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Erstellt am 4. Juni 2026

Senior Manager Innovation - Global Portfolio Lead (m/f/x)

DHL
Troisdorf, Germany Vollzeit
Reference: 583949320

Senior Manager Innovation - Global Portfolio Lead (m/f/x) weekly working time of 40 hours. Mondays to Fridays.

TODAY, YOU'RE STIMULATING THE WAY A CUSTOMER SUCCEEDS.

TOMORROW, YOU'RE SHAPING THE WAY THE WORLD WORKS.

At DHL, people mean the world to us. That's why our goal has always been to attract and retain the best talent the world over. We provide challenge and opportunity for personal and professional development. We recognize the difference you bring to our business, and together we share the pride of building THE logistics company for the world.

DHL's Customer Solutions & Innovations (CSI)is a global dedicated organization which simplifies the DHL customer experience by providing a single customer interface and developing innovative industry-tailored solutions for DHL's largest global customers. Come discover the unique, international spirit of DHL where your commitment is recognized and rewarded.

You will be based at the flagship DHL Innovation Center - THE customer-centric innovation platform of DHL Group, where we deliver impactful innovation in logistics by staying close to customers, close to technology, and close to operations.

We look forward to shaping tomorrow together with you through true innovation - beyond potential.

Tasks:

Senior Manager Innovation - Global Portfolio Lead (d/f/m) - DHL CSI Innovation & Trend Research
  • CSI Sector / Function: Innovation & Trend Research
  • Contract Type: Permanent
  • Employment Type: Full-time
  • Location: Troisdorf
  • Recruiting Contact: CSI Recruiting Team [email protected]
Drive DHL's innovation agenda by working on a global scale with DHL operations, customers, startups, and other partners to identify, define and set up new innovation projects to be handed over to the respective innovation teams in the Innovation Centers ready to start that will shape the future of the logistics industry.

Lead cutting-edge research, thought leadership, and innovation initiatives that strengthen the company's position as a global industry leader and act as a trusted advisor and innovation ambassador-internally and externally Lead and execute a portfolio of innovation projects and capabilities that accelerate digitalization, foster growth, and create measurable business value.

Principal Accountabilities:

What's your role:

Innovation Projects
  • Identify the right partners to ultimately initiate projects that accelerate DHL's innovation agenda and strengthens our relationships with key customers and partners.
  • Pro-actively reach out to identified startups with defined problem statements of DHL operations and customers.
  • Apply your expertise to outline and initiate pilot projects for a promising problem-solution-fit to be handed over to the respective Innovation teams (within CSI and beyond). This includes identifying the right stakeholders (internal & external) and partners for a successful project outcome.
  • Ensure timely and budget-compliant execution of projects
Research & Thought leadership
  • Lead and drive thought leadership initiatives, including the publication of industry-leading trend reports (e.g. DHL Logistics Trend Radar™), exhibitions, and innovation showcases at DHL Innovation Centers
  • Collaborate closely with global innovation teams across Germany, Chicago, Dubai, and Singapore
  • Define research strategies and oversee high-quality content creation (e.g. articles, technology insights) to strengthen DHL's innovation positioning
  • Partner with Innovation Center leadership and Marketing to create impactful thought leadership content (articles, videos, campaigns)
Engagements
  • Represent DHL as an innovation expert at customer engagements, trade shows, and conferences (keynotes, panels, presentations)
  • Support customer-facing teams by curating innovation-driven solutions and strengthening DHL's position as a strategic partner
  • Plan and deliver internal engagement initiatives to promote innovation adoption and increase awareness of tools such as the DHL Logistics Trend Radar™
  • Build and position yourself as a go-to expert within the DHL innovation ecosystem
Stakeholder Management
  • Manage and expand the DHL Innovation Ecosystem of customers, partner, and colleagues effectively
  • Build and manage a strong DHL stakeholder network across divisions and functions
  • Drive cross-functional collaboration (e.g. HR, Finance, Commercial) to align on innovation priorities and deliver business impact
Leadership
  • Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment
  • Set clear goals, provide regular coaching, and conduct performance reviews for direct reports
  • Manage regional travel and expense (T&E) budgets
Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

What we're Looking For:

Experience & Background: 5+ years of relevant professional experience (e.g. consulting, logistics, business, engineering, or technology) andstartup engagement, ideally combined with initial leadership exposure

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a technical field required; Master's degree is a plus

Communication & Influence: Strong presentation and public speaking skills with the ability to translate complex topics into clear, compelling messages that inspire audiences-from senior executives to operational teams

Business Acumen & Innovation Mindset: Strong understanding of business processes and case evaluation, with a proven ability to identify and drive innovation opportunities

Project & Stakeholder Management: Demonstrated ability to manage projects and build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders across functions and levels

Personal Drive & Mindset: Curious, open-minded, and solution-oriented personality with a passion for innovation, emerging technologies, and customer-centric thinking

Working Style: Self-motivated and structured, with the ability to work independently and analytically in a fast-paced environment

Global Mindset & Mobility: International outlook with a willingness to travel as part of the role

Your benefits:

What's in for you:

Work at the forefront of innovation: Shape the future of logistics by working hands-on with cutting-edge technologies like AI, robotics, and IoT in a truly global setting

Real impact & visibility: Take ownership of high-impact projects and represent DHL at global events, leadership forums, and customer engagements

Global collaboration & network: Work with diverse teams across Europe, the US, Middle East, and Asia while building a strong internal and external innovation network

Growth & development opportunities: Continuously learn, lead, and grow through exposure to senior stakeholders, new technologies, and leadership responsibilities

Flexible & empowering work culture: Be part of an inclusive, collaborative environment that values initiative, creativity, and work-life balance

Your contact:

Interested in this opportunity?

Find out more about us on SmartConnect and learn how CSI is driving innovation in logistics and dive into DHL Specialized Industry Capabilities.

If you have any questions regarding the job, please feel free to reach out to [email protected].

Submit your application in English including your CV, cover letter, academic records, and your reference letters (if applicable).

Apply now! We are looking forward to your application!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0zwgAq8sUE

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from everyone. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

We are looking forward to your application.

CONNECTING PEOPLE. IMPROVING LIVES.

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