Career

Head of Foresight & Innovation (f/m/d)

25.08.2025

At PALFINGER, we have been lifting goods to a new level for over 90 years - with a pioneering and passionate spirit. As a global technology and engineering company, we are the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of innovative crane and lifting solutions. Our success is based on the tireless efforts of our approximately 12,350 employees, who contribute their ideas and energy to our vision. With us, you can expect a dynamic working environment full of opportunities for personal and professional development. Become part of our team and start your career at PALFINGER.

We are looking for a committed leader in Bergheim (Salzburg) or Vienna to drive and lead PALFINGER’s innovation and foresight agenda. As the Head of Foresight & Innovation, you will build and foster a cross-functional global network, drive strategic foresight and manage a high-calibre team of senior experts.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Corporate Innovation Strategy: Define the vision and strategy for Foresight and Innovation, identify opportunities and threats, create and implement roadmap for disruptive innovation
Deliver Value for PALFINGER: Anticipate customers needs, develop and scale disruptive projects, explore inorganic opportunities, foster collaboration with universities and research institutions
Innovation Governance: Establish transparent governance structures, track KPIs and manage budgets for innovation initiatives in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders
Foster Innovation Culture: Promote new business models, drive cultural change and share best practices to embed innovation throughout the organization
Build Strong Teams and networks: Hire and develop talent, build effective cross-functional teams and lead by example based on PALFINGER values

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor or master's degree or equivalent with either a technical or business orientation
Many years in senior management across global companies, consulting, or research organization, relevant experience in foresight and innovation management
Strategic thinker able to translate vision into strategy, foster customer-focused innovation and drive execution and manage change
Strong communicator, networker and influencer, able to address diverse audiences and overcome headwinds
Fluent in German and English, willingness to travel and thriving in uncertain environments

WHAT WE OFFER

Flexible working hours with no core time and possibility to work from home
Further training and international career opportunities
Corporate health management "PALfit"
Company restaurant with freshly prepared meals and daily meal subsidy (at the Vienna site: Edenred card)
Job ticket for travel to and from PALFINGER
Numerous employee discounts through Corporate Benefits

Minimum yearly gross salary according to Austrian metal industry collective agreement is EUR 65.432,36 based on full-time employment. According to experience and qualification, we offer a market-conform overpayment.
Are you interested in the position and still have questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Jennifer Hopfgartner

Talent Acquisition Partner

Location

Vienna

PALFINGER AG
Jakov-Lind-Straße 5 , 1020 Wien
Austria