At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic programs and ensure successful product launches in Consumer Eyecare across global markets.
- Company: ZEISS, a leading tech enterprise in optics and optoelectronics with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commitment to innovation, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to sustainability and global challenges.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare innovation while shaping the future of Consumer Eyecare.
- Qualifications: 5-8 years in program management or strategy, ideally in healthcare or MedTech.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
ZEISS is technology and innovation. We develop, manufacture and sell highly innovative products and solutions for our customers in a variety of business fields – always testing the limits of what is feasible. ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the optics and optoelectronics industries generating more than 11.8 billion euros in revenue with around 46,000 employees across 50 countries around the globe. Founded in Germany in 1846, we are proud of our rich heritage. As a company wholly owned by a foundation, ZEISS is rooted in and committed to responsibility in all its activities. Therefore, 15% of revenue is currently invested in science and R&D. ZEISS is convinced that innovation and technology are the key to a sustainable future and solutions for global challenges. If you want to enable business success and make a difference with us, ZEISS is the right place for you!
Purpose of this role
The Senior Program and Strategy Manager, Consumer Eyecare combines rigorous program governance with strategic business development.
Key responsibilities
- Program governance & execution
- Own the integrated timeline: Build and maintain the timeline and critical path; ensure consistency/quality of workstream plans; manage dependencies and the critical path.
- Run program governance end-to-end: SteerCos, weekly/bi-weekly cadences, workstream reviews, risk reviews; standardized agendas, pre-reads, minutes, action tracking, and follow-ups.
- Drive cross-functional and cross-regional alignment: Align functions and teams, proactively resolve blockers, accelerate decisions.
- Institutionalize RAID management and mitigation tracking: ensure risks/issues are surfaced early, owned, and actively closed.
- Drive stage-gate readiness: Orchestrate gate deliverables, coordinate cross-functional inputs, and ensure timely delivery & decisions.
- Manage external partners and timelines (e.g., contract manufacturers): Together with Procurement, manage and track delivery, cost, and timing of external partners.
- Support financial steering: Track cost center spends vs. plan, support forecasting, and quantify execution impacts (delay cost, scope changes).
- Lead quarterly OKR planning and review cycles across functions and regions: Ensure measurable outcomes, accountability, and transparent progress reporting.
- Institutionalize ways of working: Templates, standards, routines, playbooks, and lessons learned to scale the Consumer Eyecare PMO.
- Strategy and Business Development
- Lead market analysis for new market expansion: Conduct comprehensive assessments of target markets including market sizing, competitive landscape, regulatory environment, and entry barriers to inform go/no-go decisions for expansion.
- Develop and support business cases: Partner with Finance, Commercial, and Regional teams to build robust business cases for new initiatives, product launches, and market entries—including revenue projections, cost modeling, and ROI analysis.
- Perform ad-hoc data analysis and insight generation: Respond to leadership requests for strategic analysis; transform complex data sets into clear, decision-ready recommendations.
- Contribute to long-term strategy development: Actively participate in shaping the Consumer Eyecare multi-year strategy, including competitive positioning and partnership opportunities.
- Monitor competitive and market intelligence: Track competitor activities, market trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies; provide regular strategic briefings to leadership.
- Support strategic decision-making forums: Prepare materials for Board reviews, investment committees, and strategic planning sessions; ensure data quality and strategic coherence of recommendations.
Role requirements
- 5-8 years of combined experience in program/project management, strategy, management consulting, or business development-ideally in (Consumer) Healthcare, MedTech, or related industries.
- Proven track record delivering multi-country product launches and/or large-scale programs with measurable outcomes (time, cost, quality).
- Strong governance and execution experience: integrated planning, RAID discipline, action management, escalation judgment, and executive-ready reporting.
- Proven experience conducting market analysis, building business cases, and delivering strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
- Ability to drive accountability; excellent stakeholder management across functions, regions, and seniority levels.
- Strong dependency management and structured problem-solving; comfortable translating ambiguity into executable plans.
- Advanced proficiency with project management and reporting tools (e.g., Smartsheet/MS Project), plus advanced skills in MS PowerPoint/Excel.
- High-quality written and verbal communication; able to synthesize complex inputs into clear management narratives.
- Comfortable operating across time zones and cultures; high reliability, ownership mindset, and resilience under pressure.
Your ZEISS Recruiting Team: Abbie Walters
Senior Program & Strategy Manager in Birmingham employer: ZEISS
ZEISS is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and responsibility, offering a dynamic work culture where employees can thrive in their careers. With a commitment to investing 15% of revenue in R&D, ZEISS provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development, particularly in the cutting-edge field of Consumer Eyecare. Located in a global hub for technology, employees benefit from a collaborative environment that encourages cross-functional teamwork and strategic thinking, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Program & Strategy Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at ZEISS on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into ZEISS's recent projects and innovations. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about what we do and how you can contribute to our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. We want to hear about your past experiences and how they relate to the Senior Program & Strategy Manager role. Be ready to showcase your problem-solving skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining the ZEISS team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Program & Strategy Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Program & Strategy Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in program governance and strategic business development, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver multi-country product launches or large-scale programmes. We love seeing measurable outcomes, so include those numbers!
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity in communication. Make your application easy to read by using bullet points and clear headings. This helps us quickly see how your skills align with our needs.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at ZEISS
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into ZEISS's history, values, and recent innovations. Understanding their commitment to R&D and sustainability will help you align your answers with their mission and show that you're genuinely interested in the company.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your program governance and strategic business development skills. Highlight instances where you've successfully managed multi-country product launches or large-scale programmes, as this is crucial for the Senior Program & Strategy Manager role.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with insightful questions about ZEISS's future direction in Consumer Eyecare and how they approach market analysis. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to engage in a meaningful conversation with your interviewers.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Rehearse your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to stakeholder management and problem-solving. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making them clear and impactful.
