Head of Product Management and UX (f/m/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Product Management and UX (f/m/d)

Company: ABB

Location: Eggelsberg, Upper Austria, Austria

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Product Management & UX Operations / GTM Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-09-03

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid (onsite with 10 home office days a month)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and define the business and portfolio strategy for software offerings within the Machine Automation division, focusing on industrial automation solutions.

• Drive product success through comprehensive lifecycle management, performance tracking, and continuous improvement of product management and UX processes.

• Serve as the primary "voice of the customer," translating market requirements and user needs into a competitive and valuable software product portfolio.

• Manage and develop the Product Management and UX organization, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and impactful product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within ABB's Machine Automation division, specifically focusing on B&R's software portfolio. The "f/m/d" designation indicates the role is open to all genders and diverse backgrounds. The hybrid work model specifies 10 home office days per month, requiring a strategic approach to remote collaboration and onsite presence for key meetings and team interactions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and execute the comprehensive portfolio strategy, including pricing, business models, and go-to-market plans for the PG Software portfolio.

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Product Management and UX teams, focusing on talent growth, coaching, and robust succession planning.

• Act as the crucial "voice of the customer," meticulously prioritizing the product backlog and ensuring close alignment with R&D, Sales, and customer-facing teams to meet market demands.

• Oversee the full product lifecycle, from conception and development to launch and end-of-life, ensuring continuous product improvement and performance optimization.

• Drive cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Sales, Marketing, and Support teams to ensure cohesive product strategy execution and market success.

• Champion user experience (UX) design principles and best practices across all software offerings, ensuring intuitive, efficient, and valuable customer interactions.

• Track key product performance metrics, analyze market trends, and identify opportunities for innovation and competitive differentiation within the industrial automation software landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on strategic portfolio planning, market translation, and cross-functional leadership, indicative of a senior operations and strategy role. The requirement to act as the "voice of the customer" and prioritize backlog underscores the critical link between product development and market needs, a core tenet of effective GTM operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical or business field.

• MBA or an advanced degree in a related discipline is strongly preferred, demonstrating a commitment to strategic business acumen. Experience:

• 12–15 years of progressive experience in product management, with a significant focus on industrial automation software.

• Demonstrated success in managing the full product lifecycle, from ideation to market introduction and ongoing management.

• Proven ability to define and articulate product strategy, translate market requirements into actionable roadmaps, and manage complex software portfolios.

• Experience in Sales or Application Engineering within the manufacturing or industrial automation sectors is considered a significant advantage, providing valuable market perspective. Required Skills:

• Product Portfolio Strategy: Ability to define and drive the business and portfolio strategy for software offerings, including pricing and business models.

• Market & Customer Insight: Expertise in translating market requirements and customer needs into competitive product features and user experiences.

• Leadership & People Management: Proven experience in leading, coaching, and developing high-performing Product Management and UX teams.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Strong ability to align with R&D, Sales, and customer-facing teams, acting as the "voice of the customer."

• Product Lifecycle Management: Comprehensive understanding and practical application of lifecycle management principles for software products.

• Strategic Mindset: Ability to develop and execute long-term strategies in a fast-paced, dynamic industrial technology environment.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Proficiency in using data-driven insights to define and defend product priorities.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both German and English, essential for international collaboration.

Preferred Skills:

• Industrial Automation Software Expertise: Deep understanding of IDE software, hard real-time software, and applications specifically for machine builders.

• Go-to-Market Planning: Experience in developing and executing effective go-to-market strategies for software products.

• User Experience (UX) Design: A strong background or understanding of UX principles and their application in industrial software.

• Sales/Application Engineering Background: Practical experience in customer-facing roles within manufacturing or industrial automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level (12-15 years) and the specific mention of "IDE software, hard real-time software, and applications for machine builders" indicate a highly specialized role requiring deep technical and market knowledge within the industrial automation software domain. The preference for an MBA or advanced degree signals a strong emphasis on strategic business and financial acumen.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Portfolio Definition: Develop and articulate a clear, data-informed portfolio strategy that aligns with ABB's overall business objectives and market opportunities in industrial automation software.

