – Multi-Project Operational Stabilization (Operational Excellence)
ITDZ - IT Dienstleistungszentrum Berlin
- Overall leadership of multiple strategic operations projects focused on workplace services, SLA framework, access management, certificate management, e-learning, backup & recovery, test management, and capacity management, as well as implementing system monitoring and feasibility studies for a 24x7 operation, partly including ServiceNow implementation
- Development of various ServiceNow operating concepts related to training, permissions, and emergency management as part of a new cloud-hosting initiative for the ServiceNow platform
- Board reporting and leading steering committees within the framework of corporate strategic objectives, as well as establishing new balanced scorecards to measure KPIs for optimization-driven project results
Interim Workplace Services Director
Viessmann Climate Solutions
- Role as Interim Workplace Services Director within a global market extension merger (US corporation), including leading and coaching highly skilled IT expert teams in processes, data & architecture, and IT service management, as well as further developing the workplace solutions
- Program management for workplace services, including developing a comprehensive strategy and target operating model for the digital workplace and IT services in the context of the merger, a new supplier environment, and migration to ServiceNow
- Development and implementation of a standardized approach for consolidating, optimizing, and end-to-end operationalizing workplace-relevant IT services & practices
Service Design & Delivery - Workplace & Networking Services
Vorwerk & Co. KG
- Strategic consulting for the sustainable alignment of a standardized service design and vendor management in line with corporate objectives
- Multi-project management for the design and operational delivery of new end user devices & networking services, including infrastructure topics such as monitoring, capacity, and backup solutions
- Designing and overseeing the implementation of new services in ServiceNow as well as functional service expansion in MS SharePoint
- Drafting a framework and approach for the service onboarding of new vendors and sites, including IT security, risk, & compliance guidelines
- Evaluating existing vendor contracts according to SIAM requirements for integrating new services into the supplier ecosystem and the ServiceNow instance
Service Portal & ITSM System Integration
VR-Payment / Volksbank
- Strategic consulting for the long-term and sustainable alignment of the system landscape and interface management within the corporate strategy
- Leading the implementation and handling of up to 40 service requests, including identifying process deviations and applying necessary solutions
- Technical project management and test management for delivering a service portal and developing a ticket system integration
- Evaluating and adjusting existing vendor contracts regarding service scope, deliverables, service levels, and data protection
ESM / ITSM / ServiceNow Consulting & Customer Support (Pre-Sales)
CompuSafe AG
- Leading pre-sales discussions and workshops to define strategic, conceptual, and organizational requirements, as well as creating ITSM concepts and roadmap presentations for ServiceNow migration and implementation
- Developing and building new ITSM and ServiceNow consulting and implementation offerings at ServiceNow partners
- Creating training concepts for project management (PRINCE2, Agile/SCRUM), IT service management (ITIL4), and ServiceNow (CSA & Micro certification)
ITAM / SACM Evaluation and Concept Consulting
Blanc & Fischer IT Services
- Creating a greenfield concept for building a company-wide, cross-company IT asset and data management system for end-user and network infrastructure assets
- Conducting a maturity analysis of existing architectures, processes, and asset databases as a basis for implementing IT processes (SACM, Change, Request Fulfillment) and a CMDB in ServiceNow
ITSM Evaluation, Implementation & Migration
ITDZ - IT Dienstleistungszentrum Berlin
- Leading program and project setup: establishing a project organization and program structure for an ITSM & data multi-project with phase planning
- Managing a data and interface project (CRM & SNOW interface) for client-specific license accounting and setting up necessary maintenance processes in a configuration management system
- Conducting a current state assessment and replanning with a focus on requirements analysis and architecture evaluation
- Optimizing and rolling out ITSM core processes, including delivering training
ITSM Implementation & Integration
Concardis nets Group & Mercury Processing Services International
- Leading the project to build new ITSM processes and roll them out in the organization, including implementation in Atlassian Jira
- Developing the roadmap, project plan, approaches, and project structure
- Presenting key process and technology issues to management for tool harmonization (Jira & HP Service Manager)
- Designing the support model and implementing requirements in Jira Service Desk
ITSM Digitalization
Bundesdruckerei GmbH
- Strategically leading a digitalization program (multi-project) for ITSM system migration, e-shop, and digital learning
- Defining and designing end-to-end business processes and program requirements
- Managing a budget of over 5 million euros, including resource planning and team setup
- Planning the overall project (master plan) with objectives, control mechanisms, and dependencies
- Advising and reporting status to executive management and steering committee
