Senior IT Manager

<p><strong>About Focused Energy</strong></p><p>Focused Energy is a fusion energy startup with the goal of generating unlimited clean energy to responsibly meet future global demand. The founders include two highly renowned scientists and a long-time entrepreneur and founder of several successful startups. With the use and commercialization of laser-induced inertial fusion, a clean and highly efficient power generation technology is coming within reach, suitable to ensure a secure and scalable future energy supply.</p><p>The Senior IT Manager will lead day-to-day IT operations and infrastructure globally—ensuring reliability, security, and compliance. This role bridges strategic direction from the IT Director with hands-on technical execution, supporting a growing R&amp;D and engineering environment in Darmstadt.</p><p></p><p><strong>What You’ll Do</strong></p><ul><li><p>Oversee daily IT operations, infrastructure, and user support across the German and U.S. locations.</p></li><li><p>Ensure uptime, network reliability, and secure collaboration across hybrid tools (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365).</p></li><li><p>Lead device management, software deployment, and patching programs; maintain asset and configuration documentation.</p></li><li><p>Implement and enforce IT policies for GDPR, Export Control, and data protection.</p></li><li><p>Partner with the IT Director on unified identity and device management (Intune, Entra ID) rollouts.</p></li><li><p>Manage vendor contracts for hardware, connectivity, and endpoint security.</p></li><li><p>Coordinate the transition from external vendor to internal IT ownership, ensuring knowledge transfer.</p></li><li><p>Support and mentor local IT staff; drive operational consistency across regions.</p></li><li><p>Contribute to infrastructure projects, such as system migrations and Zero Trust initiatives.</p></li><li><p>Track and report service metrics and incident resolution KPIs.</p></li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Who You Are</strong></p><ul><li><p>8+ years of IT operations experience, including team or site-level leadership.</p></li><li><p>Strong technical understanding of networking, device management, and cloud productivity tools (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365).</p></li><li><p>Hands-on experience with Intune, Entra ID, and endpoint management in hybrid environments.</p></li><li><p>Familiarity with GDPR, Export Control, and IT security frameworks.</p></li><li><p>Proactive and structured leader who thrives in scaling environments.</p></li><li><p>Strong communication skills in both English and German.</p></li></ul><p></p><p><strong>What we offer:</strong></p><ul><li><p>Innovative Technology &amp; Mission: Be part of a cutting-edge company working on groundbreaking research in clean energy and scientific discovery.</p></li><li><p>Career Development: We invest in our people. This is an opportunity to join an early, growing company at the forefront of new technology, where you’ll have the opportunity to develop and grow your career.</p></li><li><p>Collaborative Culture: Work with great people in a dynamic, international environment with top-tier scientists, engineers and professionals passionate about solving global challenges.</p></li><li><p>Ownership: Take ownership from day 1 and drive impact by making decisions, solving challenges and shaping the future of our company.</p></li><li><p>Your Success is our Success: We offer a competitive salary and company ownership in the form of stock options, giving you a direct stake in our success and ownership in what we build together.</p></li><li><p>Vacation Days: We support your work-life-balance by granting you 30 days of vacation per year.</p></li><li><p>Flexibility: We believe work should adapt to your life—not the other way around. That’s why we offer a hybrid setup, giving you the freedom to work from our office while also enjoying the flexibility to work from home when it suits you.</p></li><li><p>Snacks and Drinks: Our office fridges are never empty. Enjoy our healthy snacks and drinks. Our Darmstadt office even offers a subsidized canteen with delicious lunch options daily.</p></li><li><p>Retirement Plan: If you decide for a private pension plan, we will finance 15% on top of your monthly contributions.</p></li><li><p>Equipment: Choose between a state-of-the-art Windows or Apple Laptop. In addition, you will receive a keyboard, mouse and headset so you are fully equipped from day 1.</p></li><li><p>Events: We organize regular events to foster team bonding, encourage collaboration, and build a strong, supportive company culture. Connect with colleagues across departments, share ideas, and have fun together, both in and outside of the workplace.</p></li><li><p>Mobility with NAVIT: We partner with NAVIT to support your flexible commuting needs—whether it’s a public transportation ticket, taxi rides or car-sharing you choose what fits your lifestyle.</p></li><li><p>Fitness with Wellhub: We care about your health. Get access to a wide