DB International Operations, headquartered in Berlin, is part of the Deutsche Bahn Group and acquires, mobilizes, and manages rail operations and maintenance projects outside Europe. We establish new railway operating companies, ensure high standards of quality and performance, and implement industry best practices worldwide for our customers, our employees, and the benefit of the environment.

We are looking for you as COO Project and Operations Competence Center (f/m/d) for Deutsche Bahn International Operations GmbH located in Berlin as soon as possible.
This role represents the core of DB International Operations, combining leadership, operational responsibility, and bid project management into a single, integrated mandate. It spans the full lifecycle from business development and bid preparation through the ramp-up and mobilization of operating companies, trial operations, and the transition into stable operations and maintenance. Acting as the central orchestrator between strategy, technology, and operations, the position leads a strong, highly specialized, and independent team that ensures technical excellence, operational readiness, and sustainable project delivery across international rail projects.

Your tasks:


- You ensure the preparation of competitive, safe, and commercially viable bid proposals, translating technical and operational requirements into robust delivery concepts for international rail projects
- You develop, implement, and continuously refine standardized frameworks, methods, processes, and tools covering bidding, mobilization, and operational readiness in line with DB Group standards
- The end-to-end management of mobilization, ramp-up, trial operations, and start of service for international rail operations is governed by you in accordance with contractual and regulatory requirements
- Governance structures, performance frameworks, and compliance mechanisms are defined, monitored, and further developed by you to ensure lean, safe, and high-quality operations across operating companies
- You orchestrate project managers, subject matter experts, and technical delivery structures across business units, partners, and operating companies to ensure effective project execution and knowledge transfer
- Additionally, you assume board mandates and supervisory board responsibilities for selected operating companies, actively shaping strategic, technical, and operational decision-making
- Quality audits, comprehensive risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives are driven by you to mitigate operational risks and strengthen long-term performance and resilience


Your profile:


- You have successfully completed a university degree in engineering or another related technical discipline and/or business administration, mirroring a solid foundation in commercial and business management as well as leadership
- You have an extensive track record in the field of (international) railway operations and maintenance and a sound understanding of rail based systems in general
- With your strong project delivery expertise you can balance both technical operational and commercial requirements
- Given the ability to evaluate risks, performance, and organizational indicators, you drive performance through setting clear objectives and are dedicated to achieving measurable progress
- Additionally, you demonstrate strong leadership acumen with a pronounced operational focus, enabling you to steer complex initiatives and align diverse internal and external stakeholders
- As a leader, you are able to adjust to changing circumstances and project dynamics, possessing unwavering determination, remaining calm under pressure and being unafraid to face challenges
- Furthermore, you bring deep intercultural and governance expertise, allowing you to navigate multinational environments and complex decision-making structures effectively


What matters to us:

Our commitment is to offer all candidates with equal eligibility the same opportunities to join us. We actively promote diversity and cooperation in our teams. We value every application, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, ideology, disability, age, length of unemployment, orientation and identity.

Deine Vorteile
* Fascinating projects and tasks at one of the most diverse employers in the country demand your skills and are ready for you to leave your mark.
* Targeted and individual development opportunities on the job or at expert, project or management level give you a long-term perspective.
* We promote flexible, individual working models and, where operationally possible, provide support through modern forms of work such as mobile working.

Equal opportunities and self-determined participation for severely disabled persons and persons of equal status, as well as respectful cooperation, are firmly established principles within the DB Group. For this reason, severely disabled applicants and applicants of equal status will be given preferential consideration if they are equally qualified.
Furthermore, we are committed to offering all candidates the same opportunities for career entry, training, and further education, regardless of their social or ethnic background, gender, religion or worldview, age, or identity and orientation. We consciously promote diversity and cooperation within our teams.