ABAKUS IT-Solutions - Service Manager (Software Defined Networking)

ABAKUS IT Solutions is seeking an experienced Service Manager for SDN to oversee the management and operational excellence of SDN services. This role will ensure that the SDN service meets its strategic, operational, and performance objectives. This role will ensure that the SDN service meets its strategic, operational, and performance objectives. The Service Manager will be the primary interface between the European Commission, service providers, and operational teams, ensuring smooth service delivery, compliance with SLAs, and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities
Service management & operations

• Oversee the end-to-end management of SDN services, ensuring stability, performance, and security.
• Act as the main point of contact for DIGIT and key stakeholders regarding SDN service performance.
• Ensure compliance with contractual SLAs, KPIs, and ITIL best practices.
• Lead incident, problem, and change management processes for SDN services.
• Monitor and analyze network service performance, ensuring proactive problem-solving and continuous service improvement.

Stakeholder & vendor management

• Collaborate with EC's internal teams and external service providers to align SDN services with business needs.
• Manage vendor relationships, ensuring service providers adhere to performance commitments.
• Organize and lead regular service review meetings with DIGIT and operational teams.
• Provide clear, data-driven reports on service performance, risks, and improvement plans.

Service transition & continuous improvement

• Drive service evolution and innovation, ensuring SDN services align with the EC's cloud and digital transformation strategy.
• Identify areas for automation and efficiency in SDN operations.
• Support the adoption of emerging SDN technologies to improve agility, security, and scalability.
• Ensure effective knowledge management and documentation within the service team.

Required skills & qualifications
Technical & professional expertise

• Proven experience (5+ years) in IT Service Management, with a focus on networking and/or SDN technologies.
• Strong understanding of ITIL best practices, service operations, and IT governance frameworks.
• Experience managing large-scale enterprise network infrastructures in complex environments.
• Familiarity with SDN solutions from vendors such as Cisco ACI, VMware NSX, OpenStack, or similar technologies.
• Knowledge of cloud networking concepts (hybrid, multi-cloud SDN) is an advantage.

Soft skills & competencies

• Strong leadership and communication skills to engage with EC stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to translate technical concepts into business-oriented discussions.
• Proactive problem-solving and decision-making abilities in a high-stakes environment.
• Fluency in English (Mandatory); knowledge of French and/or other EU languages is a plus.

ABAKUS IT Solutions is recruiting for this pivotal role. If you are ready to make a significant impact and lead the future of SDN services, we want to hear from you. Apply now to join our dynamic team!