Head of Design & Delivery IoT

Swisscom
Full-timeβ€’Switzerland

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design & Delivery IoT

Company: Swisscom

Location: Zurich, Switzerland

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations & Technology Leadership (IoT)

Date Posted: September 26, 2025

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Leads the Design & Delivery IoT team, a critical component of Swisscom's broader IoT strategy, driving product and platform development.

  • Oversees the operational lifecycle of IoT products and customer solutions, ensuring high availability and effective incident management.

  • Manages pre-sales activities, including technical design, tender responses, and contract elaboration to support business development.

  • Directs fulfillment processes for IoT solutions, encompassing creation, change, and termination of services and hardware.

  • Responsible for 2nd Level Support and the training and organization of 1st Level Support for IoT offerings.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a leadership role within the IoT domain, requiring a blend of technical expertise, operational management, and strategic oversight. The emphasis on "Design & Delivery" suggests a focus on bringing IoT solutions from concept to market and ensuring their ongoing successful operation. The team size of 15 indicates a mid-sized operational unit where direct leadership and hands-on involvement are expected.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Spearhead the development and ongoing maintenance of IoT products and platform solutions, including collaboration with external vendors and suppliers.

  • Ensure continuous operation of product platforms and customer IoT solutions through proactive monitoring, managing 7x24 external operations teams, and leading major incident response.

  • Drive pre-sales efforts by creating technical designs, responding to RFIs/RFQs, elaborating contracts, and supporting sales teams in customer engagements.

  • Manage the end-to-end fulfillment process (Create, Change, Terminate) for IoT services and solutions.

  • Provide strategic direction and operational oversight for 2nd Level Support, and lead the development, organization, and training of 1st Level Support personnel.

  • Collaborate with sales teams to provide technical expertise during customer visits and in the development of proposals and offers.

  • Oversee hardware procurement, configuration (staging), delivery, and repair processes for IoT devices.

  • Develop and deliver comprehensive customer training and information sessions to ensure effective adoption and utilization of IoT solutions.

  • Define, refine, and implement operational processes for the IoT Design & Delivery team to enhance efficiency and service quality.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a comprehensive scope of management for the IoT product lifecycle. This includes not only the technical development and operational stability but also the commercial aspects like pre-sales, contract management, and customer enablement. The explicit mention of managing external 7x24 teams and suppliers highlights the need for strong vendor management and cross-functional collaboration skills.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • Technical university degree (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications) is required.

Experience:

  • Several years of experience as an engineer or hardware/software developer, ideally within the telecommunications sector.

  • Proven experience in leading technical teams, including development teams within large corporations, SMEs, or startups.

Required Skills:

  • Profound knowledge of mobile communication technologies, including mobile gateways/routers.

  • Strong understanding of network technology and embedded software development principles.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and foster a high-performance culture.

  • Expertise in supplier management and developing robust supply chain operations.

  • Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive and results-oriented approach to business challenges.

  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly.

Preferred Skills:

  • Fluency in French is a significant advantage, enabling broader collaboration within Switzerland and with French-speaking stakeholders.

  • Experience in product lifecycle management for IoT solutions.

  • Familiarity with agile development methodologies and DevOps practices in an IoT context.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong technical foundation coupled with significant leadership and commercial acumen. The requirement for multiple languages points to the international nature of Swisscom's operations and the need for a leader who can navigate diverse stakeholder groups. Experience leading teams in various organizational sizes (large corps, SMEs, startups) suggests a need for adaptability and a broad understanding of different operational models.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Evidence of successful product and platform development initiatives, showcasing innovation and market relevance in the IoT space.

  • Demonstrated experience in managing operational processes for complex technical systems, with a focus on uptime, reliability, and efficiency.

  • Examples of successful supplier collaboration and supply chain management, highlighting strategic partnerships and cost-effectiveness.

  • Case studies that illustrate leadership in driving technical teams through development cycles and operational challenges.

Process Documentation:

  • Ability to define and document end-to-end operational processes for IoT product lifecycle management, from design to delivery and ongoing support.

  • Experience in establishing and refining workflows for fulfillment (Create, Change, Terminate) and incident management.

  • Proficiency in creating and maintaining process documentation for hardware procurement, configuration, and logistics.

  • Experience in developing and documenting training materials for both internal teams and external customers.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While not explicitly requesting a formal "portfolio" in the traditional design sense, the role demands a strong track record that can be articulated through case studies and documented examples of achievements in product development, operational management, and team leadership within the IoT and telecommunications sectors. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience in process design and optimization.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a "Head of" position in technology leadership within Switzerland, with 5-10 years of experience, and considering the responsibilities in IoT, telecommunications, and team management, a competitive annual salary range would likely be between CHF 140,000 and CHF 180,000. This estimate accounts for the high cost of living and the specialized skills required in Zurich.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

  • Generous pension plan contributions.

  • Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning, including relevant certifications and training.

  • Employee discounts on Swisscom products and services.

  • Flexible working arrangements where operations permit, balancing on-site presence with necessary flexibility.

  • Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours:

The role is designated as Full-Time, typically equating to 40 hours per week. While the position is on-site, there is an expectation of flexibility to manage operational needs, including potential involvement outside standard business hours for critical incidents or project deadlines.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on Swiss market data for similar leadership roles in technology and telecommunications, adjusted for the specific responsibilities and location. Benefits are typical for a large, established company like Swisscom, with a focus on employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Telecommunications, Information Technology, Internet of Things (IoT). Swisscom is a leading telecommunications provider in Switzerland, deeply involved in digital transformation and innovative technology solutions. The IoT sector is a key area of growth and strategic focus.

Company Size: Swisscom is a large enterprise, employing a significant number of people, which means established processes, a structured environment, and numerous opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and career development.

Founded: Swisscom has a long history, evolving from the Swiss PTT, providing a stable and reputable corporate background. This history suggests a culture that values reliability and long-term vision, while actively pursuing innovation.

Team Structure:

  • The Design & Delivery IoT team is part of the larger IoT division and comprises approximately 15 employees.

  • The Head of Design & Delivery IoT will likely report into a senior management position within the IoT or Technology division.

Methodology:

  • Data-driven decision-making is a core principle, with a focus on performance metrics, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

  • Process optimization is continuous, aiming to enhance service delivery, reduce costs, and improve customer experience.

  • Agile methodologies may be employed for product development and project management, fostering flexibility and rapid iteration.

  • Strong emphasis on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and building a culture of continuous improvement.

Company Website: https://www.swisscom.ch/en/about/company.html

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Swisscom's position as a major national telecommunications provider implies a culture that balances stability with innovation. The IoT team operates at the forefront of technological advancement, requiring a dynamic and forward-thinking approach. The company's size offers a robust framework for operations, but also necessitates strong leadership to navigate complexity.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the IoT operations domain. It's a strategic role responsible for a specific team and outcome-driven delivery, bridging technical execution with business objectives. It requires a blend of deep technical understanding and strong management capabilities.

Reporting Structure:

The Head of Design & Delivery IoT will report to a Director or VP level within the IoT or broader Technology organization. They will directly manage a team of approximately 15 professionals, including engineers, developers, and support staff, and will also oversee relationships with external operational teams and suppliers.

Operations Impact:

This role has a direct impact on Swisscom's ability to successfully design, deliver, and operate its Internet of Things solutions. Effective management of product development, operational stability, and customer fulfillment is crucial for customer satisfaction, revenue generation, and the company's competitive positioning in the growing IoT market. Strategic decisions made by this leader will influence technology choices, operational efficiency, and the overall customer experience.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization: Deepen expertise within specific IoT verticals or emerging technologies.

  • Leadership Expansion: Potential to lead larger teams or broader operational domains within Swisscom's technology division.

  • Strategic Initiatives: Involvement in shaping Swisscom's future IoT strategy and roadmap.

  • Industry Recognition: Opportunities to represent Swisscom at industry events and contribute to the broader IoT community.

  • Skill Development: Access to advanced training programs, leadership workshops, and potential for executive education related to technology management and business strategy.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This is a significant leadership opportunity for an operations professional looking to make a substantial impact in a growing technology sector. The role offers a clear path for career advancement within a large, established organization, with opportunities for both technical and managerial growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Swisscom's headquarters or a major office location in Zurich, which typically signifies a modern, well-equipped corporate environment designed for collaboration and productivity.

Office Location(s): Pfingstweidstrasse 51, 8005 ZΓΌrich, Switzerland. This location is likely well-connected by public transportation, a common feature for major Swiss business hubs.

Workspace Context:

  • The workspace is designed to foster collaboration among the Design & Delivery IoT team members and with other departments.

  • Access to advanced tools, technologies, and infrastructure necessary for IoT development, testing, and operations will be provided.

  • Opportunities for regular interaction with colleagues, cross-functional teams, and potentially external partners, supporting a dynamic work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is 40 hours. While primarily on-site, Swisscom generally supports a degree of flexibility, allowing for work-life balance, provided operational demands and team collaboration needs are met. The nature of the role may require occasional adjustments to the schedule to address critical operational issues or project timelines.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Zurich emphasizes the importance of team presence, direct collaboration, and hands-on leadership for this role. The environment is expected to be professional and conducive to complex technical and operational work.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of your CV and cover letter to assess alignment with the core requirements, especially technical background and leadership experience.

  • Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with Jasmin Brugger (Talent Acquisition Manager) and potentially the hiring manager to explore your experience, leadership style, and understanding of IoT operations.

  • Technical & Operational Assessment: This may involve case studies, problem-solving exercises, or detailed discussions about your experience in product development, platform management, supplier collaboration, and operational process design. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your experience.

  • Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key team members or cross-functional stakeholders to assess cultural fit, collaboration abilities, and leadership approach.

  • Final Interview: Potentially a conversation with a senior executive to discuss strategic vision and overall fit within Swisscom's leadership team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Relevant Examples: Focus on projects demonstrating your leadership in IoT product design, platform development, operational excellence, and team management.

  • Quantify Achievements: For each project, highlight quantifiable results: e.g., improvements in uptime, reduction in incident resolution time, successful product launches, cost savings through supplier negotiation, or efficiency gains from process improvements.

  • Showcase Process Ownership: Be ready to explain your approach to defining, implementing, and optimizing operational processes, particularly for fulfillment and support in a technical, service-oriented environment.

  • Highlight Leadership Impact: Demonstrate how you have mentored, developed, and led technical teams to achieve business objectives.

  • Tailor to Swisscom: Research Swisscom's current IoT initiatives and market position to articulate how your experience directly addresses their strategic needs.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Operational Process Design: Be prepared to discuss how you would design or improve a process for a specific IoT scenario (e.g., onboarding a new customer solution, managing a major service disruption, or optimizing hardware procurement).

  • Team Leadership Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing underperforming team members, resolving conflicts, motivating a diverse technical team, and fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.

  • Supplier Management: Prepare to discuss strategies for selecting, managing, and optimizing relationships with technical suppliers, including contract negotiation and performance monitoring.

  • Technical Acumen: Refresh your knowledge on core IoT technologies, mobile networks, embedded systems, and network infrastructure.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be multi-stage, assessing technical depth, leadership capability, operational acumen, and cultural fit. A strong emphasis will be placed on demonstrating practical experience and quantifiable achievements through case studies and scenario-based questions.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • IoT Platforms: Experience with various IoT platforms (e.g., AWS IoT, Azure IoT Hub, Google Cloud IoT, or proprietary platforms) and their integration capabilities.

  • Cloud Services: Familiarity with major cloud providers (AWS, Azure, GCP) for hosting and managing IoT solutions.

  • Network Simulation & Monitoring Tools: Proficiency in tools used for network performance analysis, troubleshooting, and monitoring (e.g., Wireshark, SolarWinds, Nagios).

  • Embedded Development Tools: Experience with IDEs, compilers, and debugging tools relevant to embedded software development for IoT devices.

  • Configuration Management: Tools for device configuration and staging (e.g., Ansible, Chef, Puppet, or custom scripting).

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Data Analytics Platforms: Experience with tools for analyzing large datasets generated by IoT devices (e.g., Splunk, Elasticsearch, data warehousing solutions).

  • Business Intelligence Tools: Proficiency in BI tools for creating dashboards and reports (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, QlikView) to track operational KPIs and business performance.

  • Performance Monitoring Tools: Systems for real-time monitoring of device and platform health.

CRM & Automation:

  • CRM Systems: Familiarity with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce) for managing customer interactions and pre-sales activities.

  • Project Management Software: Tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for managing development and delivery workflows.

  • Automation & Orchestration Tools: Experience with tools that automate deployment, configuration, and operational tasks.

  • IT Service Management (ITSM) Tools: Familiarity with ITSM frameworks and tools (e.g., ServiceNow) for managing incidents, changes, and service requests.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The technology stack for an IoT Head of Design & Delivery is broad, encompassing cloud, networking, embedded systems, data analytics, and operational management tools. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency and strategic use of these technologies.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Innovation & Agility: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to drive the IoT business forward, with a willingness to adapt quickly to market changes.

  • Customer Centricity: Prioritizing customer needs and experience in all aspects of product design, delivery, and support, ensuring solutions provide tangible value.

  • Excellence in Execution: A commitment to high-quality standards in development, operations, and service delivery, focusing on reliability and performance.

  • Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an open environment where knowledge is shared, feedback is constructive, and cross-functional teamwork is paramount.

  • Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for outcomes, driving initiatives to completion, and proactively solving problems within the team and across departments.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Actively partnering with Sales, Marketing, Product Management, and other engineering teams to ensure seamless product development and go-to-market strategies.

  • Open Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication channels with direct reports, peers, and senior management, particularly during critical operational events.

