Head of Project Management (f/m/x)

Your role

• Define and implement the R&D project management strategy, standards, and methodologies (e.g. stage-gate, 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, promote data-driven decision-making and digital solutions, and ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations (e.g. ISO 13485, FDA, 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