Managing Director

Role overview

Workrate is a specialised provider of physical security services for datacenters and other mission-critical settings across Europe. Its work is centred on delivering on-site security operations through disciplined processes, well-trained teams and consistently high service standards.

The business in Germany has already achieved significant scale, supported by an established client portfolio and a strong market position. The next stage of development is about making the organisation more structured, professional and ready for controlled expansion. To succeed, the company needs a leader who combines commercial momentum with operational rigour and clear organisational direction.

The Managing Director Germany will take full responsibility for the German business unit and report directly to the CEO based in Amsterdam. This person will be accountable for overall performance, growth, team effectiveness and the continued development of the organisation. The position blends commercial leadership, operational oversight and people development, with full end-to-end ownership of the business unit.

Responsibilities

• Own the full profit and loss for Workrate Germany.
• Lead efforts to win new customers and grow revenue from existing accounts.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key clients, serving as the senior commercial contact.
• Recruit, guide and develop the local management team and operational workforce.
• Bring stronger structure, accountability and clarity to the organisation.
• Make sure service delivery remains consistent, high quality and operationally effective.
• Set up and sustain the processes, systems and reporting needed for scale.
• Work closely with Operations, HR and Finance to support performance and planning.

Requirements

• Demonstrated ownership of a business unit P&L, ideally in the €20M+ range.
• Strong history of securing new business and expanding existing client relationships.
• Background in people-heavy B2B service sectors such as security, facilities, staffing or outsourcing.
• Experience leading teams, including the development of a management layer.
• Proven ability to manage a business end to end across commercial, operational and financial areas.
• Sound commercial judgement and solid business acumen.
• Prior experience in a senior commercial or general management position.
• Exposure to datacenters, critical infrastructure or similar environments would be a significant advantage.
• Leadership style that is structured, steady and consistent.
• Practical, hands-on mindset with a strong bias toward execution.
• Capability to build ownership within teams and manage people effectively.
• Comfort operating in a direct, low-hierarchy environment.
• Strong analytical and financial understanding.

What makes this opportunity stand out

This position gives you the chance to lead and further shape an established business unit in Germany that operates at scale within the datacenter and critical infrastructure space. The emphasis is on strengthening organisation, performance and clarity while also driving commercial growth and deepening client partnerships.

You will have a broad mandate combining commercial leadership, operational control and team development, with direct influence on delivery and results across the business. Working closely with the CEO and the wider international leadership group, the role offers substantial ownership and responsibility, with scope that aligns with Managing Director level.

About Workrate

Workrate focuses on physical security services for datacenters and critical infrastructure. Originating in the Netherlands, the company now operates internationally across the UK, Germany and France, supporting some of Europe’s largest datacenter providers.

The organisation is built around operational discipline and a people-oriented culture. It works with a flat structure, clear accountability and a strong emphasis on quality and execution. Team members are expected to take ownership and contribute actively, while clients depend on reliable, consistent service in environments where continuity matters.

Application process

The application process for this role is handled exclusively by Sterling & Holmes. Applications should be submitted to Stefan van der Valk at Sterling & Holmes Executive Search via the provided email contact.