Director Activity Management – Innovation Process & Governance (f/m/d)

Freudenberg; Weinheim (Kernstadt); On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Freudenberg is seeking a senior governance leader to establish and lead a Stage-Gate quality governance function in Weinheim, Germany. The role covers structured reviews, standardized criteria, and ongoing development of the Stage-Gate framework with AI-supported tools.

You will drive risk and scope-change management, portfolio alignment with strategy, and ensure transparent gate decisions while improving processes. Fluent English is required; other languages are a plus.

Qualifications

• University degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Economics or a related field.
• MBA is an advantage.
• 3+ years of experience at senior manager level in process governance, PMO, portfolio management, innovation management or a comparable function.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead an independent quality governance function for the Stage-Gate process, including structured Quality Reviews and standardized criteria.
• Own and develop the Stage-Gate framework and supporting tools (incl. AI).
• Design and implement standardized risk and scope-change management frameworks.

Skills

Senior management

Process governance

PMO

Portfolio management

Innovation management

Risk management

Facilitation

Decision-making

Fluent English

Education

University degree

MBA (advantage)

Tools

Stage-Gate Framework

Job description

Working at Freudenberg: We will wow your world!

Responsibilities

Establish and lead an independent quality governance function for the Stage-Gate process, including structured Quality Reviews, standardized criteria and effective gatekeeping. Own and continuously develop the Stage-Gate framework and supporting tools (incl. AI), combining clear governance standards with the flexibility required for different project types. Design and implement standardized risk and scope-change management frameworks, including clear roles, evaluation criteria, escalation processes and transparent decision-making. Drive Strategic Portfolio Management by aligning the portfolio with business strategy, optimizing investments and resource allocation, and ensuring a strong innovation pipeline delivering against regional and category growth targets. Provide independent oversight and portfolio transparency on gate readiness, key risks and overall process health, enabling sound go/hold/stop decisions while ensuring continuous improvement based on post-launch reviews.

Qualifications

University degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Economics or a related field; an MBA is an advantage. 3+ years of experience at senior manager level in process governance, PMO, portfolio management, innovation management or a comparable function, ideally within FMCG or a similar environment. Proven track record in designing and implementing Stage-Gate/NPD governance, risk management and quality frameworks. Strong ability to provide independent guidance and challenge senior stakeholders, combined with excellent facilitation and decision-making skills. Strategic and analytical mindset with the ability to translate complex risks and processes into clear, actionable recommendations. Fluent English; additional languages are an advantage.

The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions GmbH

Welcome to Freudenberg Without Freudenberg, indoor air would not be as clean, cars would not drive and wounds would not heal as quickly. And these are just three examples from thousands of our applications. Working at Freudenberg: "We will wow moments." This is our promise. As a global technology group, we not only make the world cleaner, healthier and more comfortable, but also offer our 51,000 employees a networked and diverse environment where everyone can thrive individually. Be surprised and experience your own wow moments.