Company Description Metro Global Solution Center (MGSC) is internal solution partner for METRO, a €31 Billion international wholesaler with operations in more than 30 countries. The store network comprises a total of 623 stores in 21 countries, of which 522 offer out-of-store delivery (OOS), and 94 dedicated depots. In 12 countries, METRO runs only the delivery business by its delivery companies (Food Service Distribution, FSD). HoReCa and Traders are core customer groups of METRO. The HoReCa section includes hotels, restaurants, catering companies as well as bars, cafés and canteen operators. The Traders section includes small grocery stores and kiosks. The majority of all customer groups are small and medium-sized enterprises as well as sole traders. METRO helps them manage their business challenges more effectively. MGSC, location wise is present in Pune (India), Düsseldorf (Germany) and Szczecin (Poland). We provide HR, Finance, IT & Business operations support to 31 countries, speak 24+ languages and process over 18,000 transactions a day. We are setting tomorrow’s standards for customer focus, digital solutions, and sustainable business models. For over 10 years, we have been providing services and solutions from our two locations in Pune and Szczecin. This has allowed us to gain extensive experience in how we can best serve our internal customers with high quality and passion. We believe that we can add value, drive efficiency, and satisfy our customers. Website: https://www.metro-gsc.in Company Size: 500-1000 Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra, India Type: Privately Held Inception: 2011 Job Description 1. Role Overview The IT Lead will be responsible for scaling our offshore technology hub in Pune, India, and perhaps in additional locations in India. This role is critical to our global IT strategy and will oversee the recruitment, operational setup, and delivery of services primarily across software engineering, DevOps, infrastructure, and IT support. The successful candidate will be a seasoned technology leader with experience in building high-performing offshore organizations and integrating them into a global, platform-based delivery model. 2. Key Responsibilities A. Strategic Leadership Develop and execute a 3–5 year strategic plan for the Pune IT hub, aligned with global IT and business objectives, building on a strong foundation provided by METRO GSC as the hosting entity. Define the hub’s operating model, service portfolio, and integration strategy with global teams. Represent the Pune hub in global leadership forums and ensure alignment with enterprise priorities and key METRO stakeholders. Actively drive the identification of IT off-shoring opportunities throughout METRO and their transition planning towards the Pune hub B. Hub Setup & Governance Lead the physical and digital setup of the hub, including office space, IT infrastructure, security, and connectivity based on an existing foundation provided by METRO GSC, but in alignment with Group IT (METRO.digital) practices. Establish legal, compliance, and operational frameworks in collaboration with HR, Legal, and Finance based on an existing foundation provided by METRO GSC, but in alignment with Group IT (METRO.digital) practices. Define and implement governance structures for delivery, risk management, and reporting in alignment with an existing foundation provided by METRO GSC. C. Talent Acquisition & Organizational Development Build a scalable organizational structure to support rapid growth from 0 to 100 employees within a year and doubling in mid-term either for newly established positions or as replacement for existing staff coming from the Group IT (Metro.digital) or the Country IT functions. Ensure talent acquisition and hiring practices that are efficient, quick and effective to support rapid growth and secure most-suitable market candidates for METRO Engage directly in hiring senior and key personnel, especially in the early stages of the hub’s development Ensure high retention of talent through targeted measures and best practices Develop onboarding, training, and career development programs to build a strong engineering culture in alignment with Group IT practices. Ensure quick ramp-up and reaching of critical mass for local ressources D. Delivery & Operational Excellence Oversee in-scope and in-quality delivery of off-shored IT services while acting with “wholesale-typical” efficiency (incl. a cost-leadership mindset) Implement with market-leading and Group-IT best practices (e.g. Agile) to ensure high-quality, scalable, and secure operations Define and secure KPIs and SLAs for delivery, quality, uptime, and customer satisfaction. Ensure strong alignment and integration with any existing IT delivery teams and ressources part of the GSC organization E. Stakeholder Engagement Act as the primary point of contact for global IT and business stakeholders regarding the Pune hub. Build strong relationships with internal customers, vendors, and local partners. Actively promote the IT hub throughout the organization, ensuring high acceptance and up-skilling METRO staff to effectively engage with Hub Qualifications Education Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field. Experience Ideally 5+ years of consulting experience and (must-have) 15+ years of managing large-scale off-shore organizations Proven track record of building and scaling technology teams (200+ people). Experience in enterprise IT environments with global delivery models. Technical Expertise Strong understanding of modern software development (Agile, CI/CD, microservices). Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), DevOps toolchains, and ITSM systems. Familiarity with cybersecurity, data privacy, and compliance frameworks Additional Information Organizational Context The Pune IT hub will be operated as part of the Group IT (Metro.digital) organization, however hosted by METRO GSC, therefore sharing infrastructure, services and some governance elements with the already established entity. WHAT DO WE HAVE FOR YOU A career transforming role that can step up your game A true immersion into leadership space ‘true head heart & hand approach’ Diverse yet cohesively working global teams to learn from A true sense of purpose in what you do A learning culture where we learn each day A place where you can truly belong , we are inclusive & warm Ability to define your Hybrid work structure split b/w home & at office