Alexander Schaule

Director Global Program Management | Driving Innovation in Product Development, Mechatronics, Automation, ADAS & Autonomous Mobility

Germany

About

I am an engineering leader with a strong track record of driving technology-driven product innovation and leading high-performing teams. My focus is on turning advanced technologies into real-world products that create measurable business value. I have led complex development programs from concept to implementation, aligning technical execution with strategic business objectives. I believe that successful innovation happens where technology, collaboration and clear execution come together. My leadership approach focuses on empowering teams, fostering ownership, and creating an environment where talented engineers can deliver their best work. I am particularly passionate about bringing innovative technologies into production and shaping the future of mechatronics, automation, robotics, ADAS and autonomous mobility.

Experience

  • Webasto Group (Full-time · 10 yrs 7 mos)
    • Director Global Program Management
      Nov 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 8 mos

      • Leading the global development and production project portfolio of the business unit across the entire product lifecycle • Built and established a scalable project management structure for the newly founded "Fixed Transparent Modules" business unit • Management and development of a team of ~6-8 (senior) project managers at the site while providing functional leadership to a global project organization across the U.S., India, China, and South Korea • Delivered the first successful launch of innovative product features (including ambient lighting and switchable glazing in fixed glass roofs), strengthening the business unit’s position as key driver of innovation

    • Manager Global Customer Program Management
      Jan 2023 - Oct 2023 · 10 mos

      • Held global P&L responsibility for the project business of the Openable Sunroof Systems and Battery Systems product segments for the customer VW Group; led and developed a team of ~6 employees • Defined strategic departmental objectives, including the implementation of a KPI framework, performance tracking, and active international stakeholder management • Led and stabilized turnaround projects, delivering sustainable profitability improvements for previously deficit-making programs

    • Project Manager & Product Owner, Technology Development Project
      Dec 2020 - Dec 2022 · 2 yrs 1 mo

      • Led the overall technology development project "Roof Sensor Module" for highly automated and autonomous driving, including budget responsibility for a government-funded development program (€4M funding volume, Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs) • Provided functional leadership to interdisciplinary teams (~20 employees), driving the technology to series readiness using agile project management methodologies • Successfully launched the technology to market and contributed to the acquisition of the first customer projects • Developed, structured, and negotiated strategic partnerships and contracts with customers and suppliers

  • Technical Product Management at Knorr-Bremse
    Feb 2014 - Oct 2014 · 9 mos

    Master's Thesis

  • Supplier Quality and Development at MTU Aero Engines
    Mar 2011 - Jul 2012 · 1 yr 5 mos

    Internship, Working Student and Bachelor's Thesis