Better Futures with the Power of Light

We create photonic solutions to shape the world of tomorrow, together with people who embrace brilliant ideas with openness and curiosity. With teams in over 80 countries, we offer you the opportunity to reach your full potential.

Apply now and join the team!

Chief of Staff to the CEO (m/f/d)

Job ID:  5030
Location: 

Jena, Thuringia, DE

Date:  Jun 22, 2026

Your new role

 

The Chief of Staff (CoS) is the right‑hand to the CEO, driving the strategic direction of the company and ensuring transparency, prioritisation, and execution of key corporate initiatives. Acting as a bridge between strategy, governance, transformation and cross‑functional collaboration, the CoS enables the CEO to focus on high‑impact decisions while the organisation moves swiftly and cohesively toward its goals.

Your key responsibilities

 

  • Strategic Sparring Partner: Prepare data-driven briefing materials, develop decision frameworks, and challenge assumptions to support high-stakes CEO decisions.
  • Transformation Leadership: Coordinate and steer cross-functional strategic initiatives, aligning resources, timelines, and deliverables while monitoring progress and risks.
  • Governance & Board Relations: Lead the preparation, coordination, and follow-up of Supervisory Board and Executive Board meetings, ensuring high-quality materials and seamless execution of resolutions.
  • Stakeholder Alignment: Build trusted relationships with the Board, Senior Leadership Team, and key functions (Strategy, HR, Finance, etc.) to ensure consensus and alignment.
  • Operational Excellence: Streamline communication pathways and decision-making processes to enhance organizational agility and break down silos. 
  • External Representation: Represent the CEO’s office in selected forums, ensuring consistency and alignment with strategic priorities.

Your profile

 

  • Several years (typically 7-10+) of professional experience as a Management Consultant, Strategy Consultant, Corporate Developer, Chief of Staff, or C-Level Executive Assistant.
  • Proven track record in leading or supporting transformation and governance projects.
  • Deep understanding of corporate steering, performance management, and governance structures.
  • Strong analytical, quantitative, and conceptual skills.
  • Exceptional strategic thinking and organisational insight.
  • Outstanding communication and stakeholder management abilities.
  • High political savvy, discretion, and confidentiality.
  • Execution focused, pragmatic, resilient, and able to thrive under pressure.
  • Native proficiency in both English and German (written and spoken).
  • Willingness to travel and an agile work style.

 

Contact:

Name: Tillmann Kugel 

Phone.: +49 3641 65-4067 

 

What we offer:

 

 

 

About Jenoptik

Jenoptik is a global technology group operating in the photonics market. Optical technologies are the core of our business. Our growth areas primarily include semiconductor technology, medical technology, metrology as well as smart mobility. Approximately 4,600 people worldwide work for the Jenoptik Group, which is headquartered in Jena, Germany. JENOPTIK AG is listed on the German Stock Exchange in Frankfurt and is traded on the SDax and TecDax. In fiscal year 2024, Jenoptik generated revenue of around 1.12 billion euros.

As the holding company and corporate center of the group, JENOPTIK AG, based in Jena, is responsible for strategic corporate management and key tasks corporate development, mergers and acquisitions, innovation, corporate real estate management, finance (controlling, accounting, treasury), taxes, internal audit, investor relations and sustainability, communications and marketing, human resources, legal and IP, and compliance and risk management. It further pools the central functions of IT and data security, purchasing, safety, quality, occupational health and safety, and environmental protection.

Have we made you interested in this position?

If so, we look forward to receiving your online application.

Should you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.