IT Strategy & Service Operations (Risk & Compliance)
Berlin Hyp AG
- Developing a new IT strategy and ITIL process landscape focused on service operations and information and security policies
- Leading the implementation of IT compliance and audit requirements (ECB, MaRisk, BSI, GDPR) into IT strategy and operations
- Establishing a risk, needs, and requirements management process and translating it into a service catalog
- Introducing strategy processes, planning and leading workshops, and providing CIO coaching
Service Delivery & Transition
Bundesdruckerei GmbH / gematic
- Completion of a service onboarding process and quality checks for local and nearshore contact center operations
- Ensuring customer support according to the gematic operations manual and coordinating with service providers (D-Trust, arvato, Telekom)
- Implementing contractual requirements to ensure consolidated and sustainable support with clear governance mechanisms
Technical Service Management
Bundesdruckerei GmbH / gematic
- Designed and established a technical service management function, roles, interfaces and processes for the supplier environment
- Introduced a unified service level management and reporting function to implement consolidated SLAs
- Standardized service support and transition processes (release, change, request fulfillment, incident) and introduced quality strategies
Customer Service & Call Center – Support Setup & Integration
Bundesdruckerei GmbH / gematic
- Overall management for establishing a nearshore call center and integrating it into operations and product support
- Designed a service architecture for onboarding procedures and secure handover of new products to support
- Planned and implemented support requirements for sensitive security products in compliance with data protection and export control guidelines
Service Readiness & Operations Transition
Bundesdruckerei GmbH / gematic
- Developed a process framework and organizational functions within the nearshore support unit
- Established an intercompany integration strategy and coached teams in customer communication
- Stabilized incident and service request management processes and implemented a reporting structure to reduce backlogs
ITSM Service Design
IBM
- Developed the service architecture, processes, tools and roles within a multi-tier supplier environment
- Translated business requirements into service solutions for hosting management services and ITIL processes
- Documented service and process interfaces at logical, physical and detailed levels
Product Management & Service Delivery
YDLFN
- Definition and operationalization of the IT strategy including resource procurement, supplier strategies, and contract negotiations
- Definition of product features and execution of requirements and test management within phase planning
- Introduction of required IT processes, reports, quality standards, and data protection aspects according to operational readiness criteria
Global IT Service Delivery (Civil Small & Medium Engines – CSME & Energy Sector)
Rolls-Royce Deutschland
- Led global IT service delivery functions within the Civil Engines & Defence division for AMER, EMEA, and APAC
- Managed global IT operations processes to ensure business as usual including governance reporting for suppliers
- Main point of contact (SPOC) for risk management, escalations, and new requirements in the global CSME business
Service Design & Service Request Management
Bombardier Transportation
- Responsible for designing and implementing a new IT service catalog in BMC Remedy and ServiceNow
- Introduced and industrialized the SRD process (Service Request Definition) for new catalog items
- Evaluated and rolled out service request management resources for process maintenance
Managed Services Transition & Process Optimisation (RIM - Remote Infrastructure Management)
Bombardier Transportation
- Planned and set up a Control Operations Centre (COC) in India for remote infrastructure management and IT asset migration
- Designed a supplier controlling framework (governance & reporting)
- Evaluated the supplier’s functional and organizational structure and on-site training strategies
IT Services & Program Management (multi-vendor strategy)
Bombardier Transportation
- Led an ITSM transition program covering all service management processes and IT assets as part of a multi-vendor IT strategy
- Responsible for the end-to-end process chain from SLAs to system architecture and the operations readiness framework
- Managed workstreams: ITIL processes, reporting, data & security management, organizational change, service integration, and test management
Industry Experience
See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time.
Experienced in Information Technology, Government and Administration, Manufacturing, Energy, Banking and Finance, and Aerospace and Defense.
Business Area Experience
See which departments and functions this freelancer has contributed to most.
Experienced in Information Technology, Project Management, Sales, Operations, Strategy, and Audit.
Summary
Experienced Executive Service Consultant with a proven track record in transforming and realigning complex IT organizations. Implements product-independent and service-oriented strategies that measurably increase efficiency, governance, and customer satisfaction. Combines deep ESM/ITSM, infrastructure, and architecture knowledge with pragmatic execution skills. Delivers sustainable results through data-driven management, clear service governance, and operational optimization. Shapes international teams in multi-vendor environments into scalable service organizations that deliver tangible value to customers.
