In Härtel, Union are getting the services of an experienced coach with a long playing and managerial career already behind him. The 56-year-old, born in Rochlitz, began as a defender at 1. FC Lokomotive Leipzig before playing for 1. FC Union Berlin for five years between 1993 and 2000. He played joined FSV Zwickau in 1996 before returning to Köpenick after two seasons. Overall, Härtel made 158 competitive appearances for Union, scoring an impressive 26 times as a defender. He was voted "Unioner of the Year" in 1999. After his time in Köpenick, Härtel played at Sachsen Leipzig, SV Babelsberg 03, and Germania Schöneiche before hanging up his football boots in 2005.

It was while in Schöneiche that he began his coaching career. After stints at Babelsberg, Berliner AK, and Rasenballsport Leipzig's U-19s, Härtel landed at 1. FC Magdeburg in 2014, leading them from the Regionalliga to the 2. Bundesliga. In 2019, Härtel signed with F.C. Hansa Rostock, with whom he also achieved promotion to the 2. Bundesliga in 2021.

The UEFA Pro License holder then took the reins at second division club Eintracht Braunschweig before finally becoming head coach at third-division club Erzgebirge Aue, where he remained on the touchlines until January 2026.

“I am very much looking forward to my new role at Union and returning to a club with which I have a strong connection,” said Härtel about his new appointment and return to Union. “My goal is to develop the U-19 players both individually and as a team, to challenge them, support them, and prepare them in the best possible way for their next steps.”

“We are very happy to have been able to bring Jens Härtel on as a coach for our U-19s,” was Lutz Munack's view. Union's director of youth and amateur football, continued, “We are convinced that he can develop our best players both professionally and personally with his experience and will provide important input for their transition to professional football.”

Jens Härtel is taking over the team for the 2026/27 season, succeeding Daniel Schulz. Schulz had temporarily taken over the position from Marie-Louise Eta and will return to the U21 perspective team as planned for the new season.