Konstantin Simonow
Head of Cyber Defense Unit
Experience
Head of Cyber Defense Unit
Simonow Consulting GmbH
- Established the Cyber Defense Unit following a major cybersecurity incident
- Recruited a team of Cybersecurity Architects, Engineers and Senior Security Analysts
- Managed the team’s resources and activities in defining and implementing a target cybersecurity architecture, monitoring the IT landscape, detecting and responding to security events and incidents, and consulting other IT stakeholders in their efforts to improve the organization’s cybersecurity posture (comparable to Technical CISO role)
- Led the separation of Information Security (governance, risk, compliance) and Cyberdefense Unit (technical cybersecurity), in close collaboration with the CISO
- Led the selection and onboarding of external Security Operations Center (MSSP)
Project Manager Recovery from a Major Cybersecurity Incident
Simonow Consulting GmbH
- Part of the crisis response organization, managed parts of the recovery project from a major ransomware attack
- Managed the restoration efforts for several critical IT systems and the complete recovery of a heavily impacted site in the UK after the initial containment and eradication efforts
- Coordinated efforts on-site with headquarters and the global IT organization
- Managed priorities, resources, stakeholders, and reported to the board and Global Project Lead
IT Project Manager Post-Merger Integration
Simonow Consulting GmbH
- Managed the integration of a new production site into a medium-sized pharmaceutical company
- Responsible for planning and implementation of infrastructure and systems, data migration, IT service management processes, and organizational changes
- Led a project team comprising employees from the customer and target company, using Jira and Confluence for project documentation
- Handled service provider and stakeholder management in an international environment (Germany, France, Italy, UK)
Programme Manager IT Security, Compliance, and Quality
Simonow Consulting GmbH
- Oversaw a risk mitigation and compliance program (GxP, ISO27001, SOX)
- Managed projects focused on standardizing IT management processes in a regulated environment and implementing an Information Security Management System (ISMS) with certification
- Responsible for project teams, planning, progress monitoring, reporting, and stakeholder management
- Utilized both waterfall and agile project management methods (SCRUM) with Jira/Confluence
IT Project Manager Construction and Commissioning of a Large Distribution Center
Simonow Consulting GmbH
- Managed the IT part of a project to build and commission a global distribution center with complete IT equipment (infrastructure, warehouse management systems, integration ERP) and intralogistics in a regulated environment (medical products)
- Oversaw the on-budget and timely provision of the entire IT infrastructure, devices, and setup of the warehouse management system with integration with the customer ERP system
- Conceptualized IT service management processes for support during operations and drafted and negotiated SLAs
- Managed software partners, consultants, and the internal project team
CIO Consultant Realignment of IT Organization and Development of Comprehensive IT Governance Framework
Simonow Consulting GmbH
- Advised the CIO on the realignment of the IT organization and developed an IT governance system
- Prepared decision documents for configuring the IT organization and introducing appropriate governance mechanisms
Project Manager GDPR Compliance
Simonow Consulting GmbH
- Oversaw a project to ensure full compliance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for Germany’s largest cruise-operator with millions of customers
- Revised project content, planning, and implementation control after a previous failed attempt with another project manager
- Worked closely with DPO, IT management and functional management to ensure compliance across all affected processes and systems
- Reported directly to the CIO, management, and steering committees at Group level
Project Manager Process Management and Organizational Change of IT Service Management Processes
Simonow Consulting GmbH
- Managed a project aimed at reorganizing the customer's IT service desk and standardizing helpdesk processes company-wide using Atlassian Jira
- Led the project team, analysed existing processes, and developed target processes based on ITIL reference processes
- Managed an external implementation partner for Jira requirements (automation, reporting, etc.)
Management Trainer Roadmap Industry 4.0
Simonow Consulting GmbH
- Planned and implemented an Industry 4.0 workshop for various stakeholders (production and logistics management)
- Researched Industry 4.0, delivered keynote speech, and moderated the workshop to develop a roadmap for the location
Programme Manager Building a Global Parcel Distribution Network
Simonow Consulting GmbH
- Managed the introduction of a global parcel service and establishment of a global distribution network involving postal services and parcel service providers worldwide
- Oversaw all projects from IT to marketing/sales, including risk and stakeholder management
- Reported directly to the Management Board of the Lead Carrier
Business Analyst and Requirements Manager Enterprise Data Warehouse and Business Intelligence Solution
Simonow Consulting GmbH
- Developed a group-wide Data Warehouse and Business Intelligence solution for over 100 legally independent companies in 16 countries
- Analysed the company's strategy, business model, and organizational structure
- Defined the information strategy, key performance indicator system, and requirements in workshops with stakeholders from all affected functions, e.g. procurement, marketing, sales, logistics, finance
Programme Manager Establishment of a European Parcel Network
Simonow Consulting GmbH
- Developed a Europe-wide parcel network by integrating several carriers in European core and growth markets
- Managed scope, planning, monitoring, risk management, and stakeholder management
Business Process Optimizer Listed Private Equity Company
Simonow Consulting GmbH
- Collected, documented, and analysed the current process landscape, developing target processes and an IT concept
- Compared industry-specific software solutions for private equity companies
Process Developer Introduction of Company-Wide Process Management
Simonow Consulting GmbH
- Introduced business process management across the company, creating organizational foundations and improving processes
- Consulted on the design of the process management organization and developed high-level process maps for various functional areas
Organizational Consultant Realignment of Internal IT
Simonow Consulting GmbH
- Analysed and developed a concept for a target organization and an IT operating model to create a service-oriented IT organization
- Defined IT services, processes, roles, and responsibilities
IT Project Manager and Management Consultant Establishment of a Parcel Service Provider in Russia
Simonow Consulting GmbH
- Managed market entry and development of a parcel service provider in Russia as part of a Russian-German joint venture
- Strategically analysed, defined business services and processes, and established governance structures
Process Consultant SAP-APO Rollout
Simonow Consulting GmbH
- Implemented SAP APO for cost-optimized, capacity-aware, and on-schedule production planning and control
- Collected and documented actual processes and developed target processes considering SAP APO features
Organizational Consultant Project Management Methodology
Simonow Consulting GmbH
- Standardized the procedure for ECM implementation projects based on risk classes (investment volume)
- Developed a project management concept based on common standards (PRINCE and PMBOK)
Industries Experience
See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time. Longer bars indicate deeper hands-on experience, while shorter ones reflect targeted or project-based work.
