R&D Manager

Regional Product Line R&D Manager – Hooklifts and Skiploaders -NAM

Company Overview:

The PALFINGER values of People, Entrepreneurship, Respect and Learning are more than words. We strive daily to create and support an atmosphere of collaboration, transparency, empowerment and customer focus so our greatest assets, our people, can harness their passion, drive and motivations to make a significant impact!

As an international group, PALFINGER offers its customers worldwide hydraulic lifting solutions at the interfaces of the transport chain. At the moment, PALFINGER operates business in 16 sectors: loader cranes, EPSILON timber and recycling cranes, marine cranes, davit systems, winches and offshore equipment, offshore cranes, boats, wind cranes, hooklifts, access platforms, tail lifts, passenger lifts, mobile cranes, truck bodies, railway systems, and truck-mounted forklifts as well as attachments and equipment for increasing crane efficiency. Furthermore, as a member of the PALFINGER North America Region, PALFINGER continuously pursues our vision of being the preferred provider of truck equipment throughout North and Latin America.

Job summary:

PALFINGER is seeking Regional Product Line R&D Manager for its Hooklifts and Skiploaders Product Line. The PL H&SL Regional R&D Manager oversees the regional R&D team of the product line H&SL, including the regional core team in the regional R&D center located in Chicago (Schaumburg) and the team members localized in assembly sites (Trenton, NJ). This position will sit in Schaumburg, IL. The role is for the Product Line as a bridge head between Chief engineer (Caussade) and the region North America (NAM). As part of the creation of an R&D headquarters in Chicago, the PL H&SL Regional R&D Manager is the guarantor of a successful transition between Trenton and Chicago.

The Regional Product Line R&D Manager – Hooklifts and Skploaders NAM is reporting to the Product Line H&SL Chief Engineer.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Decides all R&D site specific topics in close collaboration with product line Chief Engineer
• Decides technical issues in close collaboration with chief engineer, compliant to global architectural standards and interfaces
• Decides measures for evolutions and cost reduction together with product line management team
• Monitor and report regional regulation evolution on the product to the product line Chief Engineer
• Decides on resource needs of his site in close collaboration with product line management
• Owns the local R&D hiring process in close collaboration with product line management, the Regional R&D Manager and the legal representative of the site
• Represent the Local R&D PL H&SL in the regional Q Circle (Warranty Analysis) as well as the regional Technical & Sales Process
• Leads the engineering core team and ensures that all project tasks of the defined project scope are clearly addressed
• Ensures the availability of technical specifications, BOM, drawings and other technical documents as required manuals, buying specifications, supports to procurement/operation
• Aligns and manages the integration of systems and modules
• Defines, plans and approves verification and validation of systems and modules
• Ensures that all engineering deliverables are provided in Palfinger Development Process
• Controls the budget of the H&SL Regional R&Dwithin the product line
• Optimizes workflows within the local site R&D
• Supports the identification and development of key person at the local site
• Supports continuous improvement actions coming from regional and/or Product Line

Qualifications:

• Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering or related field with minimum 5 years relevant work experience in a similar industry (mechanical or hydraulic. Masters preferred.
• Minimum 5 years people management experience with demonstrated ability to recruit and develop talent.
• Knowledge of lifting products is preferred.
• Exhibits leadership and demonstrated ability to influence technical and business partners.
• Exhibits ability to foster and build a team culture.
• Leads through others – sets a vision for the team, motivates and empowers direct reports to lead and make decisions.
• Skilled at work in a fast-paced environment with self-prioritization of workload and understanding of changing timelines and project needs.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills.
• Analytical mind, autonomous, ability to give regular, effective and honest feedback.
• Effective negotiating skills when working through conflict resolution.
• Knowledge of SAP preferred.
• Knowledge of CREO preferred.

Other Requirements:

• Onboarding process with two to three multi-week trips to France.
• Ability to travel regularly to Trenton site and once a year to Europe (France & Austria HQ of Palfinger Group).

Language Skills:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to update job-related documentation. Ability to effectively present information one-on-one to other employees of the organization.

Physical Demands:

Employee is required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; bend; kneel and climb. The employee must safely lift and move up to 60 pounds on a daily basis.

Work Environment:

This position requires one to work both in an office, warehouse and production environment. There is a moderate level of noise, heat, cold, dust and dirt. Employee will be exposed to varying temperatures.

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive Benefitspackage with flexible options
• Competitive paid time off
• Opportunity for on-going career growth
• Environment of Respect, Openness, Inclusion and Support
• The opportunity to build a strong team, improve operations and make a big impact

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $112,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $112,000 - $140,000