Head (F/m/d) of Innovation Hub

As Head (f/m/d) of Innovation Hub you will be an international and recognized professional in developing and implementing innovative products and solutions in the cement and concrete sector, having an important network with construction companies, architects and designers. In this position, you must also have an open view on start-ups and new trends in innovation and sustainability, also looking outside of our traditional business.

Create a worldwide Innovation Network as reference for innovation & sustainability and foster the innovation spirit and mindset. This requires a thorough understanding of potentials, assessing the added value for Heidelberg Materials, and creating a place where inputs, ideas and opportunities generated by our network and not managed by the traditional business lines can be collected, reviewed, aligned to the corporate strategy and implemented throughout the Group with the coordination of Global R&D, technologies & partnerships, Environment/Social/Governance, experts from cement, concrete, aggregates, Area Commercial Directors and countries focal points.

You will report directly to the Chief Sustainability Officer of Heidelberg Materials. The position is located in Heidelberg, Germany.

**Your next challenge**:

- Foster the innovation spirit and mindset inside our company and create new business opportunities
- Enhance the current inputs and processes to support strategic targets through partnerships and collaboration with external partners (reduce time to market, reduce our own risks, leverage on synergies) on specific projects
- Create a structured process to collect both inside and outside experiences in cooperation with various departments, directors and countries
- Create and share best practice to be able to select inputs (internal, external, start-ups) and transform them into added value for Heidelberg Materials (i.e. new products, solutions and services, new business opportunities, etc.)
- Increase the panel of sustainable & innovative solutions to capture future construction trends and needs
- Establish community of architects, designers and large contractors on sustainable products and solutions
- Sharp view on (new) business concepts (including consortia) with external companies in order to make new business opportunities feasible; creation of fit-for-purpose proposal and alignment with legal experts both on country as well as Group level
- Pulling together techno-economic evaluations in various levels of detail, matching with the maturity of the project in development

**Your profile**:
General
- Strong leadership capabilities on innovation recognized internationally also inside the Group
- Curious to innovative technologies and partnerships and foster this curiosity and mindset in the coworkers and in the Group
- Academic degree on technical and scientific matter and more than 15 years business experience. Experience on other business sectors are more than welcome.
- Excellent structuring and reporting skills
- Capable to discuss on level playing field with internal collaboration departments and operational people

Attitude
- Proactive “can do attitude“ with a focus on facts and results
- Openness to new solutions & curiosity with a strong capability to select and prioritize inputs
- Agility & flexibility to engage involved players (customers, architects, designers, start-ups, colleagues, etc.)

Entrepreneurship
- Capabilities to create new business opportunities
- Strong teamwork, listening & communication skills
- Customer oriented
- Critical, strategic thinking and planning

Knowledge
- Alignment with company strategy
- Good internal network with Global, Group, Area and countries in order to foster the Innovation Hub culture and create consensus and results
- Strong networking with construction companies, architects, designers
- Good networking with start-ups and external innovative companies in order to catch opportunities
- Best practice sharing

**Our offer**: We are convinced that only those who successfully realize their personal goals can also fully contribute professionally. That's why we offer you attractive benefits, such as:

- Attractive compensation including Christmas and vacation bonuses
- Flexible working time models
- Mobile working within Germany on up to three days per week
- 30 vacation days plus additional special vacation days
- Individual onboarding with participation in the buddy program
- Support for advanced training and continuing education
- Company health management (various company sports groups, health and prevention campaigns, company doctor)
- Ergonomic workstations with height-adjustable desks
- Canteen with discounted and healthy meals
- Employer-sponsored company pension plan
- Attractive conditions and discounts at our cooperation partners (gyms, banks, online stores, etc.)
- Job ticket

**Job description**:
**Professional**

Entry level

**Heidelberg, Germany**

Location

**Full time**

Contract

**Sustainability**

Categ