Working at Freudenberg: We will wow your world!
Responsibilities:
1. Global R&D Strategy: Define and own the strategy based on customer and technology insights, in collaboration with Global Marketing, SCM, and Front End teams
2. Technical Excellence: Ensure strategies, processes, tools, and resources for technical excellence in all international projects, including new and upgraded products, SCM optimization, research, and ideation
3. Leadership and Coaching: Lead and coach global R&D leaders, manage the R&D and IP budget, set KPIs, and prioritize resources
4. Project Roadmap: Co-define, maintain, and drive the global NPD/project roadmap with Global Marketing and SCM, ensuring product quality and supporting the IP strategy
5. Capability Development: Develop global R&D capabilities to stay ahead of market dynamics, technologies, and trends
Qualifications:
6. 10+ years leading R&D organizations and complex innovation projects
7. Master's degree in technical/natural sciences (e.g., mechanical/chemical engineering); PhD preferred
8. Fluent in English and German
9. Expertise in innovation processes, ideation, creativity tools/methods, and IP
10. Strong understanding of end-user insights, research, and broad technical knowledge in technologies, production, materials, QA, and regulatory fields
11. Visionary mindset with creative strategic thinking and ability to translate insights into winning innovations and drive ideas forward
12. Strong leadership, motivational skills, and networking abilities