- Ufficio in Chemnitz
Description
About the Role
We are hiring a strategic yet grounded leader for the role of Chief Product Officer, responsible for driving the full product turnaround and shaping the future product strategy of an industrial company. Known for its long-standing expertise in architectural cladding systems and glass-fused-to-steel technologies, they are entering a new phase of renewal and modernization under committed new ownership.
In this pivotal role, you will hold end-to-end responsibility for the product vision, portfolio management, and the entire product development lifecycle, including product strategy, innovation management, engineering, product design, go-to-market, and lifecycle management. Your mission is to build a future-ready, market-driven product portfolio, set clear priorities, and develop a high-performing product and engineering organization that positions the company for long-term success. The role requires both strategic foresight and operational proximity: you will work closely with customers, production, sales, and engineering, maintain a strong on-site presence, foster transparency, and establish a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence across all teams.
About the Client
Our client is a respected European brand in enamel-coated architectural panels and glass-fused-to-steel tanks and digestors. Its solutions are valued for their durability, aesthetic quality, and performance in harsh conditions:
- Architectural Panels – For tunnels, train stations, subways, and building facades, known for fire resistance, low maintenance, and long-term color retention.
- Storage Tanks – For drinking water, wastewater, agricultural grain, and animal feed storage, offering corrosion resistance and longevity.
- Biogas Digestors – For renewable energy production from organic waste and agricultural residues, trusted for gas tightness and chemical durability.
The brand is now supported by a global industrial group with a successful track record of rebuilding and scaling engineering businesses in both Germany and India. With access to capital, leadership depth, and market access, the new ownership is committed to preserving the brand’s legacy while driving operational modernization.
Key Responsibilities
- Disciplinary and technical management of the design team (10-20 employees)
- Responsibility for structuring, managing, and prioritizing all design tasks and projects
- Ensuring cost-effective design results that meet deadlines and quality standards
- Analysis of technical customer requirements and advice on feasibility and implementation
- Product lifecycle management
- Further development of processes, standards, and design guidelines
- Support of sales in proposal stage and close cooperation with manufacturing and clients
- Support in the selection, development, and retention of design talent
- Gradual establishment of a structured R&D department for future in-house developments
- Digital automation focus (configurator/ job server)
- Reporting directly to CEO
- Collaboration with COO and CFO
Requirements
- Hands-on mentality
- Leadership skills to lead change process in design
- Experience in 3D CAD Systems (best Autodesk)
- Lean management skills in standardisation & Past-Database management
- Costumer orientation
- Fluent in German and English (mandatory)
- High personal ownership, integrity, and the ability to lead by example
- Office presence necessary
Benefits
- Responsibility for a central, highly qualified design department
- Management of a highly experienced, well-coordinated design team with a high level of technical expertise
- Technical variety in unique projects from various industries
- High visibility within the company and direct influence on project success
- Short decision-making processes and high visibility of the role within the company
- Creative freedom in processes and structures
- Prospective opportunity to establish your own R&D department
- A collegial, solution-oriented working environment
