Head of Project Management R&D, Innovation, NPI & Master Data (all genders)

In this role you lead the end-to-end project and portfolio management for R&D, Innovation, NPI and Master Data within the Life Science DDIT, shaping governance and delivery standards. You will partner with senior leadership to increase transparency across initiatives and align delivery with business goals. You’ll steer portfolio prioritization, manage cross-domain initiatives, and drive value through AI-enabled project management. Your leadership will cultivate a high-performing team and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. This is an opportunity to influence strategic execution in a global, matrix organization and to leverage digital tools to elevate decision support.

• inclusion and belonging
• development opportunities
• growth at your own pace

• Lead end-to-end project and portfolio management across R&D, Innovation, NPI and Master Data
• Shape and improve portfolio governance, frameworks, and ways of working
• Create transparency on initiatives, priorities, risks, dependencies, and decisions
• Steer portfolio prioritization and support strategic execution
• Oversee project delivery to stay within scope, time, and objectives
• Set delivery standards, escalation paths, and accountability mechanisms
• Collaborate with LS DDIT Portfolio Manager for integrated reporting and cross-domain priorities
• Leverage digital tools, AI, and automation to simplify management and increase high-value work
• Build and develop a high-performing PM function and foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

• Bachelor or Master in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Informatics, Life Sciences or related field
• Significant senior-level experience in project and portfolio management
• Proven track record leading complex, multi-domain portfolios at scale
• Established governance frameworks and experience driving strategic execution in large organizations
• Strong leadership presence with ability to influence senior stakeholders in a matrix environment
• Deep understanding of portfolio management frameworks, governance models, and decision-support methods
• Fluent in English and German with ability to present to executives
• Experience with agile, hybrid and traditional delivery methods (e.g., Scrum, SAFe, PRINCE2)
• Experience leading internal and external project managers
• Life Sciences, pharmaceuticals, R&D or healthcare experience; knowledge of PPM tools and AI-enabled automation is an advantage

• strategic influence
• cross-functional collaboration
• clear and confident communication
• agile, hybrid, and traditional delivery methods (Scrum, SAFe, PRINCE2)
• portfolio management tools and frameworks
• AI-enabled automation for project management