• Business Model Innovation: Design and implement viable business models for software offerings, considering subscription, licensing, and value-based pricing strategies.

• Go-to-Market Alignment: Ensure seamless integration of product roadmaps with go-to-market plans, coordinating efforts across Product Management, Sales, and Marketing.

• Lifecycle Management Framework: Establish and manage robust processes for the entire product lifecycle, from ideation and development to launch, maintenance, and end-of-life, optimizing for continuous improvement and market responsiveness.

Process Documentation:

• Product Management Process Optimization: Document, refine, and standardize product management processes, including market research, requirement gathering, backlog prioritization, and release planning, to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• UX Design & Integration Standards: Define clear processes for UX research, design, prototyping, and user testing, ensuring that user experience considerations are embedded throughout the development lifecycle.

• Cross-functional Collaboration Workflows: Develop and document workflows that facilitate seamless communication and collaboration between Product Management, R&D, Sales, and other key stakeholders.

• Performance Tracking & Reporting Protocols: Establish protocols for tracking key product performance metrics, analyzing data, and generating reports that inform strategic decisions and identify areas for improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific systems are not listed, the emphasis on "process management," "lifecycle management," and "workflow design" implies a need for candidates experienced with agile methodologies, product lifecycle management (PLM) tools, and potentially CRM/ERP integration for go-to-market strategy execution. The portfolio should demonstrate the ability to structure and optimize these processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The minimum compensation, as per the electrical and electronics industry collective agreement, is €4,905.47 monthly for a full-time position as of May 2026. This equates to an annual minimum of €58,865.64.

• ABB states they will discuss the final compensation package in person based on qualifications and experience, suggesting the actual salary will likely exceed this minimum significantly, especially for a role at this seniority level (12-15 years experience). For a Head of Product Management and UX with this extensive experience in a specialized field like industrial automation in Austria, a competitive salary range could realistically be between €90,000 to €130,000+ annually, depending on the specific responsibilities, demonstrated impact, and negotiation. Benefits:

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible working models, including flextime and hybrid options (10 home office days/month), to support personal and professional life integration.

• Health & Well-being: Access to various health measures, a Global Employee Assistance Program for confidential support, and a gender-neutral parental leave policy.

• Financial Perks: Opportunity to participate in the Global Employee Shareholder Acquisition Program (ESAP) and receive meal allowances.

• Career Growth: Extensive training opportunities and structured development programs designed for professional advancement and skill enhancement.

• Inclusive Culture: An international and collaborative work environment that fosters innovation and diversity.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are assumed to be approximately 40 hours per week, typical for Austria and the industry. Flexibility is offered through flextime arrangements, allowing for adjustments within reasonable parameters.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of the minimum salary based on a collective agreement provides a baseline. However, for a "Head of" role with 12-15 years of experience, the actual compensation is expected to be substantially higher, reflecting the strategic importance and leadership scope of the position. The benefits package is comprehensive, highlighting ABB's commitment to employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Industrial Automation, Electrical Engineering, Software Solutions. ABB is a global leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The Machine Automation division, specifically with B&R, focuses on integrated control and software solutions for machine and factory automation.

Company Size: ABB is a large, multinational corporation with a significant global presence. While the exact number of employees in the specific division or region isn't detailed, ABB globally employs over 105,000 people across 100+ countries, indicating a robust organizational structure and extensive resources.

Founded: ABB was formed in 1988 through the merger of Asea (Sweden) and Brown Boveri (Switzerland). B&R (Bernecker + Rainer Industrie-Elektronik) was acquired by ABB in 2017, bringing its specialized expertise in machine and factory automation to the ABB portfolio. This history suggests a culture that values innovation, integration, and long-term vision.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Vice President, Software for PG Software at B&R, indicating a direct line of leadership within the software product organization.

