Administrative Director (m/f/d)

Reference No.: GF 2024/12

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (HZB) is one of 18 Helmholtz Centers funded by the Federal Republic of Germany and the states (Laender) Berlin, Thuringia and Bavaria. HZB has around 1,300 employees and a budget of around 200 million euros.

In the course of the succession, the HZB, based in Berlin, will fill the following position by June 01, 2025 at the latest.

HZB conducts research on solutions for a climate-neutral society at its Adlershof and Wannsee sites in Berlin and at the Helmholtz-Institutes in Erlangen-Nuremberg and Jena. Researchers develop sustainable energy materials and technologies for solar cells, batteries, green hydrogen technologies and quantum materials for energy-efficient information processing, thus providing the essential building blocks towards a sustainable and secure energy supply.
HZB operates the synchrotron radiation source BESSY II in Berlin-Adlershof, which is used by around 2,800 visiting scientists every year. The dismantling of the former research reactor in Berlin-Wannsee is another of HZB’s tasks in the coming years. The successor synchrotron radiation source, BESSY III, is currently in the design phase and is expected to open up completely new possibilities for the knowledge-based design of novel materials and thus for solving major societal challenges. In combination with special laboratory facilities embedded in HZB’s research campus and the Berlin’s Science and Technology Campus in Adlershof, users from universities, research institutions and industry will gain unique insights into materials, processes and components.
HZB as a whole is committed to being greenhouse gas-neutral by 2035 for conducting its research and operations, and therefore all aspects of sustainability and resource stewardship are fully integrated into all of its business processes.
Further information is available at www.helmholtz-berlin.de.

Your Tasks

• You will manage the HZB together with the Scientific Director, who is the spokesperson of HZB’s Board of Directors.
• You will be responsible for the entire business and administrative area, including human resources, finance, procurement, legal affairs, facility management including building and construction issues, and will report regularly to the Supervisory Board on the course of business and the situation of the organization. As representative of the budget you are responsible for a number of important mandated tasks (in particular occupational health and safety, radiation protection, export liability).
• Together with the Scientific Director, you will drive forward the digitalization of HZB and be responsible for the de­commissioning and dismantling of the BER II research reactor, a nuclear facility.
• Close and trusting cooperation with the federal and state funding agencies, the EU, the other Helmholtz Centers and the Helmholtz Head Office as well as the national and international cooperation partners of the HZB (universities, industrial companies and research centers) is expected.

Your Profile

• You have successfully completed your university degree or hold the qualification for higher civil service positions with very good business and legal expertise (including public budget and funding law).
• You are skillful in shaping your work strategically, possess an entrepreneurial mindset, and you have the ability to manage complex systems and projects. You have experience in working with committees and are adept at dealing with political decision-makers.
• The size and tasks of HZB within the Helmholtz Association and its close cooperation with universities, colleges, industrial companies and research institutions on a national and international level require experience from holding leadership positions with comprehensive responsibilities for personnel in national and, if possible, international research and science management at a publicly funded institution or in civil service administration or in similar areas at private companies. The knowledge required for successful financial management of a research institution is a prerequisite.
• You embody a modern understanding of leadership, have excellent communication and motivational skills and decision-making competences. You identify with diversity and equality-oriented action and the core tasks of the research center.
• You are open to the contributions of others, inspire people and promote a corporate culture based on initiative and participation.
• You maintain a constructive and trusting relationship with subordinate managers, communicate clearly, respectfully and valuing at all levels in German and English, motivate your employees and stand for a cooperative and effective togetherness.
• Ideally, you have an affinity for technical-scientific issues and experience in the operation of large research infrastructures and the realization of major construction projects.
• You have a very good command of German and English.

The position is to be filled no later than June 1st, 2025. An earlier appointment for the purpose of handing over the day-to-day business will be considered desirable. The appointment is for an initial period of five years, with the possibility of reappointment. A salary appropriate for the requirements of the position will be offered, up to a maximum of the salary group B6 of the Federal Salary Act. Furthermore, there is the option of performance-related compensation.
The members of the Helmholtz Association are actively promoting equal opportunities. Applications from women are strongly encouraged.
Applications from people with disabilities are very welcomed.

For the selection process, HZB has appointed a Selection Committee consisting of representatives of the HZB Supervisory Board, external experts, guests and representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the State of Berlin.
The committee is supported by the executive search firm BELOW TIPPMANN & COMPAGNIE PERSONALBERATUNG GmbH. We look forward to receiving your informative and convincing application documents (cover letter, curriculum vitae, certificates and possible starting date) in electronic form by September 8, 2024 at info@bt-personalberatung.de.
For initial contact, you may contact our consultants Simone Pfister and Anne Wieland at +49 (0)30-20 63 279-14 or 23.

Privacy Notice:
All parties involved in the application process are required to treat your personal data confidentially and in accordance with data protection regulations.
If you have specific questions about the protection of your data, please contact the Data Protection Officer (e-mail: datenschutz@helmholtz-berlin.de).

Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH
Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, 14109 Berlin
www.helmholtz-berlin.de

➜ Apply by email

Climate change poses serious challenges to the whole world.
At Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, we are researching materials for a climate-neutral future. 1200 employees from all over the world are working together at HZB towards this goal. Join us, and help us achieve it!
Learn more about HZB on our website.

Follow us on our social media channels LinkedIn, X, Instagram, or visit our YouTube channel.

CONTACT

Frau Anne Wieland
Frau Simone Pfister
+49 30-20 63 279-14 bzw. 23
info@bt-personalberatung.de