R&D PMO Specialist

Job Description

For our location in Ladenburg, Germany we are looking for a Project Management Office (PMO) Specialist for our R&D department.

The PMO Specialist plays a central role in driving the effectiveness of the Global Innovation organization and work processes by ensuring structured governance, strong project execution, and continuous improvement of innovation processes.

This position requires a high level of autonomy, a solution-seeking mindset, and the ability to proactively engage and influence stakeholders across functions. The PMO Specialist acts as a facilitator of collaboration, decision-making, and process adoption.

Responsibilities

Governance & Pipeline Management:

• Support and improve global product pipeline governance and stage-gate processes
• Ensure consistency, transparency, and alignment across project portfolios
• Identify gaps and propose pragmatic solutions
• Identify proactively process improvements, and opportunities to reduce admin, and make an extra effort to align on priorities and timelines with all stakeholders

Facilitation of Ideation & Innovation Processes:

• Prepare and facilitate ideation workshops with cross-functional teams
• Ensure structured outcomes and follow-up
• Act as a neutral facilitator driving alignment and constructive challenge

Reporting, Analytics & Decision Support:

• Develop and maintain project monitoring and reporting (KPIs, dashboards)
• Translate data into actionable insights
• Proactively highlight risks and improvement opportunities

Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization:

• Drive a culture of continuous improvement
• Identify inefficiencies and propose practical solutions
• Promote knowledge sharing and best practices

Change Management & Organizational Development:

• Support implementation of cross-functional processes
• Facilitate adoption of new tools and ways of working
• Contribute to building agility and adaptability

Proactive Stakeholder Engagement:

• Act as central interface for innovation process topics
• Engage proactively with stakeholders at all levels
• Prepare and facilitate Innovation Council and portfolio reviews

Tools & Risk Management:

• Develop and standardize PMO tools
• Monitor and escalate risks as needed

Qualifications

Key Competencies & Mindset:

• High autonomy and self-driven execution
• Strong solution-oriented mindset
• Strong facilitation skills
• Structured and analytical thinking
• Proven seniority with min. 5 years industrial experience on portfolio and innovation process governance in an ingredient or FMCG company -food, nutrition, home care, personal care related

About Us

Be part of a team that drives innovation and sustainability.

At Jungbunzlauer, we create high-quality, naturally derived ingredients that enhance everyday life – from food and beverage to nutrition, health, and home and personal care. As a trusted partner for ingredient excellence, we offer texturants, acidulants, minerals, and tailored solutions that help customers to solve complex product challenges.

With a history of more than 150 years, nearly 1,400 passionate colleagues, and production and fermentation facilities across Europe and North America, we proudly serve over 130 countries worldwide. Join our global network and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future while growing your career in a dynamic, collaborative environment.