• The Product Management and UX organization will be led by this Head of role, suggesting a team of product managers and UX designers/researchers.

• Close collaboration is expected with R&D, Sales, and customer-facing teams, highlighting a matrixed environment typical of large technology companies where cross-functional alignment is critical for GTM success. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: The role emphasizes using data to define product priorities and drive strategy, suggesting a strong reliance on analytics and market research.

• Agile & Lean Principles: Implicit in product lifecycle management and fast-paced environments, likely employing agile methodologies for software development and product iteration.

• Customer-Centricity: The "voice of the customer" is central, indicating a focus on understanding user needs and ensuring product-market fit through continuous feedback loops.

• Strategic Portfolio Management: A structured approach to portfolio planning, business model definition, and go-to-market execution is expected.

Company Website: https://www.abb.com

📝 Enhancement Note: ABB's long history and its acquisition of B&R suggest a company that values both established expertise and forward-thinking innovation. The emphasis on sustainability and efficiency in its mission statement likely influences the team's focus on creating solutions that help industries run leaner and cleaner. The "Run What Runs the World" slogan underscores the company's impact and ambition.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, equivalent to a Director or VP level within the Product Management and UX function for a specific division (PG Software at B&R). It involves strategic decision-making, team leadership, and significant business impact.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Vice President, Software, placing it at a high level within the software organization. This provides direct visibility to senior leadership and opportunities to influence strategic direction.

Operations Impact: The Head of Product Management and UX is instrumental in shaping the software portfolio that drives ABB's Machine Automation division. Their strategic decisions directly influence market competitiveness, revenue generation, customer satisfaction, and the overall success of B&R's software offerings in industrial automation. This role is critical for translating technological capabilities into tangible business value and market leadership.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Expansion: Potential to expand scope to cover a broader software portfolio, multiple divisions, or move into a more general VP of Product or CTO track within ABB.

• Cross-Functional Advancement: Opportunities to transition into broader GTM leadership, business unit management, or executive roles leveraging deep product and market understanding.

• Industry Influence: As a leader in industrial automation software, there's potential to contribute to industry standards, speak at conferences, and build a strong professional reputation.

• Continuous Learning: Access to ABB's extensive training and development programs, mentorship, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies in AI, IoT, and automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of Sales Operations or Revenue Operations. Instead, it sits at the intersection of Product Management, UX, and GTM strategy. The "operations" aspect comes from managing the processes, teams, and strategic execution required to bring software products to market successfully and profitably. Growth opportunities are geared towards senior product leadership and strategic business roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is primarily onsite in Eggelsberg, Austria, with a hybrid component. This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration, innovation, and focused work. Given ABB's global presence and focus on technology, expect well-equipped facilities.

Office Location(s): Eggelsberg, Upper Austria, Austria. This location is a key hub for B&R, ABB's automation solutions provider.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The company culture emphasizes mutual support, collaboration, and continuous learning. The hybrid model requires effective digital collaboration tools alongside in-person interactions.

• Technology Focus: As a leading automation company, expect access to advanced technology, development tools, and modern office amenities to support product development and management.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with product teams, R&D, sales, and other stakeholders, fostering a dynamic and communicative work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work week (approx. 40 hours) is expected, with flexibility offered through flextime arrangements. The hybrid model allows for 10 days of remote work per month, requiring careful planning to maximize in-office collaboration and minimize disruption to operational processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "onsite with 10 home office days a month" hybrid model is a key factor. Candidates should be prepared for regular in-office presence for critical team meetings, strategic planning sessions, and collaborative work, while also leveraging remote days for focused individual tasks and work-life balance.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of CV and cover letter, assessing alignment with experience requirements (12-15 years in product management, industrial automation, leadership).

