Entrepreneur in Residence (m/f/d) - Job Opportunity at TDK Electronics

Munich, Germany
Full-time
Senior
Posted: June 10, 2025
Hybrid
EUR 85,000 - 120,000 annually, reflecting senior-level corporate innovation roles in Munich's competitive market, with potential for performance bonuses and equity participation in successful ventures

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare coverage including on-site medical services providing immediate access to professional healthcare support
Sustainable transportation solutions through bike leasing programs reducing commuting costs and promoting environmental responsibility
Work-life balance optimization through flexible working arrangements enabling productivity while maintaining personal commitments
Collective bargaining protection ensuring fair compensation and working conditions aligned with industry standards
Family support services including childcare assistance reducing personal stress and enabling career focus
Professional counseling and social support services providing mental health resources and personal development guidance
Structured career advancement programs with continuing education opportunities for long-term professional growth
Retirement security through company-sponsored pension benefits ensuring financial stability beyond active employment
Wellness and fitness programs promoting physical health and team building through sports offerings
On-site dining facilities providing convenient meal options and fostering workplace community
Transportation support including parking and public transit assistance reducing commuting burden and costs
Performance-based compensation structure rewarding excellence and providing additional income potential

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic project and product management initiatives alongside founding teams to drive innovation and market penetration in emerging technology sectors
Execute comprehensive talent acquisition strategies through conducting high-level interviews and evaluating potential team members to build world-class founding teams
Implement performance monitoring systems and provide executive coaching on customer engagement methodologies, market research techniques, and strategic positioning
Collaborate with senior leadership to develop comprehensive business strategies and process optimization plans during critical concept development phases
Facilitate knowledge transfer through regular synthesis sessions and specialized training programs to accelerate team development and market readiness
Establish strategic partnerships with founding team leadership and guide them through complete incubation processes from concept to market launch
Design and facilitate innovation workshops to implement cutting-edge methodologies and foster breakthrough thinking in product development
Oversee comprehensive risk management frameworks to protect investments and ensure sustainable business development
Drive business development initiatives including budget planning, market analysis, and strategic positioning to maximize competitive advantage
Identify and validate high-potential business opportunities while supporting teams through strategic pivots and scaling decisions for maximum market impact
Serve as primary liaison between founding teams, executive leadership, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and strategic coherence
Represent the organization at industry events and communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences while building strategic relationships
Cultivate entrepreneurial culture within the incubator environment and inspire innovative thinking that drives breakthrough product development

Requirements

Education

Degree in business administration or similar field. In case of technical background, MBA is required

Experience

At least 5 years of professional experience. Leadership experience in digital product management is a plus

Required Skills

Worked in a consulting team for or within corporates, ideally in a strategic role Practical experience in conducting customer interviews as part of market research and/or "Voice of the Customer" initiatives Gained experience in a startup environment Experienced in facilitating ideation and solution workshops for cross-functional teams Strong entrepreneurial mindset, resilience, and a hands-on approach Excellent communicator, able to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels Thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments and enjoy solving complex problems
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The corporate venture capital and innovation lab sector has experienced unprecedented growth, with Fortune 500 companies establishing dedicated incubation programs to capture emerging technologies and maintain competitive advantage in rapidly evolving markets. TDK's position as a global electronics leader positions this role at the intersection of traditional manufacturing excellence and cutting-edge innovation, particularly in IoT, automotive electronics, and industrial automation sectors. Digital transformation initiatives across manufacturing and electronics industries are driving demand for experienced innovation professionals who can bridge the gap between established corporate structures and startup agility. The role reflects the industry's shift toward open innovation models where large corporations partner with and incubate startups to accelerate technology development and market penetration. The European startup ecosystem, particularly in Germany's technology hubs like Munich, has matured significantly with increased focus on deep-tech innovations in electronics, automotive, and industrial applications. This creates substantial opportunities for corporate venture programs to identify and nurture breakthrough technologies that align with established market leaders' strategic objectives.

