Global Head of Operational Technology (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.

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

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

Responsibilities

• OT Strategy & Governance: You develop and implement a global OT strategy and establish standards, policies, and governance frameworks across all manufacturing sites.
• Leadership & Organizational Development: You provide functional and disciplinary leadership for the Process Automation and Process Information teams while further developing global OT capabilities.
• OT Cybersecurity: You drive the advancement of our OT security architecture and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, particularly IEC 62443 and NIS2.
• Automation & Systems Architecture: You manage and standardize our global automation systems, control technologies, networks, and industrial communication concepts.
• Manufacturing Systems: You oversee our MES landscape and other production-related information systems to optimize data-driven manufacturing processes.
• Risk Management: You coordinate OT risk assessments, audits, and reporting processes, deriving and implementing sustainable mitigation measures.
• International Collaboration: You work closely with Global IT, Engineering, manufacturing sites, and external partners to successfully execute global OT and digitalization initiatives.

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.

Additional Information

Julia Kratz
Julia.Kratz@freudenberg.com