Head of R&D Center
Mainz area, GermanyHead of R&D Center Europe – Machinery (m/f/d)
Confidential Executive Search
Location: Mainz area, Germany
Industry: Machinery / Heavy Equipment / Industrial Manufacturing
Employment Type: Full-time | Senior Leadership Role
For a confidential international client operating within the construction and heavy machinery sector, we are looking for an experienced Head of R&D Center Europe – Machinery (m/f/d) to lead and further develop the company’s European engineering and product capabilities.
This is a strategic leadership opportunity for a senior expert with strong experience in construction machinery, product localization, engineering leadership, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Your Responsibilities
- Lead the overall operations and strategic development of a European R&D / engineering center.
- Build, lead, and inspire international and cross-cultural engineering, R&D, and product management teams.
- Act as a key interface between the European market and global engineering / development teams, ensuring effective translation of market requirements into product development initiatives.
- Drive product localization for European markets, including adaptation to local regulations, operational conditions, customer expectations, and technical requirements.
- Lead and oversee technical upgrades, validation, and certification activities (e.g. CE and related compliance requirements).
- Collaborate closely with customers, partners, and field stakeholders to gather user feedback, testing insights, and operational learnings to continuously optimize products.
- Monitor industry developments and emerging technologies, identifying opportunities related to smart systems, automation, digitalization, electrification, and new energy solutions.
- Contribute to the development of differentiated products and solutions tailored to European market demands.
- Foster strong collaboration across international stakeholders and support efficient execution within a dynamic global environment.
Your Profile
- Bachelor’s degree or above in Mechanical Engineering, Vehicle Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Several years (ideally 10+ years) of experience in R&D, engineering leadership, product management, or product development within the construction machinery, heavy equipment, commercial vehicle, agricultural machinery, mining equipment, or related industrial sectors.
- Strong understanding of the European construction machinery market, technical standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations.
- Proven experience with product localization, certification, and adapting products for European markets.
- Strong capability to translate market insights into technical and product requirements.
- Demonstrated leadership experience in international and cross-functional environments.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to collaborate across cultures, functions, and geographies.
- Fluent English required; additional European languages (e.g. German, French, or others) are considered an advantage.
- Must hold valid work authorization / permanent residency within the relevant European location.
What Our Client Offers
- A highly strategic and visible leadership role within an international industrial environment.
- Opportunity to shape European product strategy, innovation, and engineering direction.
- Strong international exposure and close collaboration with global stakeholders.
- Dynamic, entrepreneurial, and growth-oriented setting with significant impact potential.
Interested?
If this opportunity sounds interesting, we would be happy to share further information within a confidential conversation.
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