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Junior Innovation Manager (m/f/d) - Job Opportunity at Kardex

Neuburg an der Kammel, Germany
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: June 3, 2025
Hybrid
EUR 45,000 - 55,000 annually, reflecting the junior level position in the German market with potential for rapid growth given the strategic importance of innovation management in the logistics automation sector.

Benefits

Comprehensive 60:40 remote work arrangement providing exceptional work-life balance and geographical flexibility while maintaining collaborative opportunities
Six weeks annual vacation in Germany, significantly exceeding standard European vacation allowances and demonstrating strong employee wellness commitment
Flexible working hours enabling personal schedule optimization and increased productivity
Robust professional development through dedicated company academy at Bellheim site with extensive training programs
Secure long-term employment in a rapidly expanding international organization with over 2,500 employees worldwide
Competitive compensation package including attractive salary, company pension plan, and capital-forming benefits
Enhanced employee perks through corporate benefits program and regular company and team events fostering strong organizational culture

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic administration and evolution of enterprise-wide Idea Management Tool, directly impacting product and system innovation pipeline while ensuring optimal resource allocation and cross-functional synergy identification
Drive market intelligence initiatives through global trend monitoring and customer requirement analysis, positioning the organization ahead of market shifts and competitive threats
Orchestrate cross-functional collaboration across all business units to generate high-impact innovation recommendations, including strategic search field creation and comprehensive ideation campaign management
Execute end-to-end coordination of idea evaluation processes, ensuring rapid time-to-market for viable innovations while maintaining quality standards
Architect and implement innovation frameworks and methodologies that democratize the innovation process across the entire 2,500+ employee organization
Champion organizational culture transformation through strategic communication of innovation activities, driving employee engagement and participation in innovation initiatives
Deliver executive-level reporting and communication materials that influence strategic decision-making and resource allocation for innovation investments

Requirements

Education

Minimum Bachelor's degree in Innovation Management, Business Administration (& Engineering) or similar required. A Master's degree is a plus.

Experience

First experiences for mechanics, electronics and software engineering

Required Skills

Proficiency in common office software such as Microsoft Teams, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, and Power BI collaboration software such as Miro Common understanding or first experiences for mechanics, electronics and software engineering Experience with agile project methodologies and project management Fluency in English, wheras German skills would be a plus
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The logistics and automated storage industry is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by e-commerce expansion and Industry 4.0 initiatives, with companies increasingly investing in dynamic storage and retrieval systems to optimize warehouse efficiency and reduce operational costs. Innovation management roles are becoming increasingly critical as manufacturing companies face pressure to digitize operations and integrate IoT technologies, creating demand for professionals who can bridge technical and business domains. The shift toward sustainable logistics solutions is driving innovation in storage systems, with companies like Kardex positioning themselves at the forefront of energy-efficient and space-optimizing technologies.

Role Significance

Likely part of a 3-5 person Corporate Innovation Management Team, with potential to lead project teams of 8-12 members across different business units during ideation campaigns and innovation workshops.
This junior-level position serves as a critical entry point into strategic innovation management, with direct exposure to C-level decision-making processes and cross-functional leadership opportunities that typically require mid-level experience at other organizations.

Key Projects

Implementation of enterprise-wide innovation management platforms Cross-functional innovation workshops involving multiple business units Market trend analysis and competitive intelligence reporting Development of innovation metrics and KPI frameworks Strategic ideation campaigns for new product development

Success Factors

Ability to translate complex technical concepts across mechanical, electronic, and software domains into actionable business strategies Strong facilitation and communication skills to drive engagement across a diverse, international workforce of 2,500+ employees Data-driven approach to innovation management with proficiency in analytics tools like Power BI to measure and optimize innovation processes Cultural sensitivity and multilingual capabilities to operate effectively in Kardex's global environment spanning multiple continents Agile project management expertise to navigate the fast-paced innovation cycles typical in the logistics automation industry

Market Demand

High demand for innovation management professionals in the German manufacturing sector, particularly in companies undergoing digital transformation and automation initiatives.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Agile project management capabilities are essential given the fast-paced nature of innovation cycles and the need to coordinate multiple concurrent initiatives across different business units and geographical locations. Proficiency in Microsoft Power BI and data analytics tools is crucial for measuring innovation performance, identifying trends, and providing executive-level reporting that influences strategic resource allocation decisions. Strong communication and facilitation skills are fundamental for driving employee engagement in innovation processes across a diverse, international workforce and ensuring successful cross-functional collaboration.

Beneficial Skills

German language skills would significantly enhance effectiveness in the local market and provide competitive advantage for advancement within Kardex's European operations. Background in mechanical, electronic, or software engineering provides credibility when evaluating technical innovations and facilitates more effective communication with R&D teams. Experience with collaborative platforms like Miro and SharePoint becomes increasingly important as innovation management relies heavily on digital collaboration tools and remote work coordination.

Unique Aspects

Rare opportunity to shape innovation strategy at a global scale while maintaining junior-level entry requirements, providing accelerated career development potential
Unique combination of technical exposure across mechanical, electronic, and software engineering domains within a single role, offering comprehensive skill development
Direct involvement in global trend analysis and market intelligence activities typically reserved for more senior positions
Access to international markets and diverse industrial sectors through Kardex's broad client base spanning manufacturing, retail, and administration

Career Growth

Typical progression to senior innovation management roles within 3-4 years, with accelerated advancement possible given Kardex's rapid international expansion and the strategic importance of innovation in their competitive positioning.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Innovation Manager with P&L responsibility for innovation portfolios Product Management Director overseeing specific business unit innovation strategies Business Development Manager focusing on strategic partnerships and technology acquisitions Strategy Consultant specializing in logistics and automation sector transformation

Company Overview

Kardex

Kardex Group stands as a global leader in the dynamic storage and retrieval systems market, serving diverse sectors including industrial manufacturing, retail, and administration with innovative logistics solutions that optimize space utilization and operational efficiency.

Positioned among the world's leading manufacturers in their sector with a strong international presence and over 2,500 employees globally, indicating substantial market share and financial stability in the logistics automation industry.
Strategic dual-location setup between Germany (Neuburg a.d. Kammel) and Switzerland (Zürich) provides exposure to both the robust German manufacturing sector and the innovative Swiss business environment, offering unique cross-cultural and cross-market insights.
The company demonstrates a progressive approach to work-life balance through their 60:40 remote work policy and extensive professional development opportunities, suggesting a culture that values employee growth and modern workplace flexibility.
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