• Hiring Manager/VP Interview: Focus on strategic thinking, leadership philosophy, experience with portfolio management, and understanding of the industrial automation market. Expect discussions about past successes and challenges.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Interactions with potential direct reports (Product Managers, UX Leads) and cross-functional peers (R&D, Sales). These interviews will assess collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to lead and influence.

• Case Study/Presentation: A common element for leadership roles. Candidates may be asked to prepare a presentation on a strategic product initiative, portfolio challenge, or go-to-market plan, demonstrating their analytical and strategic capabilities.

• Final Interview: Often with senior leadership (e.g., Head of Division, CTO) to confirm cultural fit, strategic alignment, and overall suitability for the leadership role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Impact: Showcase examples of defining and executing successful product portfolio strategies, including market analysis, competitive positioning, and business model innovation.

• Leadership & Team Development: Present case studies demonstrating your ability to lead, mentor, and grow product management and UX teams, highlighting team achievements under your guidance.

• Customer-Centricity: Illustrate how you've acted as the "voice of the customer," translating user needs into product roadmaps and features that delivered significant business value.

• Process Optimization: Detail instances where you've improved product management or UX processes, leading to increased efficiency, faster time-to-market, or enhanced product quality.

• Data-Driven Results: Quantify the impact of your product decisions and strategies using metrics such as revenue growth, market share, customer satisfaction scores, or adoption rates.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Vision: Be prepared to articulate your vision for the future of industrial automation software and how ABB/B&R can lead in this space.

• Problem-Solving: Anticipate questions about how you would address specific market challenges, competitive threats, or internal alignment issues within a large organization.

• Leadership Scenarios: Prepare responses for behavioral questions related to managing underperforming team members, resolving cross-functional conflicts, or making difficult prioritization decisions.

• Market Trends: Stay informed about current trends in industrial automation, IoT, AI in manufacturing, and software-as-a-service (SaaS) models in industrial contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a leadership role, the portfolio should focus on strategic outcomes and leadership impact rather than granular project details. The interview process will likely involve multiple stages to assess strategic acumen, leadership capabilities, and cultural fit within ABB's global structure.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software: Tools like Jira, Confluence, Aha!, or similar platforms for managing product roadmaps, backlogs, requirements, and documentation.

• CRM Systems: Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar for understanding customer interactions, sales pipeline, and market segmentation, crucial for GTM strategy.

• Analytics & Business Intelligence Platforms: Tableau, Power BI, QlikView, or internal ABB tools for tracking product performance, market trends, and ROI.

• UX Design & Prototyping Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, or similar for wireframing, prototyping, and user testing, ensuring a strong focus on user experience.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in using data analysis tools to interpret market data, user behavior, and product performance metrics.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in creating and utilizing dashboards for key performance indicators (KPIs) related to product adoption, revenue, and customer satisfaction.

CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce/Dynamics: Deep understanding of how CRM data informs product strategy and go-to-market execution.

• Marketing Automation Platforms (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot): Understanding of how these tools support product launches and customer engagement.

• Integration Tools: Familiarity with how different systems (CRM, ERP, PLM, development tools) integrate to provide a unified view of product performance and customer journey.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the role's responsibilities imply a need for proficiency in industry-standard product management, UX design, CRM, and analytics platforms. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with tools that support strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and data-driven decision-making in a complex software environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Progress: A drive to continuously innovate and push the boundaries of industrial automation technology. The slogan "Run What Runs the World" reflects this ambition.

• Customer Focus: Deeply understanding and addressing customer needs through product development and UX design, acting as the "voice of the customer."

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and teams work together to achieve common goals.

• Sustainability & Efficiency: A commitment to developing solutions that help industries run leaner and cleaner, contributing to a more sustainable future.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding high ethical standards and taking ownership of product strategy and execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Emphasizes strong partnerships between Product Management, R&D, Sales, and Marketing to ensure cohesive strategy and execution.

• Open Communication: Encourages open dialogue and feedback to drive continuous improvement in processes and products.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: Relies on data and insights to guide strategic choices and resolve potential conflicts.

