Head of Digital Products (m-f-d) Greater Koeln, Germany Area

The Scope

We are looking for an engaged Head of Digital Products who brings solid expertise and a passion for FSC’s mission, to work with us in a multinational environment.

Are you passionate about building future‑ready digital ecosystems and leading cross‑functional technology teams toward excellence? As the Head of Digital Products at FSC, you will guide the next generation of solution design and development that powers innovation at scale. In this expanded role, you will also lead multiple programs leads across Project Management, Digital Factory, and Digital Experience, strengthen governance structures, and ensure effective collaboration with external providers. Your leadership will drive impactful digital products, transparent decision‑making, and efficient delivery processes. Join us to turn ideas into sustainable enterprise‑grade solutions and help accelerate FSC’s digital evolution.

Main Roles & Responsibilities

Independent and cross-team planning, management, and monitoring of all activities related to the solution, system, and software architecture for applications, integration solutions, and other systems, as well as application development, digital innovation, IT platforms, and cloud services.

Holistic design, implementation, and continuous optimization of IT process organization for the interaction of service towers, including the leadership of programme managers and regular reporting to technology leadership.

Process integration with adjacent IT domains (particularly with regard to architecture-relevant subject areas) and other IT-related departments across the organization, in collaboration with the respective management teams.

Identification and activation of potential within innovation teams, as well as the design and advancement of digital innovations and emerging technologies using appropriate innovation management and design thinking methods, including central oversight of major innovation and development initiatives.

Cross-functional coordination and responsibility for defining and maintaining software and solution architectures, as well as holistic application components required to operationalize business requirements.

Planning, coordination, and final validation of the development, implementation, and monitoring of procedures to ensure consistency between software designs at the project/program level and the overarching standards for software and solution architectures.

Overall responsibility for the Project Management Office (PMO), including the definition, implementation, and continuous optimization of project management methods, standards, KPIs, and quality assurance across all IT projects and programs.

Strategic planning and steering of the IT project and program portfolio, including prioritization, resource and budget planning, risk management, and consolidated reporting to executive leadership.

Establishment and supervision of IT governance structures (e.g., Architecture Boards, Portfolio Boards, CAB), including preparation, coordination, and validation of operational and strategic decisions.

End-to-end management of provider and vendor relationships, including selection, contracting, SLA and performance monitoring, and further development of sourcing and delivery models for application development and related services.

Your profile

A successfully completed university or university of applied sciences degree with a focus on computer science, business or administrative informatics, business administration with a minor in computer science, or comparable knowledge and experience.

In‑depth knowledge in the areas of software/solution architecture, software design, software development, innovation management, and platform/cloud architectures.

Knowledge in related fields such as enterprise IT architecture as well as program and project management with a focus on software implementations.

Proven experience in establishing and leading PMO structures, including project methodologies, governance processes, performance measurement, and cross‑functional coordination of project managers.

Significant experience in project portfolio management, including prioritization, strategic planning, budget management, and transparent reporting at senior management level.

Strong competencies in provider and vendor management, including contractual management, SLA monitoring, performance evaluation, and optimization of sourcing strategies.

Preferably certifications such as Scrum, TOGAF 9 Certified, iSAQB CPSA, Certified SAFe Architect, HPI Design Thinking Coach, PMI PMP, SAFe RTE, etc.

Strong analytical and planning skills, conflict management competence, assertiveness, and high social and team skills at all levels of collaboration.

10+ years of experience in software development, software design, software/solution architecture, innovation management, design thinking, and platform/cloud architectures.

Of which at least 5+ years of experience in disciplinary and/or technical leadership of teams of 20+ employees, and preferably at least 2+ years of experience as a department head or leader of complex (agile) IT programs with a focus on software implementation.

Why us?

Be part of a globally respected organization shaping the future of sustainable forestry.

Work with a diverse international team representing 60+ nationalities.

Join a global FSC community of over 400 forest stewards.

Enjoy meaningful professional development opportunities and continuous learning.

Live and work in Bonn, Germany — a vibrant international city and UN hub close to nature.

Benefit from 30 days of annual leave, flexible work arrangements, and a healthy work-life balance.

Relocation support available, if applicable

The Fine Print

Location: Bonn, Germany.

Working Hours: Full time - 40 hours per week.

Duration of Employment: Temporary contract - 2 years (extension possible, subject to satisfactory performance)

Starting Date: As soon as possible.

How to Apply

Ready to make a difference? Join FSC and help shape a sustainable future. Don't delay - apply now!

Please apply via our website by submitting your CV in English.

Please do not send any photos of yourself.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

For FSC, inclusiveness and diversity are important values. As such, we welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds and are entirely committed to consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age and disability.

We will confirm receipt of your application. Should you not receive a confirmation of receipt please check your spam filter and if you cannot find it there contact us at careers@fsc.org

Please be informed, that by applying for this position you automatically accept our Data Protection Information on processing your personal data.

We are looking forward to your application!

About us

Welcome to FSC!

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a globally recognized non-profit organization at the forefront of promoting sustainable forestry. With over 150 million hectares of certified forests and a trusted reputation among NGOs, consumers, and businesses, FSC is leading the way in ensuring the long-term health and resilience of the world’s forests.