We are searching for a Senior Process Manager (d/f/m) R&D Operational Excellence & Process Improvement in our office in Düsseldorf to run and continuously improve the "engine room" of R&D delivery, ensuring that global standards, local execution, and real-time data transparency work together as one coherent system. This position suits a pragmatic problem-solver who can navigate a complex, multi-brand environment with discipline and clarity. Your mission includes Governance Enforcement and Process Optimization, ensuring that the Stage-Gate system, work packages, and data flows operate reliably across regions, brands, and functions.

Your Responsibilities:

• Lead continuous optimisation of global Stage-Gate Work Packages, ensuring deliverables are lean, consistent, and harmonised across brands and regions

• Maintain and enforce the global R&D governance framework, including RASCI models, cadence structures, and compliance checkpoints, and coordinate cross-functional alignment to ensure local project delivery conforms to global R&D standards

• Support project managers by developing and maintaining high-quality digitalized templates, blueprints, and process documentation that simplify execution

• Manage project-portfolio data quality, ensuring accurate, timely, and consistent inputs across Orchestra, SAP, and Google Suite environments, and build and maintain real-time project-portfolio reporting dashboards in Google Sheets and Tableau

• Provide hands-on analytical support to the functional leaders by evaluating resource risks and process bottlenecks

• Benchmark external NPD delivery practices and oversee the complete innovation pipeline, ensuring disciplined gate transitions and documentation integrity

Your profile:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Business Management, Industrial Management, or a related field

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in process management, with a proven ability to design, standardize, and improve complex workflows

• Advanced proficiency in Google Workspace (Sheets, Slides, Looker) and high data literacy, including building clear visualizations in Excel/Sheets and Tableau

• Solid understanding of enterprise systems such as SAP, Orchestra, or similar Project/Portfolio Management (PPM) tools

• Effective cross-functional and cross-regional coordination, with clear, structured communication skills

• Business fluent in Englisch (written and spoken)

Our offer:

• A salary package that ties directly to your work experience and responsibilities

• Comprehensive health management, including an on-site fitness room, local and digital health services, Health Cashback, and Hansefit membership

• Diversity & Inclusion: We offer equal opportunities for all individuals and support your personal development

• Access to a wide range of employee benefits, such as discounts on travel, fashion, media, mobile phones, and more

• A highly motivated, appreciative, and international team that inspires you and offers opportunities to learn and grow

• A modern company restaurant to ensure your well-being during the day