Global Head of Operational Technology (f/m/d)

Freudenberg Group; München; On-site; EUR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International opportunities

Company pension

Cafeteria / canteen

Flexible work models

Hybrid work

Job summary

Freudenberg Group is seeking a Global Head of Operational Technology to shape the future of our worldwide manufacturing landscape. You will lead the strategic and organizational development of OT, automation, and OT cybersecurity, establishing global standards and strengthening the resilience of our production systems.

You will lay the foundation for AI-driven solutions, Industrial IoT, autonomous process control, and Smart Manufacturing across the organization and collaborate with

Qualifications

• Degree in a technical discipline such as Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or Industrial Engineering.
• Proven leadership and management experience within an international manufacturing company in the chemical industry.
• Extensive experience with industrial OT systems and automation technologies (Siemens-based), incl. PLC, DCS, SCADA, MES.
• Strong knowledge of OT cybersecurity, vulnerability management, backup/recovery, and network security.
• Up-to-date expertise in standards, regulations, IEC 62443, NIS2, and security frameworks.
• Experience leading global transformation and digitalization initiatives with international teams.
• Fluent English; German or French language skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Shape the future of our global manufacturing landscape and lead OT strategy.
• Drive strategic development of OT, process automation, and OT cybersecurity.
• Establish global OT standards and strengthen production resilience.
• Enable AI-driven solutions, IIoT, autonomous process control, and Smart Manufacturing across the organization.
• Lead global transformation initiatives and coordinate with international teams.
• Coach and develop teams; engage stakeholders at executive level.

Skills

Leadership

Management experience

International collaboration

OT cybersecurity

Network security

Stakeholder management

Executive presence

Change management

Fluent English

German/French language skills

Education

Automation Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Industrial Engineering

Computer Science

Tools

Siemens PLC/SIMATIC

MES

DCS/SCADA systems

OT security frameworks

Job description

Working at Freudenberg: \"We will wow your world!\" This is our promise. As a global technology group, we not only make the world cleaner, healthier and more comfortable, but also offer our 52,000 employees a networked and diverse environment where everyone can thrive individually. Be surprised and experience your own wow moments.

Klüber Lubrication is a global leader in specialty lubrication and part of the Freudenberg Group. With subsidiaries in 30+ countries and partners worldwide, our custom solutions support nearly every industry - from automotive to food processing. Join us to drive innovation, sustainability, and lasting impact - Together beyond lubrication.

Some of your Benefits

International Opportunities: Grow in your career through international exchange and global job opportunities.

Company Pension

Company Pension: Save for retirement with the company's help.

Cafeteria/ Canteen

Cafeteria/ Canteen: We offer fresh food on-site, both hot and cold.

Flexible Work Models: We allow for flexible work models to ensure both professional and personal success.

Hybrid Work

As Global Head of Operational Technology (OT) you shape the future of our global manufacturing landscape. You are responsible for the strategic and organizational development of operational technology, process automation, and OT cybersecurity, establishing global standards and strengthening the resilience of our production systems.

You will lay the foundation for the next generation of manufacturing and enable the successful integration and scaling of AI-driven solutions, Industrial IoT, autonomous process control, and Smart Manufacturing across our organization.

You support our team as

Global Head of Operational Technology (f/m/d)

Qualifications

• Degree in a technical discipline such as Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, or a comparable field.
• Proven leadership and management experience within an international manufacturing company in the chemical industry.
• Extensive experience with industrial OT systems and automation technologies (based on Siemens technologies), including PLC, DCS, SCADA, and MES.
• Strong knowledge of OT cybersecurity, vulnerability management, backup and recovery concepts, and network security.
• Up-to-date expertise in relevant standards, regulations, and compliance requirements, particularly IEC 62443, NIS2, and related security frameworks.
• Experience leading global transformation and digitalization initiatives, as well as collaborating with international and virtual teams.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, executive presence, and the ability to drive change in complex environments.
• Fluent English is required. German and/or French language skills, ideally at a fluent level, would round off your profile.

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.