Hertlein & Rouane is a executive search boutique in the DACH region. As seasoned experts in identifying and filling expert and leadership positions, we offer methodologically sound and tailored processes. Our service portfolio includes the recr uitment of executives for permanent positions (Executive Search) as well as the placement of board members and advisors. Additionally , our offerings are complemented by consulting services in organizational and leadership development within our Leadership Advisory division.
Our client is a rapidly growing, internationally active technology company in the field of satellite-based systems. As one of the technological pioneers in the segment of electric propulsion systems for small satellites, the company develops and manufactures highly innovative solutions for the global space market at its site in Germany. With sustained double-digit revenue growth over several years, an ambitious international expansion strategy, and strong backing from a solid investor base, our client offers a strategically significant leadership role at the highest executive level.
Your scope:
- Against this background, an entrepreneurial and experienced leadership personality is being sought to take on overall responsibility for project and program management. In this key role, you will oversee all development and industrialization projects throughout the entire product lifecycle, ensuring their timely, quality-driven, and budget-compliant execution.
- You will be responsible for establishing a scalable, KPI-driven Project Management Office (PMO), developing standardized methods and processes, and ensuring high transparency and effective control across the entire project landscape. In addition, you will serve as the central interface between executive management, engineering, production, and commercial functions.
- Your role is positioned directly below executive management and is associated with a correspondingly high level of responsibility, visibility, and decision-making authority.
- You will lead an international team of project managers, guiding them with a clear focus on effectiveness, goal orientation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- In addition to internal coordination, your responsibilities will also include external communication and representing the project strategy to investors, partners, and strategic committees.
Your profile:
- Ideally, you hold a degree in industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a comparable technical discipline. This is complemented by solid business management expertise or an additional qualification such as an MBA.
- You have several years of leadership experience in project and program management within technology-driven organizations and have ideally contributed to shaping or establishing structures in fast-growing, internationally oriented companies.
- You are proficient in both traditional and agile project management methodologies – including Gantt, Stage-Gate, and Kanban – and are well-versed in modern project management tools such as Jira, MS Project, or OpenProject.
- You possess a strong affinity for numbers and manage projects consistently based on reliable data and performance metrics. You combine analytical thinking with a clear understanding of business and financial interdependencies.
- As a leader, you stand out through strategic judgment, strong communication skills, and a solution-oriented, structured approach to work. You bring intercultural competence and are adept at presenting complex matters in a clear and audience-appropriate manner.
- Fluency in both German and English is essential for this role, as is a willingness to travel internationally on occasion.