• Global Mindset: Operates within an international framework, requiring effective communication and collaboration across different cultures and time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: ABB's culture appears to blend a strong heritage of engineering excellence with a forward-looking approach to innovation and sustainability. The emphasis on collaboration and customer-centricity is key for success in this role, requiring strong interpersonal and influencing skills.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Large Organization: Effectively influencing strategy and driving change within a global corporation like ABB, which may have established processes and hierarchies.

• Balancing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Managing competing priorities from R&D, Sales, customers, and senior leadership to define a cohesive and effective product portfolio.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with fast-changing technologies in industrial automation, AI, IoT, and software development to ensure the product portfolio remains competitive.

• Hybrid Work Model Management: Successfully leading and fostering team cohesion and productivity across both in-office and remote work settings.

• Market Differentiation: Standing out in a competitive industrial automation software market by clearly articulating unique value propositions and driving innovation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Executive Leadership Training: Access to ABB's structured development programs tailored for leadership roles, focusing on strategic management, financial acumen, and organizational leadership.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Opportunities to attend and represent ABB at leading industrial automation and technology conferences, expanding industry knowledge and network.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior ABB leaders or to mentor junior talent, fostering leadership growth and knowledge transfer.

• Specialized Skill Development: Access to training in emerging technologies relevant to industrial automation, such as AI/ML applications, cybersecurity for OT, and advanced IoT solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior leadership roles in large, technology-driven companies. The growth opportunities are substantial, reflecting ABB's commitment to developing its talent pipeline for future leadership positions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you define the portfolio strategy for B&R's PG Software over the next 3-5 years, considering market trends in Industry 4.0 and automation?"

• "Describe your approach to translating customer needs and market requirements into a prioritized product roadmap, especially when faced with conflicting demands from Sales and R&D."

• "What are the key components of a successful go-to-market strategy for industrial automation software, and how would you ensure alignment across departments?"

• "How would you measure the success of our software portfolio and individual product lines, and what KPIs would you focus on?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about ABB's Machine Automation division and B&R's specific strengths in the market?"

• "How do you foster a collaborative and innovative culture within a product management and UX team, particularly in a hybrid work environment?"

• "Describe your leadership style and how you approach people development and coaching."

• "How do you ensure the 'voice of the customer' is effectively integrated into product development processes?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps starting with your vision, then detailing strategic pillars, key initiatives, and anticipated outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics (revenue growth, market share, customer adoption, efficiency improvements) to demonstrate the tangible business impact of your past product strategies and leadership.

• Showcase Leadership: Highlight examples of how you built, led, and developed high-performing teams, and how you managed cross-functional collaborations.

• Address ABB Context: Tailor your examples to the industrial automation sector and demonstrate an understanding of ABB's business and strategic goals.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key information efficiently, allowing time for discussion and Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership capability, and a deep understanding of the industrial automation software market. Being able to articulate a clear vision and back it up with data and past successes will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Head of Product Management and UX position:

• Submit your application through the ABB careers portal link provided.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight 12-15 years of product management experience, specifically within industrial automation. Emphasize your leadership experience, strategic portfolio management, and GTM strategy development. Use keywords like "industrial automation," "software portfolio," "product lifecycle management," "UX strategy," "go-to-market," and "people management."

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate 2-3 key case studies showcasing your strategic portfolio definition, successful product launches, team leadership, and measurable business impact. Focus on demonstrating how you translated market needs into product success and drove efficiency.

• Company & Market Research: Deeply understand ABB's Machine Automation division, B&R's offerings, and current trends in industrial automation software. Prepare to discuss how you would leverage this knowledge to drive the PG Software portfolio forward.

• Interview Practice: Prepare for behavioral and situational questions, focusing on your leadership approach, strategic decision-making process, and ability to collaborate across functions. Practice presenting your portfolio case studies clearly and concisely.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.