- Over 20 years of experience in IT strategy, service development, and operational stabilization
- Leading global teams to support business processes generating revenue of over €20M
- Managing enterprise-wide projects with budget responsibility up to €13M
- Recognized as “AI Innovator” and “Entrepreneur of the Future” (diind)
Leadership Skills: Strategic Alignment | Global Team Leadership | Change & Transformation | Service-Oriented Culture | Stakeholder Management Project Management: Program & Multi-Project Management | Process & Quality Optimization | Operational Integration | Performance Management | Governance & Compliance | PMO ESM / ITSM Expertise: Service Strategy & Design | IT Operations & Delivery | Tool Governance (ServiceNow, BMC, etc.) | Process Optimization & Architecture | Data & Service Excellence
Skills
Proven Success In Developing And Implementing Competitive Service Strategies To Realign Companies At The Management And Executive Board Level
Many Years Of Hands-on Experience In Enterprise & It Service Management: Strategy, Design, Integration, Service Desk, Operations, Service Level, And Supplier Management
Action-oriented Experience In Program & Multi-project Management, Process Optimization, Quality Management, Governance, Reporting, Supplier Management, And Esm / Itsm
Digitalization
Operational Readiness & Integration (Multi-vendor Environment)
Service Strategies
Quality Management
Targeted Leadership Of Pre-sales Discussions And Workshops With End Customers To Develop Customized Itsm Concepts And Roadmaps For Smooth Itsm Platform Migration
Data & Architecture
Itsm Multi-project Management / Program Management
Service Centers
Recognized As A Key Figure In Planning And Operationalizing Strategic Objectives With A Focus On It Services, Processes, It Governance, And Tool Implementation
Experience In Multicultural Work Environments Through Cross-cultural Management, International Travel, And Building And Leading Global Teams (30+) In Apac, Emea, And The Americas
Strategic & Sustainable Approach
Analytical & Structured Way Of Working
Agile And Adaptable
Practical & Extensive Itsm Knowledge
Open And Transparent Communication
Service-driven & Customer-oriented
Motivated By Initiative
Ms Office
Visio
Adonis / Bic
Remedy
Servicenow
Atlassian
Ms Project
Sharepoint
Office: Microsoft Office, Lotus Notes, Sharepoint, Teams, Office 365, Visio, Open Office
Itsm: Remedy, Servicenow, Usu, Assyst, Atlassian, Smax, Serviceware
Processes: Visio, Adonis, Bic, Aris
Project Management: Ms Project, Teamwork, Blueant, Jira, Projectron Bcs, Redmine
Technologies: Iaas, Saas, Paas, Managed Services, Cloud Computing & Hosting, Ai
Methods – Processes: Bpmn 2.0, Ssadm
Methods – Itsm: Itil 3/4, Iso 20000, Agile Itsm, Usm
Methods – Architecture: Togaf 9/adm
Methods – Quality: Iso 9001/9004, Tqm, Six Sigma
Methods – Project Management: Waterfall, Agile, Scrum
Guidelines & Legislation: Marisk/bait, Kwg, Srep, Gdpr/dsgvo, Bsi, Egov, Khg
Languages
Education
University College Dublin / CEMS
MScIM, MIM - Dual-Diploma in International Management & International Marketing · International Management & International Marketing · Dublin, Ireland
SFCC
BSc – degree courses · International Management · United States
WVJC
AScBM – Associate in Science in Business Management · Business Management · United States
Certifications & licenses
ISO 27001:2022 Lead Auditor
GSDC
ISO 22301 Lead Implementor
GSDC
ISO 27001:2022 Lead Implementor & Auditor
GSDC
ISO 42001:2023 Lead Implementor & Auditor
GSDC
GenAI in ITSM
GSDC
GenAI in Cybersecurity
GSDC
GenAI in GRC
GSDC
GenAI in Project Management
GSDC
Business Process Model And Notation
BPMN 2.0
Cisco Certified Network Associate
CCNA
Customer Centric IT Services
Darden School of Business
Databricks Generative AI & DeepLearning Generative AI Fundamentals
EA – Enterprise Architecture
Polytech
Espion IT Security
ITIL V.3.0 & ITIL 4 Foundation
Microsoft Proficiency Certificates
MPCs (Office, Project, SharePoint, …)
Personal Improvement Process Training
PIP
Prince 2 Foundation & Practitioner
SAS AML - Anti-Money Laundering
Siemens Service Management Consultant
SMC
TÜV Quality Officer ISO 9001 / 9004, (+ TQM, Six Sigma)
Statistics
Experience
Global Experience
Expertise
Qualifications
Profile
Frequently asked questions
Do you have questions? Here you can find further information.
Where is Paul based?
What languages does Paul speak?
How many years of experience does Paul have?
What roles would Paul be best suited for?
What is Paul's latest experience?
What companies has Paul worked for in recent years?
Which industries is Paul most experienced in?
Which business areas is Paul most experienced in?
Which industries has Paul worked in recently?
Which business areas has Paul worked in recently?
What is Paul's education?
Does Paul have any certificates?
What is the availability of Paul?
What is the rate of Paul?
How to hire Paul?
Average rates for similar positions
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
Similar Freelancers
Discover other experts with similar qualifications and experience
Experts recently working on similar projects
Freelancers with hands-on experience in comparable project as a Program Manager – Multi-Project Operational Stabilization (Operational Excellence)
Nearby freelancers
Professionals working in or nearby Berlin, Germany