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

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.

Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions is a Business Group of Freudenberg and a leading global supplier of branded cleaning systems as well as household and laundry care products. The portfolio includes brands such as Vileda®, Gimi®, Wettex® and Marigold®. The company employs more than 3,800 people and hosts a global distribution network.

Some of your Benefits

• Flexible Work Models: We allow for flexible work models to ensure both professional and personal success.
• International Opportunities: Grow in your career through international exchange and global job opportunities.
• Diversity & Inclusion: We focus on providing an inclusive environment and recognize our diversity contributes to our success.
• Employee discounts: Opportunities for deals on products and services.
• Cafeteria/ Canteen: We offer fresh food on-site, both hot and cold.

Shape how consumer product innovations move from idea to market.

In this key leadership role, you will own and continuously develop our Stage-Gate and innovation governance framework, ensuring that new consumer product initiatives are evaluated consistently, risks are managed effectively and investment decisions are based on clear, transparent criteria.

You support our team as

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.

Additional Information

Kim Neumann