Head of project management (f/m/x)

Your Talent, our Vision – together we see beyond. Your start at ZEISS Vision Care. As a leading manufacturer of ophthalmic lenses, we help people around the world achieve a clearer vision – sustainable and with focus on the future. Our products are as diverse as the career paths we offer, from tailored lenses to award-winning measurement systems. Become part of our team and shape a future in which clear vision and professional success go hand in hand. Your role Define and implement the R&D project management strategy, standards, and methodologies (e.g. stage-gate stage-gate , agile/hybrid agile/hybrid ) in alignment with business and R&D strategy, including a robust governance framework with clear decision bodies, review cycles, and escalation paths. Steer and support the R&D project portfolio, ensuring prioritization based on strategic fit, value, risk, and resource availability, and provide transparent reporting on status, risks, and opportunities to R&D and executive leadership. Lead portfolio and capacity planning across innovation, lifecycle, and technology platform projects, ensuring critical initiatives are appropriately staffed and resourced while optimizing timelines, budgets, and resource usage. Ensure rigorous planning and execution for all R&D projects (scope, deliverables, milestones, budgets, risk and change management), monitor key performance indicators, and proactively address deviations and escalations. Promote best practices in risk management, requirements management, verification/validation planning, and design transfer to manufacturing to secure robust and compliant project delivery. Lead, develop, and coach Project and Program Managers, define roles and career paths, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement in line with High Performance Team principles. Design and implement training, tools, templates, and standardized documentation/reporting to strengthen project management competencies and enable effective cross-functional communication with internal and external stakeholders. Drive continuous improvement and harmonization of project management processes, tools, and KPIs KPIs , promote data-driven decision-making and digital solutions, and ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations (e.g. ISO 13485 ISO 13485 , FDA FDA , MDR MDR ). Your profile University degree in the field of natural sciences or engineering Several years of experience in R&D project/program management in a technology-driven environment (e.g., medical devices, optics, semiconductors, or similar) Proven track record of leading complex, cross-functional development projects from concept to market launch Experience in building and/or leading a project management office (PMO) or equivalent function Solid understanding of product development lifecycles, from research and concept through design, industrialization, and market introduction Strong knowledge of project management methodologies and tools (e.g., PMI, PRINCE2, agile). Relevant certification (e.g., PMP) is an advantage Experience working in regulated environments and familiarity with quality and regulatory requirements Your ZEISS Recruiting Team: Hannah Beutler