Career Development and Leadership at cbs
Nicole Gründler grew up in Heddesheim and attended high school in Ladenburg. Early on, she developed a strong interest in economic relationships, which led her to study Business Administration at the University of Mannheim after graduating. She later continued her studies at a Cooperative State University, where she earned a degree as Diplom-Betriebswirtin (BA) with a specialization in Public Economics. Her journey at cbs began in a classic way—through a job advertisement—and marked the start of a long and successful career within the company.
From Executive Assistant to Head of Corporate Development & Contract Management
When Nicole joined cbs in 2006, the company was still small, with around 60 employees, short decision-making paths, and plenty of room for individual contribution. She started as Executive Assistant to the Management Board and quickly found herself in an environment defined by pragmatism, trust, and continuous change. Early on, she took on project responsibilities and learned directly from founder and CEO Harald Sulovsky how to approach challenges with curiosity and persistence.
Today, nearly two decades later, Nicole serves as Head of Corporate Development & Contract Management, leading several teams and overseeing an area that shapes the company in many ways. A large portion of the contracts cbs concludes—from master agreements to project contracts—are handled by her team. She personally manages escalations when matters become complex or require quick solutions. Her responsibilities also include proposals, letters of intent, and risk management, as well as strategic topics such as office relocations, workspace design, and the establishment of the company’s women’s network.
One particularly defining experience for her was the construction of the headquarters in Heidelberg between 2016 and 2018. From spatial planning to the selection of fixtures, Nicole oversaw every detail to ensure the building met the needs of cbs.
International Collaboration, Culture, and Life Beyond Work at cbs
Her day-to-day work is highly dynamic. While fixed meetings and deadlines are part of her routine, rarely does a day go exactly as planned. For Nicole, flexibility is not just a buzzword—it’s reality. “No two days are the same,” she says—and that is exactly what she values most about her role.
Today, Nicole collaborates with international partners across all subsidiaries. What impresses her most is the diversity of perspectives and the team’s willingness to go the extra mile together. “I can rely on every single one of my colleagues—that’s a great feeling,” she explains.
Outside of work, Nicole also enjoys exploring the world—preferably visiting cbs locations across the globe. Whether Denver, Sydney, or Kuala Lumpur, her passion for travel is evident. At the same time, she is a true mountain enthusiast. Hiking, skiing, and spending time with her family provide a balance to her demanding professional life.
Over the years, she has experienced cbs as a stable anchor—even during challenging times such as the financial crisis in 2008 or the pandemic in 2020. This reliability, combined with a culture that puts people first, makes cbs a special place for her. “You learn to appreciate being heard and seen,” she says.
With her experience, dedication, and versatility, Nicole has become a key pillar of the company—and an integral part of its continued success.