Experienced in Professional Services (6.5 years), Transportation (5.5 years), Information Technology (3 years), Pharmaceutical (1.5 years), Tourism (1.5 years), and Banking and Finance (0.5 years).
Business Areas Experience
The graph below provides a cumulative view of the freelancer's experience across multiple business areas, calculated from completed and active engagements. It highlights the areas where the freelancer has most frequently contributed to planning, execution, and delivery of business outcomes.
Experienced in Project Management (10 years), Information Technology (8 years), Operations (8 years), Strategy (5.5 years), Supply Chain Management (3.5 years), and Quality Assurance (1.5 years).
Summary
- Seasoned Senior IT Project Leader with more than 15 years of experience in IT consulting, IT management, and project and program management.
- Strong understanding of business strategy, organizations, and technology/IT.
- Experienced in stakeholder management at all levels, up to C-suite
- Extensive experience in both waterfall and agile project management
- References include Evotec, Hermes, GLS, Fiege, AIDA Cruises, Phoenix Contact, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen.
Skills
15+ Years Of Experience In It Project Management (Classic & Agile Methodologies Like Pmi, Prince2, Scrum) And Leadership Of Diverse Teams Of Experts.
Proven Ability To Deliver Successful It And Change Projects Both Domestically And Internationally
Expertise In Implementing Project Management Tools (Jira, Confluence, Ms Project) And Saas Solutions To Improve Collaboration
Solid Understanding Of Technologies And Systems (Cloud, Big Data, Ai, Iot) And Cybersecurity (Iso27001, Nist, Security Architecture)
Excellent Communication And Interpersonal Skills, Adept At Simplifying Complex Issues And Building Stakeholder Relationships
Growth Mindset With A Passion For Continuous Learning And Adapting To New Challenges.
Lead The Build-up Of A Technical Cybersecurity Team Including Recruiting, Establishing A Target Operating Model, The Security Architecture, Selection And Onboarding Of An External Soc (Mssp).
Led The Development Of Digital Transformation Strategies, Including Business Model Innovation And Adoption Of New Technologies (Ai, Industry 4.0)
Performed Business Process Modeling And Optimization Using Various Methodologies (Epc, Bpmn, Lean, Six Sigma)
Managed Project Teams, Structures, And Processes To Achieve Project Goals
Provided Training And Coaching To Teams And Managers In Project Management
Demonstrated Leadership Through Refereeing Experience In The 1st Basketball Bundesliga And International Competitions (Incredibly Valuable Experience In Decision-making, Communication, And Teamwork Under Pressure).
Languages
Education
TU Berlin
Industrial Engineering Information and Communication Technology · Berlin, Germany
Certifications & licenses
Artificial Intelligence. Implications for Business Strategy
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School of Management
Professional Certificate SAP Technology Consultant
SAP and Coursera
Professional Scrum Master
Berlin Product People
Profile
Frequently asked questions
Do you have questions? Here you can find further information.
Where is Konstantin based?
What languages does Konstantin speak?
How many years of experience does Konstantin have?
What roles would Konstantin be best suited for?
What is Konstantin's latest experience?
What companies has Konstantin worked for in recent years?
Which industries is Konstantin most experienced in?
Which business areas is Konstantin most experienced in?
Which industries has Konstantin worked in recently?
Which business areas has Konstantin worked in recently?
What is Konstantin's education?
Does Konstantin have any certificates?
What is the availability of Konstantin?
What is the rate of Konstantin?
How to hire Konstantin?
Average rates for similar positions
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
Similar Freelancers
Discover other experts with similar qualifications and experience
Experts recently working on similar projects
Freelancers with hands-on experience in comparable project as a Head of Cyber Defense Unit
Nearby freelancers
Professionals working in or nearby Berlin, Germany