Manager Learning Technology & Operations

Manager Learning Technology & Operations (ID 1967)
The AO is a medically guided, not-for-profit organization, a global network of surgeons, and the world's leading education, innovation, and research organization specializing in the surgical treatment of trauma and musculoskeletal disorders. We are home to people from all over the world, from different backgrounds, with diverse talents and specialist areas. What binds us together is our passion for excellence, our dedication to our mission of improving patient care, and our understanding that we are stronger together: we are one AO.
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Manager Learning Technology & Operations (ID 1967)
Short Description
You will lead AO's Learning Technology & Operations team — a group of 4-6 specialists responsible for running, improving, and progressively modernizing the digital platform ecosystem that delivers education to 80,000+ surgeons annually. You set the direction for two workstreams: steady-state platform operations (LMS, video, adaptive learning, evaluation systems) and forward-looking AI and data architecture. You don't do this alone — AO IT owns infrastructure, security, and enterprise architecture. Your job is to build a productive partnership with IT that balances governance with speed, and to turn your team into a high-performing unit that bridges education and technology.
Main Responsibilities
Lead and develop the team
Hire, coach, and grow 4-6 specialists across platform operations, AI/data, and evaluation & assessment
Set priorities, distribute work, and manage dependencies across concurrent projects and vendor engagements
Conduct performance management, career development planning, and foster a culture of technical excellence
Shape the learning technology ecosystem
Oversee operations across AO's platform stack: Totara LMS, Kaltura, Area9, Bynder, Sitecore, Salesforce E&A, and AO Companion
Build and maintain a strong working interface with AO IT — co-owning platform decisions while ensuring compliance with IT governance and security standards
Manage vendor relationships: contracts, SLAs, sprint coordination, release management, and technical evaluation of new tools
Own the evaluation & assessment data pipeline — ensuring data from 1,000+ annual events is structured and turned into actionable insights
Drive AI and data strategy
Set the direction for AI-powered education tools: knowledge systems, intelligent content, personalized learning pathways
Guide the development of structured data assets: ontologies, knowledge graphs, and content metadata schemas
Evaluate emerging technologies and translate them into practical roadmap decisions
Represent learning technology in governance forums
Serve as the primary interface between Education Design and IT on all learning technology matters
Ensure the team operates within IT governance frameworks, security policies, and AI/data privacy standards set by the IT Steering Committee
Contribute to budget planning, technology investment decisions, and cross-functional governance reviews
Main Requirements
7+ years of experience in learning technology, digital platforms, AI/data systems, or enterprise integration — with at least 2 years leading a team. A relevant degree (e.g., computer science, information systems, educational technology) is valued but not required; equivalent practical experience is equally accepted
Track record managing complex digital ecosystems with multiple SaaS platforms, integrations, and vendor relationships
Technical depth: you understand APIs, data architectures, and AI/ML concepts well enough to guide your team and challenge vendor proposals
Hands-on coding or scripting capability (, JavaScript, SQL) for prototyping and technical validation
Experience building productive working relationships with IT departments — influencing without full ownership
Strong project management skills: agile, sprint planning, portfolio prioritization
Comfortable in an international, matrix-organized environment with multiple stakeholders
English fluency required; German is an advantage
Personal Attributes
You lead by setting direction and removing obstacles, not by micromanaging
You're technically curious — you want to understand how things work, not just that they work
You're comfortable with ambiguity: this team is being rebuilt, and you'll shape its identity
You balance pragmatism with vision — keeping the lights on while building for the future
You communicate clearly across technical and non-technical audiences
You care about developing people and building team capability, not just delivering projects
An interesting and varied job in an exciting and innovative organization
The opportunity to be part of a highly committed international team
Modern infrastructure
High degree of flexibility regarding working hours and location (depending on operational requirements)
Generous pagacke of social benefits, including supplementary vacation days and pension scheme contributions
Internal skills training opportunities and support for continued education jid75dc516a jit0417a jiy26a