Head of r&d center

Head 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.

EvolveTalent® – Your European Talent Partner

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