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(Senior) Project Manager Strategic Development - Decarbonization

SCHOTT • Germany • Added on Jul 27, 2026
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This role operates at the heart of the Group’s corporate strategy, where you will lead high-stakes projects aimed at bridging long-term business goals with concrete climate action. You will be responsible for translating high-level sustainability objectives into actionable pathways, contributing to the annual strategic planning cycle, and managing interdisciplinary teams to ensure these initiatives are fully integrated into the business model.

For a foundation-owned company like SCHOTT, decarbonization is not just a regulatory hurdle but a core pillar of their industrial legacy and future survival. As a material group specializing in energy-intensive glass and ceramics production, your work directly influences the technological transformation of the sector, making you a key player in the industry’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

This suits someone who possesses a strong technical or scientific background paired with an analytical, strategic mindset. You should be comfortable navigating the complexities of a global industrial manufacturing environment and have the gravitas to influence senior-level management and board decisions.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The primary mission is to drive the decarbonization strategy within SCHOTT’s Strategic Development department. You will be responsible for leading complex, cross-functional projects that align environmental goals with the overall corporate strategy, ensuring that sustainability is a core component of the business planning cycle. Day-to-day, this involves analyzing strategic options, deriving actionable pathways for new and existing business fields, and steering external consultancies. You will act as a bridge between the board of directors and operational management, turning broad sustainability visions into measurable strategic initiatives.

Key learning opportunities for this job

In this role, you will gain deep insights into how a global industrial giant navigates the energy transition in a highly energy-intensive sector like glass manufacturing. This provides a unique vantage point on technological decarbonization levers, such as green hydrogen or electrification of industrial furnaces. You will also sharpen your skills in strategic corporate management by being involved in the annual planning cycles and board-level decision-making processes. Exposure to diverse high-tech industries, from aerospace to semiconductors, will broaden your understanding of complex supply chains and market dynamics.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate holds an excellent Master or PhD in a STEM field, such as engineering, chemistry, or physics, ideally complemented by a business qualification. You need several years of experience in management consulting or a dedicated corporate strategy role within an international industrial context. You should demonstrate pragmatic implementation strength rather than just theoretical knowledge. Fluency in both German and English is essential, as you will be communicating with internal stakeholders and external partners across different regions and functions.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, emphasize your ability to link technical feasibility with financial viability. SCHOTT is a foundation-owned company with a long-term view, so your application should reflect a commitment to sustainable growth rather than short-term gains. Highlight specific projects where you led a strategy from the initial concept through to the execution phase. Being able to demonstrate influencing skills without direct authority will be a significant advantage, given the interdisciplinary nature of the role.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on the environmental pillar of ESG, specifically regarding scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction within glass manufacturing. You will likely work on projects related to process innovation, sustainable energy sourcing, and the integration of carbon reduction targets into the corporate performance framework. Additionally, because SCHOTT is a foundation-owned entity, the role touches upon the longevity and resilience of the company's business model. You will ensure that decarbonization acts as an innovation driver that keeps the company competitive in a carbon-constrained global market.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the most significant challenges will be balancing ambitious climate goals with the operational realities of glass production, which faces physical and technological limits regarding heat and energy. You may encounter resistance to change when navigating traditional manufacturing processes. Furthermore, coordinating across international sites while maintaining a cohesive Group-wide strategy requires high diplomatic skills. You will need to manage the expectations of various business units that may have differing priorities regarding sustainability investments and speed of implementation.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a strategic review meeting with the board to discuss progress on key climate initiatives. Mid-morning could be spent reviewing data and analysis from external consultants or internal technical teams to evaluate new strategic options for carbon neutral production. In the afternoon, you might lead a cross-functional workshop involving R&D, Finance, and Operations to align on the roadmap for a specific business field. Your day likely ends with preparing briefing materials or strategic presentations that translate complex data into clear recommendations for top management.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

This position is explicitly framed as a stepping stone for further career progression within SCHOTT. Successful project management at this level often leads to leadership roles in business units, corporate functions, or regional management. Working within the Strategic Development department provides high visibility to the executive board, making this an ideal path for those aiming for C-suite or senior executive positions in the future. The diversity of SCHOTT's portfolio also allows for lateral moves into vastly different industrial sectors.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact closely with the Executive Board and senior management, providing them with the analysis needed for strategic decisions. Internally, you will collaborate with lead engineers, R&D heads, and managers from various business segments like Healthcare or Energy. Externally, you will steer management consultancies and potentially interact with industry associations or technology partners. Building strong relationships across these diverse groups is critical for the integrated success of the decarbonization initiatives.

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