The posting
accilium is a management and strategy consultancy founded on the belief that nothing is built to last unless it is built to evolve. That is why we have been driving the mobility and energy transition for nearly a decade. Through transformation projects that accelerate digitalization and position organizations for the future. We rethink organizations, put technology at the center, and always keep the people in mind. For us, change is not a matter of will, but of the ability to continuously evolve.
Together with our ventures & and accilium ventures, we operate at seven locations in Germany, Austria, Poland, and Romania and employ 110 people. According to Statista and brand eins, accilium ranks among the best management consultancies in the German-speaking world and is part of the “Hidden Champion of Consulting 2026/27”.
Why continue growing as a leader at accilium?
With us, you will help build something big – at the heart of the digital transformation. We work closely with decision-makers at C-level and design complex strategic programs from concept to implementation. We foster an open team culture, flat hierarchies, and the highest level of professionalism, always meeting on equal footing.
You will take ownership of strategic topics, lead teams, and further develop transformation initiatives along the automotive value chain, with a particular focus on R&D. Our goal is for you to establish yourself not only as a consultant but also as a thought leader within your practice area.
Your area of responsibility
As an (Associate) Manager – Automotive Transformation & R&D (f/m/x), you will be part of our Automotive Practice and support one of the world’s largest automotive OEMs in delivering complex transformation programs across the automotive value chain.
Your focus will be on R&D, ranging from the transformation of engineering and product data landscapes to Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV) and related processes in production and after-sales. These programs involve typical transformation challenges: aligning target architectures across brands, domains, and stakeholders, managing conflicting priorities, replacing legacy systems while maintaining business continuity, and adapting processes, roles, and responsibilities to software-centric development models.
We make these transformations manageable through clear governance structures, robust planning, and transparent progress tracking.
Your responsibility within projects
You will independently lead workstreams within major transformation programs and act as a trusted counterpart to the client’s program and project leadership.
- Target Vision & Roadmap: Develop target operating models and transformation roadmaps together with clients and translate them into actionable work packages.
- Program Management: Manage workstreams in complex programs, maintaining oversight of scope, dependencies, risks, and progress while ensuring reliable management reporting.
- Decision-Making & Governance: Design governance structures and decision-making processes, facilitate alignment workshops, and prepare executive-level decisions.
- Transition Management: Support the migration from legacy systems and processes to future-state solutions, including business case development and transition planning.
- Implementation & Change: Drive the rollout of new solutions through stakeholder engagement, communication, and change management.
- Stakeholder Management: Bridge business units, IT organizations, and external partners to align interests and create commitment.
- Team Leadership & Coaching: Lead project teams, coordinate and delegate tasks, and develop consultants through active coaching and knowledge sharing.
- Business Development: Further develop our service portfolio along the automotive value chain, identify follow-on opportunities, and contribute to proposals and tenders.
- Automotive Practice Development: Advance key topic areas and strengthen our thought leadership position within the Automotive Practice.
What is in it for you?
SALARY
- Full‑time monthly gross salary starting at € 6.400 (AM)/€ 7.917 (M) - including 30 vacation days, depending on your experience and qualifications.
- Annual salary increase + bonus (AM: up to 2 additional monthly salaries or up to 10 additional vacation days, M: Performance bonus of up to € 25.000 annually).
Because we value your know-how and commitment.
CAREER PATH & DEVELOPMENT
- 100% transparent career path (company-wide standard) + Individual People Year (AM) instead of fixed promotion cycles.
- Professional training, internal training formats, Senior Consultant and Associate Manager Day (AM), Mgmt Offsite (M), semi-annual performance reviews, and 1:1 mentoring by a partner to accelerate your development from day one.
- Regular feedback, direct access to partnership, and a culture of change to foster your growth.
Your career and development are a priority.
IMPACT & VISIBILITY
- We are big enough to deliver real impact, yet agile enough for you to actively shape the future.
- You will build your practice as a thought leader with your own capabilities.
- You will take part in Management Team Syncs.
- AI is part of our daily work. We implement AI for our clients and grow internally to achieve our goal of becoming an AI‑first consultancy.
You witness real change and authentic decision‑making processes.
ONBOARDING
- Buddy will assist you with onboarding and introduces you to our resources, organizational structure, and tools.
- Latest hardware and software: Surface, iPhone & home‑office equipment available from day one.
Structured onboarding for a smooth start.
COMMUNITY & BENEFITS
- Public transport ticket & corporate benefits.
- 80/20 smart working rule (1 home office day per week available).
- Events like reTreat, acc’sPerience, and our Christmas party create real connection.
- Office breakfasts and after‑work gatherings strengthen the local community and encourage exchange.
- Work from Anywhere option for flexible work models (up to 10 days per year from within Europe).
At accilium, community is real - not just a buzzword.
What makes a great fit
YOUR QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: Master's degree or equivalent in Systems Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Industrial Engineering (with a product development or IT focus), Business Informatics, or a comparable field.
- Experience: AM: 3-4 years (or 4-5 years with a Bachelor's degree) of full-time management consulting experience. M: 5-8 years of strategy and/or management consulting experience.
- Automotive Expertise: Proven project experience and a strong passion for the automotive industry, including an understanding of product development processes, vehicle programs, and corporate structures.
- Transformation & Architecture: Experience in transformation programs across the automotive value chain, ideally within R&D, combined with a solid understanding of IT architecture, enterprise architecture, or systems engineering.
- Program Management: Experience managing large IT or engineering programs, including PMO, scope management, dependency management, and executive reporting.
- Project Management Certification: PMP or an equivalent certification is desirable.
- Leadership & Business Development: AM: Initial leadership experience and involvement in sales or project acquisition. M: Demonstrated leadership experience, successful business development track record, and an established network within the mobility sector.
- Skills: Excellent presentation and facilitation skills at executive level, strong analytical and structuring capabilities, and confidence in navigating stakeholder conflicts.
- Travel: Willingness to travel within the DACH region depending on project requirements.
- Optional: Experience with Jira, Confluence, Enterprise Architecture Management (EAM), TOGAF, Scrum, or SAFe.
- Languages: Excellent German and English skills (at least C1 level).* *Global scale - Table 1 (CEFR 3.3): Common Reference levels (coe.int)
We are looking for someone who is passionate about consulting and wants to take their skills as an Associate Manager to the next level.
YOUR APPROACH
- Growth Mindset: Curiosity, a daily willingness to learn, and readiness to go the extra mile during intensive project phases.
At accilium, we nurture your personal growth and provide guidance every step of the way.
Why accilium?
accilium is an award-winning strategy and management consultancy shaping the future of mobility and energy. Driven by a strong mission, we prioritize teamwork and continuous learning. Our growing team of more than 110 experts has become a rising star in the consulting industry, and we are excited about the increasing attention we are receiving.
If you want to be part of building something great, click “Apply” or reach out to Katrin Helm ([email protected]) with any questions.
accilium is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, regardless of origin, religion, sexual identity, gender, age, or belief. This policy applies to all employment practices within our company. accilium makes hiring decisions solely based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.
