Referent für Digitalisierung (m/w/d) - Job Opportunity at Handwerkskammer für München und Oberbayern

München, Germany
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: June 23, 2025
Hybrid
EUR 55,000 - 70,000 annually, based on the mid-level requirements, Munich location premium, and public sector compensation standards. The role's strategic importance and AI advisory responsibilities suggest positioning in the upper portion of this range, with additional benefits potentially increasing total compensation value by 15-20%.

Benefits

Comprehensive work-life balance package including flexible working hours and home office options, positioning the employer as progressive in post-pandemic workplace flexibility
Extended vacation entitlement of 30 days plus flexible time off, exceeding German statutory minimums and demonstrating commitment to employee wellbeing
Transportation cost subsidies reducing commuting expenses and supporting sustainable mobility choices
Enhanced healthcare coverage through supplementary company health insurance, providing security beyond statutory requirements
Professional development investment through individualized career advancement programs, showing commitment to employee growth
Competitive compensation structure with employer allowances and annual bonus payments, ensuring total rewards competitiveness
Team building and engagement through organized company events, fostering workplace culture and employee retention
Long-term financial security through company pension scheme, demonstrating commitment to employee futures

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic digital transformation initiatives that modernize traditional crafts industry operations, positioning the organization as a leader in Industry 4.0 adoption within the trades sector
Lead comprehensive process optimization projects that directly impact operational efficiency across multiple departments, serving as the primary change agent for digital modernization efforts
Serve as the organization's central artificial intelligence advisor, guiding strategic AI implementation decisions that will shape the future competitive advantage of member businesses
Orchestrate complex system integrations and digital platform developments, including customer portal enhancements that directly impact member satisfaction and service delivery
Manage high-stakes vendor selection and procurement processes for mission-critical IT solutions, ensuring strategic technology investments align with long-term organizational objectives
Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration on digital initiatives, acting as the bridge between technical requirements and business objectives while managing stakeholder expectations at executive level

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in business administration or information technology, ideally with specialization in digitalization and process management

Experience

Proven experience in process management and cloud-based project management, as well as implementation of digital tools

Required Skills

High IT affinity Experience in process and cloud-based project management Implementation of digital tools Knowledge of agile project management methods Very good analytical abilities Challenge-oriented mindset Innovative solution development Strong communicative abilities Willingness to change Reliable work approach High level of initiative Team spirit Courage Humor
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The German crafts industry is undergoing unprecedented digital transformation, driven by labor shortages and the need for operational efficiency. Traditional Handwerkskammern are investing heavily in digital infrastructure to support their 1 million member businesses in adopting Industry 4.0 technologies. This role represents the broader shift from manual administrative processes to AI-powered digital services that can serve both the chamber and its diverse membership base. Artificial Intelligence integration in traditional industries has become a strategic imperative, with organizations seeking dedicated AI advisors who can bridge the gap between complex technology and practical business applications. The crafts sector, historically slow to adopt new technologies, is now accelerating digital adoption to remain competitive with larger industrial players. Cloud-based process management and agile methodologies are becoming standard requirements in German public and semi-public organizations, as they modernize legacy systems to meet citizen and member expectations for digital-first service delivery. The focus on customer portals and digital service offerings reflects the broader trend toward omnichannel member engagement.

Role Significance

Likely leading matrix teams of 3-5 internal stakeholders per project, with coordination responsibilities across multiple departments. The role appears to function as a center of excellence for digital transformation, suggesting influence over 15-20 staff members indirectly through process improvement initiatives.
Mid-to-senior individual contributor role with significant strategic influence, reporting likely to executive leadership given the cross-departmental nature and AI advisory responsibilities. The position carries substantial autonomy in decision-making for digital strategy and vendor selection, indicating trust in the role holder's judgment for mission-critical initiatives.

Key Projects

Implementation of comprehensive digital member service platforms that could serve 50,000+ businesses AI-powered process automation projects that eliminate manual administrative tasks and improve response times Cloud migration initiatives for legacy systems supporting critical chamber operations Development of industry-specific digital tools that member businesses can adopt for their own operations

Success Factors

Ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable business strategies that resonate with traditional industry stakeholders who may be skeptical of rapid technological change Strong stakeholder management skills to navigate the political dynamics of a semi-public organization while driving meaningful change across established departmental silos Deep understanding of both German regulatory requirements and modern digital solutions, ensuring compliance while achieving innovation objectives Proven track record in change management within traditional industries, demonstrating ability to overcome resistance to digital transformation initiatives

Market Demand

High demand driven by urgent digitalization needs across traditional German industries and the shortage of professionals who can bridge business strategy with technical implementation in AI and process optimization.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Process management and optimization expertise is essential as the role involves redesigning workflows that have operated unchanged for decades, requiring deep understanding of both current state analysis and future state design methodologies AI and digital technology fluency is crucial for credibly advising stakeholders on technology adoption decisions that will determine competitive positioning for years to come Stakeholder management and communication skills are vital for building consensus among diverse groups including traditional craftsmen, technology vendors, executive leadership, and government officials Project management capabilities using agile methodologies are fundamental for delivering complex technology implementations within budget and timeline constraints while managing changing requirements

Beneficial Skills

Industry knowledge of German craft sector regulations and business models would accelerate effectiveness in understanding member needs and compliance requirements Experience with public sector procurement processes would streamline vendor selection and contract negotiation activities Fluency in emerging technologies beyond AI, such as IoT, blockchain, or augmented reality, could provide additional strategic options for member service enhancement Change management certification or experience would support the substantial organizational transformation aspects of the role

Unique Aspects

Rare opportunity to shape digital transformation strategy for an entire industry sector, with direct impact on thousands of small businesses and their digital adoption journey
Central role as AI advisor positions the incumbent as a thought leader in artificial intelligence applications within traditional industries, a rapidly growing niche expertise area
Combination of strategic planning, hands-on implementation, and stakeholder management across diverse business types, from traditional craftsmen to modern service providers
Access to extensive industry networks and partnerships that extend far beyond typical corporate boundaries, including government agencies, educational institutions, and international trade organizations

Career Growth

Typical progression to senior leadership roles within 3-5 years, given the strategic nature of the position and the rapid evolution of digital transformation requirements in traditional industries.

Potential Next Roles

Head of Digital Transformation or Chief Digital Officer roles within larger chambers of commerce or similar trade organizations Senior consulting positions with management consulting firms specializing in digital transformation for traditional industries Leadership roles in government digitalization initiatives or smart city projects Strategic technology management positions within mid-sized German Mittelstand companies undergoing digital transformation

Company Overview

Handwerkskammer für München und Oberbayern

The Handwerkskammer für München und Oberbayern represents one of Germany's most economically significant regional chambers, serving the greater Munich metropolitan area which includes over 100,000 craft businesses. As a statutory body of public law, it plays a crucial role in vocational training, business support, and regulatory oversight for the traditional crafts sector in Bavaria's economic powerhouse region.

Leading position among German regional craft chambers, benefiting from Munich's status as a major economic center and the presence of numerous innovative small and medium enterprises. The chamber's influence extends beyond traditional crafts into modern technical services and digital business models, making it a benchmark for other regional chambers.
Central to Bavaria's craft economy with substantial influence over policy development and industry standards. The Munich location provides access to top talent, major technology vendors, and innovative partnerships with universities and research institutions, positioning the organization at the forefront of industry modernization efforts.
Traditional German public sector stability combined with increasing emphasis on innovation and digital-first approaches. The organization balances the security and structured processes of public service with the urgency of digital transformation, creating an environment that values both reliability and creative problem-solving.
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