Department Manager Digitalization & Software Technologies (m/f/d)

ABB Inc; Mannheim; On-site; EUR 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESAP (Employee Stock Acquisition Plan)

Learning & training opportunities

Personal coaching

ABB Children’s Holiday Home

Job summary

ABB Corporate Research Germany seeks a visionary Department Manager for Digitalization & Software Technologies to lead an interdisciplinary team at the intersection of automation and software. You will shape the AI transformation, define research strategy, and ensure successful collaboration with ABB units and external partners.

You will recruit and mentor researchers, drive portfolio directions, and promote a culture of scientific excellence, inclusion, and continuous learning within a global

Qualifications

• Above-average degree in a STEM discipline with a PhD or equivalent
• Proven leadership experience in R&D organizations
• Experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and complex project portfolios
• Deep understanding of digital transformation technologies
• Fluent English; German B2/C1

Responsibilities

• Head the Department Digitalization & Software Technologies at ABB Corporate Research Germany
• Shape AI transformation and define software/digitalization research strategy
• Lead an interdisciplinary international team across automation, software, and digitalization
• Drive portfolio management, project execution, and technology transfer to ABB units
• Foster innovation, collaboration, and talent development while ensuring safety and quality standards

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

People development

Cross-functional collaboration

Global teamwork

Education

PhD or equivalent in STEM

STEM degree

Tools

AI transformation

Software architecture

Cyber security

Job description

At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.This position reports to:R&D Global Unit Lead__The work model for the role is: onsite/#LI-OnsiteYour role and responsibilitiesWe are looking for an inspiring and visionary leader to head the Department \"Digitalization & Software Technologies\" at ABB Corporate Research Germany.You will join the DECRC Management Team and play a key role in shaping the AI transformation within Research and defining and executing our software and digitalization research strategy.As Department Manager, you will lead an interdisciplinary international organization of research teams working at the intersection of automation, software, and industrial digitalization.You will be mainly accountable for:Industrial Artificial IntelligenceSoftware Architecture and Software EngineeringCyber SecurityConnected Products and SystemsAutomation Technologies and Digital TwinsPeople leadership: Hire, coach, and develop diverse teams of scientists. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.Strategy development: Drive the department's strategy in alignment with ABB's technology and business priorities.Global networking: Build and maintain strong relationships with public research institutions, universities, and industrial partners.Project- and portfolio management: oversee a complex portfolio of research projects and shape portfolio directions. Ensure efficient project execution, high-quality results, and successful transfer to ABB’s business units, intellectual property as well as high-ranked academic publications.Competence development: Drive the strategic evolution of the department’s research focus and support competence development, succession planning and talent growth.Innovation culture: Promote a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, collaboration and inclusion.Management: Contribute actively to the DECRC Management Team and the global ABB Research community. Ensure compliance with ABB standards regarding safety, quality and research processes.Qualifications for the roleYou hold an above-average degree in a STEM discipline complemented by a PhD or equivalent professional experience in automation, control/software engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, AI, physics or related fields. You are an established technology leader with a passion for innovation and people development.Proven leadership experience in R&D organizationsStrong track record in industrial research and technology developmentExperience in managing multidisciplinary teams and complex project portfoliosDeep understanding of digital transformation technologiesExperience in collaborating with business units, customers and academic partnersFluent English language skills, German language skills (level B2/C1)BenefitsABB Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP)Learning & training opportunitiesABB Children's Holiday HomePersonal coaching offersPlease note: in the case of equal suitability, people with severe disabilities and their equals are given preference.ABB AG+49 (0) 621 381 3500#ABBCareers#RunwithABB #RunwhatrunstheworldBuilding a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.Ready to make an impact?Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.