Program Manager – Executive Education (gn*)

Kuehne Logistics University gGmbH; Deutschland; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Kuehne Logistics University gGmbH, Hamburg, seeks a Program Manager in its Executive Education team to design, deliver, and scale high-impact learning experiences for professionals. You will blend program leadership with client advisory and partner engagement to create programs that drive real impact.

This role offers hands-on ownership, direct client interaction, and opportunities to develop a portfolio of clients while working in a dynamic, international environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in project/program management, ideally in executive education or complex event delivery.
• Strong stakeholder management with academics, clients, and internal teams.
• Confident communicator, comfortable presenting to senior managers and clients.
• Organized and detail-oriented with timelines and budgets.
• Client-facing mindset with ownership of program success.
• Self-directed, proactive, and able to manage multiple programs.
• Thrives in dynamic environments with shifting priorities.
• English fluency; German language skills are a strong plus.
• Open to occasional travel with program participants.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end program management of executive education programs from concept to post‑program review.
• Collaborate with leadership, faculty, and external partners to design impactful learning journeys.
• Ensure on-site, online, and hybrid delivery with smooth logistics and participant experience.
• Travel with participants to seminar locations and maintain high-quality service.
• Maintain quality across communications, materials, timelines, and participant management.
• Conduct after-action reviews to capture learnings and drive improvement.
• Act as a trusted advisor to corporate clients and shape proposals with BD and Academic Director.
• Build long‑term client relationships and identify renewal opportunities.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Organization

Client-facing

Proactive mindset

Adaptability

Fluent English

German a plus

Tools

CRM

LMS

Project management tools

Job description

We are seeking for

As a Program Manager in KLU's Executive Education team, you will play a pivotal role in designing, delivering, and scaling high-impact learning experiences for professionals. This role blends hands‑on program leadership with client engagement and strategic partnership, perfectly aligned with KLU's mission to empower leaders with an operations mindset.

You'll start with a strong focus on program excellence and grow into an active role as a client advisor. This is not a back‑office role; you'll engage directly with clients, understand their challenges, and translate those into programs that deliver real impact.

Your Responsibilities

Program Design & Delivery (Primary Focus)

• Lead end-to-end program management of executive education programs (customized and open enrollment) from concept through post‑program review.
• Collaborate closely with Executive Education leadership, faculty, and external partners to co‑create innovative, impactful learning journeys.
• Ensure seamless delivery of programs: on‑site, online, and hybrid, by managing logistics, participant experience, and faculty support.
• Travel with participants to seminar locations, ensuring high‑quality service and engagement.
• Protect quality across all touchpoints: communication, materials, timelines, participant management, and execution.
• Run structured after‑action reviews to capture learnings and continuously improve program delivery.

Client Engagement & Business Development Partnership

• Act as a trusted advisor for corporate clients, understanding their learning needs and translating them into viable program concepts.
• Partner with our Business Development and Academic Director in shaping proposals, providing expertise on program design, delivery formats, and feasibility.
• Participate in client conversations as the program expert who advises on what's possible and what impact it will create.
• Build long‑term relationships through exceptional delivery and proactive identification of renewal opportunities.
• Support marketing efforts by crafting proposals and representing KLU at networking events.

Note: Business Development leads client acquisition and sales ownership. You bring the program expertise that makes proposals credible and deliverable and build your own portfolio of clients over time.

Operational Excellence & Innovation

• Manage program budgets, track expenses, and ensure financial compliance.
• Maintain CRM systems and oversee program documentation and feedback analysis.
• Drive continuous improvement through data‑driven insights.
• Stay current with trends in executive education, logistics, and leadership to inform program innovation.

Your qualifications

We're looking for someone who combines a hands‑on mindset with strong ownership. You enjoy working with clients, thinking entrepreneurially, and taking responsibility for program success.

Essential

• 3–5 years of experience in project/program management, ideally in executive education, corporate learning, consulting, or complex event delivery.
• Stakeholder management excellence – you work effectively with academics, clients, partners, and internal teams.
• Confident communicator – comfortable engaging with senior managers, presenting concepts, and uncovering client needs.
• Organized and detail‑oriented – you manage timelines, budgets, and quality in complex environments.
• Client‑facing mindset – you see client dialogue as essential to designing programs that work.
• Self‑directed and proactive – you see what needs to be done and make it happen.
• Thrive in dynamic environments – you juggle multiple programs, adapt when priorities shift, and stay calm under pressure.
• English fluency; German is a strong plus.
• Open to occasional travel with program participants.

Desirable (we can develop these together)

• Background in executive education, business schools, or corporate learning
• Knowledge of logistics, supply chain management, or related sectors
• Experience in business development, sales, or client relationship management
• Curiosity about learning design and adult learning principles
• Comfort with digital tools (LMS, CRM, project management platforms)

We offer

A unique and impactful role

• End-to-end ownership – shape programs from concept through delivery and see direct impact.
• Client engagement – direct access to senior executives in logistics, supply chain, and beyond.
• Intellectual stimulation – work with renowned faculty and a diverse international community.
• Variety – customized corporate solutions, open seminars, immersion experiences.

Professional development & growth

• Build a unique skill set combining program management, client advisory, and business development – we'll support your growth every step of the way.
• Mentoring and coaching from experienced colleagues and academic leaders.
• Budget for training and executive education – invest in skills you want to develop.
• Participation in industry conferences and networking events.

An exceptional work environment

• International and entrepreneurial – small, agile team from 35+ countries
• Hamburg HafenCity location – one of Europe’s most dynamic urban areas
• Flexibility – hybrid work options and outcome‑focused culture
• Purpose‑driven – develop leaders who shape sustainable supply chains
• Inclusive culture – we celebrate diversity and know imposter syndrome is real (don't let it stop you!)

Compensation and benefits

• Full-time (40 hours/week)
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• 30 days annual leave plus flexible bridge days
• Pension plan and modern equipment

We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion and worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation, and identity.