We are seeking to recruit a Head of Innovation Delivery and Business Intelligence (f/m/d) for our Global Research & Development and Innovation (GRDI) department.
The Head of Innovation Delivery and Business Intelligence plays a central role in shaping, steering, and accelerating Heidelberg Materials’ Group Innovation Strategy. The position is accountable for translating strategic priorities into disciplined execution across a portfolio of high impact innovation initiatives, spanning short-, mid-, and long- term market horizons.
This is a leadership role suited for a professional with a strong strategic mindset and hands‑on delivery experience, who has experience at the intersection of innovation, analytics, and complex stakeholder environments. It combines portfolio management, insight generation, and organizational influence, with direct exposure to Group leadership and external partners.
In this position you lead a team of 4–8 professionals, including oversight of startup and ecosystem engagements, and act as a trusted partner to Senior Leaders across R&D, Innovation, Operations, and Corporate functions.
The position is based in Leimen, near our headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany, and reports to the position Vice President of Global R&D and Innovation.
YOUR NEXT CHALLENGE
Innovation Portfolio Leadership & Execution
1. Lead and steer the Group Innovation portfolio across short-, mid-, and long- term market horizons, ensuring alignment with the Group Innovation Strategy
2. Provide fact-based decision support for innovation initiatives leveraging market, regulatory, supply chain, and IP insights and proactively disseminate relevant insights across the Group
3. Ensure disciplined execution of innovation initiatives, including timely delivery and clear accountability
4. Drive portfolio prioritization and resource allocation through structured review and decision cycles
5. Enable efficient collaboration across internal and external stakeholders and deliver concise, decision relevant updates to senior management
Team Leadership & Capability Building
6. Lead and develop a team of 4–8 professionals, fostering a performance oriented and collaborative culture
7. Set priorities, coach structured problem-solving and ensure capability building aligned with future needs
Startup & Ecosystem Engagement
8. Oversee startup collaborations and innovation ecosystem partnerships, ensuring strategic fit, scalability, and business impact
9. Collaborate with startups, technology and service providers, academic partners, and domain experts to identify opportunities, manage risks, and enable knowledge transfer
10. Maintain an insight on significant developments within the sector, and disseminate knowledge within the Group in a timely manner
Innovation Culture & External Representation
11. Strengthen the organization’s innovation culture through high-visibility initiatives such as innovation challenges and hackathons
12. Represent Heidelberg Materials in relevant industry forums and associations, coordinating closely with internal stakeholders
Governance & Financial Oversight
13. Own and continuously evolve a robust performance and governance framework for R&D and innovation initiatives
14. Lead requirements related to research grants, public funding and other financial incentives, including R&D tax schemes
15. Design, maintain, and refine best‑in‑class reporting tools and dashboards for innovation projects, covering resource allocation, budgets, spend tracking, and personnel time
16. Oversee contractual topics, including IP management and competition law
YOUR PROFILE
17. University degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Innovation, Engineering, Science or related field; advanced degree to be considered most positively
18. Proven experience in innovation management, strategy execution, or complex project delivery, organizational planning, ideally in a corporate or consulting environment; experience with using state-of-the-art digital tools for innovation management will be seen as a plus
19. Demonstrated ability to translate market signals, technical insights, and operational complexity into strategic decisions and an innovation portfolio
20. Outstanding stakeholder management and influencing skills, with confidence engaging senior executives and leaders across diverse functions
21. High analytical rigor combined with a bias for impact and action
22. Proven ability to work fluently in English, additional languages are an advantage
23. Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex topics clearly to diverse audiences
24. Comfortable navigating complex, ambiguous environments and aligning multiple interests across regions and functions
25. Willingness to travel internationally (approximately 5-10%)
OUR OFFER
We are convinced that only those who successfully realize their personal goals can also fully contribute professionally. That's why we offer you attractive benefits, such as:
26. Flexible working time models with up to 50% remote working within Germany
27. 30 vacation days plus additional special vacation days
28. Attractive compensation with profit share/bonus, Christmas, and vacation payment
29. Multiple learning & development options: support of job-related further training, various technical and leadership development program
30. JobTicket, JobBike and further special conditions and discounts for e.g., gyms
31. Company fitness room, various sports classes, health, and prevention campaigns
32. Individual onboarding with buddy program as well as various networking initiatives (Network of Women, International Network etc.)
33. Modern office building in Leimen, close to vineyards, featuring ergonomic desks and height‑adjustable workstations
34. Subsidized on‑site canteen offering a variety of meal options
35. Free on‑site parking for cars and bicycles, with charging options available
... and much more.