Role Significance

Typically manages multiple founding teams simultaneously (3-5 ventures) with indirect oversight of 15-25 entrepreneurs and direct collaboration with senior executives across business units
Senior management position with significant strategic influence over corporate innovation initiatives, reporting likely to executive leadership with substantial autonomy in decision-making and budget allocation for venture development programs

Key Projects

Corporate venture incubation programs focused on electronics innovation and emerging technologies Strategic partnership development with external startups and research institutions New business model development for traditional electronics applications in emerging markets Cross-functional innovation workshops spanning engineering, marketing, and business development teams

Success Factors

Demonstrated ability to balance entrepreneurial agility with corporate governance requirements, ensuring innovation initiatives align with strategic objectives while maintaining startup-like speed and creativity Strong network within both startup ecosystems and corporate environments, enabling effective deal flow identification and strategic partnership development Exceptional communication skills capable of translating complex technical concepts for diverse audiences while building consensus among stakeholders with varying priorities and expertise levels Proven track record in scaling businesses from concept to market, with specific experience in technology commercialization and go-to-market strategy development Cultural intelligence to navigate corporate politics while fostering entrepreneurial culture, creating environments where innovation thrives within established organizational structures

Market Demand

High demand driven by corporate innovation imperatives and the critical need for experienced professionals who can navigate both startup dynamics and corporate structures

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Strategic thinking and business model development expertise are essential for identifying opportunities that align with TDK's core competencies while addressing emerging market needs. The ability to envision how new technologies can create sustainable competitive advantages within established markets determines venture success and corporate strategic value. Stakeholder management and communication skills are paramount given the complex ecosystem of founding teams, corporate executives, external partners, and investors. Success requires building consensus among diverse groups with varying priorities while maintaining clear strategic direction and fostering collaborative relationships. Market research and customer validation capabilities are fundamental for ensuring venture-market fit and reducing investment risk. The ability to design and execute comprehensive market analysis, conduct meaningful customer interviews, and translate insights into actionable business strategies directly impacts venture viability and scaling potential.

Beneficial Skills

Technical background in electronics or engineering provides credibility when working with founding teams and enables deeper understanding of technology feasibility and market applications, though strong business acumen can compensate for technical gaps International business experience becomes increasingly valuable given TDK's global presence and the need to identify opportunities across diverse markets and cultural contexts Digital transformation expertise offers additional value as traditional electronics companies navigate evolving customer expectations and business model innovations in connected device ecosystems

Unique Aspects

Direct access to TDK's extensive patent portfolio and R&D capabilities, providing unique competitive advantages for venture development and technology commercialization efforts
Opportunity to leverage TDK's established relationships with major automotive and electronics manufacturers for accelerated market entry and customer validation
Integration with global innovation network spanning Asia, Europe, and Americas, offering international expansion opportunities for successful ventures
Backing of substantial corporate resources while maintaining entrepreneurial autonomy, creating optimal conditions for high-impact innovation development

Career Growth

3-5 years to executive leadership positions, with accelerated progression possible based on successful venture outcomes and strategic impact demonstration

Potential Next Roles

Chief Innovation Officer or VP of Corporate Ventures within large technology companies Managing Director positions at corporate venture capital firms or innovation consultancies Executive leadership roles in high-growth technology companies, leveraging corporate and startup experience Independent venture capital partner focusing on early-stage technology investments

Company Overview

TDK Electronics

TDK Corporation represents a cornerstone of global electronics innovation with nearly 90 years of market leadership in electronic components and materials science. As a Tokyo-based multinational with USD 14.4 billion in annual revenue and 105,000 employees worldwide, TDK has successfully evolved from ferrite material commercialization to comprehensive electronic solutions spanning automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

Global market leader in passive electronic components with dominant positions in ceramic capacitors, magnetic sensors, and power supplies, serving as a critical supplier to major automotive and technology manufacturers worldwide
Munich represents a strategic European hub for TDK's innovation activities, positioning the role at the center of European automotive electronics development and providing access to Germany's robust engineering talent pool and startup ecosystem
Combination of Japanese corporate stability and precision with European innovation flexibility, emphasizing long-term strategic thinking while encouraging entrepreneurial initiatives and cross-cultural collaboration
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