diff --git a/roles/matrix-backup-borg/defaults/main.yml b/roles/matrix-backup-borg/defaults/main.yml
index 89381788..de086ebd 100644
--- a/roles/matrix-backup-borg/defaults/main.yml
+++ b/roles/matrix-backup-borg/defaults/main.yml
@@ -26,8 +26,11 @@ matrix_backup_borg_systemd_required_services_list: ['docker.service']
 # List of systemd services that matrix-backup-borg.service wants
 matrix_backup_borg_systemd_wanted_services_list: []
 
-# systemd calendar configuration for backup job
+# systemd calendar configuration for the backup job
+# the actual job may run with a delay (see matrix_backup_borg_schedule_randomized_delay_sec)
 matrix_backup_borg_schedule: "*-*-* 04:00:00"
+# the delay with which the systemd timer may run in relation to the `matrix_backup_borg_schedule` schedule
+matrix_backup_borg_schedule_randomized_delay_sec: 2h
 
 # what directories should be added to backup
 matrix_backup_borg_location_source_directories: []
diff --git a/roles/matrix-backup-borg/templates/systemd/matrix-backup-borg.timer.j2 b/roles/matrix-backup-borg/templates/systemd/matrix-backup-borg.timer.j2
index 541d0020..fdafef76 100644
--- a/roles/matrix-backup-borg/templates/systemd/matrix-backup-borg.timer.j2
+++ b/roles/matrix-backup-borg/templates/systemd/matrix-backup-borg.timer.j2
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ Description=Matrix Borg Backup timer
 [Timer]
 Unit=matrix-backup-borg.service
 OnCalendar={{ matrix_backup_borg_schedule }}
-RandomizedDelaySec=2h
+RandomizedDelaySec={{ matrix_backup_borg_schedule_randomized_delay_sec }}
 
 [Install]
 WantedBy=timers.target