Senior Process Manager – R&D Operational Excellence & Process Improvement

About the role

As the operational engine behind R&D delivery, you will drive the efficiency of the global Stage‑Gate process for product development across LIXIL's brands and regions. You will act as the trusted advisor for project managers and gatekeepers, ensuring clear work packages, disciplined gate transitions, and practical governance.

Key responsibilities

• Drive continuous optimisation of the global Stage‑Gate work packages, ensuring lean, consistent, and harmonised deliverables.
• Maintain and enforce the global R&D governance framework, including processes, tools, RASCI models, cadence structures, and compliance checkpoints.
• Safeguard gate readiness, documentation integrity, and audit readiness across all gate transitions.
• Define, track, and report R&D KPIs covering gate discipline, cycle time, and pipeline health.
• Develop and maintain digital templates, blueprints, work instructions, and process documentation for project managers.
• Coordinate cross‑functional and cross‑regional alignment to ensure local delivery conforms to global R&D standards.
• Ensure Stage‑Gate documentation and data are captured consistently in governing systems and represent process requirements to system owners.
• Build and maintain the R&D Knowledge Hub as the single source for process documentation, templates, and training material.
• Act as the business‑side representative to translate process requirements into system specifications with the Global PLM team.

Required profile

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Business Management, Industrial Management or comparable.
• 7‑10 years in process management, R&D project management or operational excellence across multiple industries, ideally in product development or manufacturing.
• Proven implementation of Stage‑Gate or comparable phase‑gate models.
• Working understanding of project and portfolio management systems used in an R&D environment.
• Interest in AI, automation and digital tools to simplify product development processes.
• Demonstrated comfort, curiosity and respect across cultures and working styles.
• Business‑fluent English required; German an advantage.

Required skills

• Stage‑Gate process expertise
• PLM systems (e.g., SAP, Planisware Orchestra)
• ERP systems
• Data literacy for KPI definition and process analysis
• Lean, Six Sigma or comparable optimisation approaches (advantage)

What we offer

• A salary package aligned with experience and responsibilities
• Comprehensive health management, on‑site fitness room, health services, Health Cashback, and Hansefit membership
• Diversity & Inclusion commitment and personal development support
• Employee benefits such as discounts on travel, fashion, media, mobile phones, etc.
• Motivated, appreciative, international team with growth opportunities
• Modern company restaurant for daily well‑being