  • Supplier Partnership: Building strong, collaborative relationships with external vendors and service providers to ensure optimal performance and value.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging a culture where best practices are shared, lessons learned are applied, and continuous improvement is a collective effort.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The culture at Swisscom, particularly within an innovative area like IoT, likely emphasizes a blend of Swiss precision and forward-thinking dynamism. The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader who fosters a collaborative and accountable team environment.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with the fast-changing landscape of IoT technologies, standards, and security threats requires continuous learning and strategic adaptation.

  • Complexity of IoT Ecosystems: Managing diverse hardware, software, network protocols, and cloud integrations presents significant operational and technical challenges.

  • Scalability and Reliability: Ensuring IoT solutions can scale effectively to meet growing customer demand while maintaining high levels of reliability and uptime.

  • Supplier Dependency: Managing relationships with multiple external suppliers and ensuring their performance meets Swisscom's standards and customer expectations.

  • Talent Acquisition & Retention: Attracting and retaining skilled engineers and operations professionals in a competitive market for IoT expertise.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced IoT Technologies: Access to training and certifications in emerging IoT domains (e.g., AIoT, edge computing, 5G for IoT, cybersecurity for connected devices).

  • Leadership Development Programs: Participation in Swisscom's internal leadership training, focusing on strategic management, change leadership, and team building.

  • Industry Conferences & Forums: Opportunities to attend leading IoT and telecommunications conferences to stay abreast of industry trends and network with peers.

  • Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within Swisscom or to mentor junior team members, fostering leadership growth.

  • Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining deeper understanding of other business functions within Swisscom through collaborative projects.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role operates in a dynamic and challenging field. The company's commitment to learning and development suggests a supportive environment for professionals who are eager to grow and tackle complex problems.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • Operational Strategy: "Describe your approach to designing and optimizing operational processes for a new IoT product launch. What key metrics would you track?" Prepare to discuss framework (e.g., ITIL, Lean) and specific KPIs for development, delivery, and support.

  • Team Leadership & Development: "How do you foster innovation and accountability within a technical team? Share an example of a time you had to motivate a team through a challenging project." Focus on leadership philosophies, performance management, and team motivation techniques.

  • Problem-Solving & Incident Management: "Walk me through a complex technical or operational challenge you faced in a previous role and how you resolved it. What was the outcome?" Be ready to present a structured approach to problem-solving, emphasizing root cause analysis and mitigation.

Company & Culture Questions:

  • Swisscom's IoT Vision: "What are your thoughts on Swisscom's role in the IoT market, and how would your team contribute to its strategic goals?" Research Swisscom's recent IoT announcements and strategic direction.

  • Collaboration Style: "How do you ensure effective collaboration between your team, sales, and external suppliers?" Prepare examples of successful cross-functional partnerships and vendor management strategies.

  • Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success and impact of your operations team on the business?" Focus on linking operational metrics to business outcomes like revenue, customer satisfaction, and cost efficiency.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure Your Case Studies: For each key achievement or project, use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework. Clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the steps you took, and the quantifiable results.

  • Focus on Process & Delivery: Showcase your ability to manage the end-to-end lifecycle of IoT solutions, from design through to operational delivery and support. Highlight any process improvements you implemented.

  • Demonstrate Leadership: Explain how you led teams, managed stakeholders, and navigated complex technical and business environments.

  • Visual Aids: If possible, use simple diagrams or charts to illustrate complex processes, system architectures, or performance trends.

  • Conciseness and Clarity: Be prepared to present your most impactful work efficiently and answer detailed questions about your contributions.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of IoT operations, proven leadership capabilities, and a strategic, data-driven approach to problem-solving. Candidates should be ready to articulate their experience with concrete examples and quantifiable results.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on the Swisscom careers portal.

  • Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your technical education, experience in telecommunications, IoT, embedded systems, network technology, and leadership roles. Use keywords from the job description such as "Product Development," "Platform Development," "Supplier Management," "Team Leadership," and "Operational Processes."

  • Prepare Your Portfolio Narrative: Identify 2-3 key projects or achievements that best showcase your experience in leading design, delivery, and operations of technical solutions. Be ready to discuss these in detail, focusing on quantifiable results and your leadership impact.

  • Research Swisscom: Understand their current IoT offerings, market position, and strategic priorities to articulate how your skills and experience align with their business objectives.

  • Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for common interview questions related to technical leadership, operational management, team motivation, and problem-solving, using specific examples from your career.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.


Application Requirements

Candidates should have a technical degree in fields like electrical engineering or computer science, along with extensive experience in telecommunications. Leadership experience in technical teams and strong communication skills in multiple languages are essential.