At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering for EMEA Telehandlers, shaping product strategy and driving innovation.
- Company: Join JLG, a global leader in access equipment with a commitment to safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to influence cutting-edge technology.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to mentor talent and build a high-performing team.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of telehandler development and make a real impact in agriculture and construction.
- Qualifications: Senior engineering experience in off-highway vehicles and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
About JLG, an Oshkosh company. JLG began in 1969, when our founder, John L. Grove set out to resolve growing safety concerns in the construction industry. Since then we have been committed to understanding the challenges and delivering innovative solutions to the access market. We partner with customers to provide quality equipment, training opportunities and trusted support within the access industry. We are a global company, and our products—including mobile elevating work platforms, telehandlers, utility vehicles and accessories—can be found all over the world.
JLG is expanding its Telehandler capability within the EMEA region, and we are seeking an experienced and visionary engineering leader to help shape the future of our Agriculture and Construction Telehandler product portfolio. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an established Chief Engineer / Head of Engineering–level professional with deep off-highway vehicle experience and a proven track record of delivering complex mobile equipment products from concept through production.
The successful candidate will take full technical ownership of the EMEA Telehandler product strategy, acting as the senior engineering authority for regional requirements, product development direction, and long-term competitiveness. This individual will play a critical role in building and developing a high-performing European engineering organisation while influencing global platform decisions to ensure JLG products meet the evolving needs of EMEA customers and markets.
We are looking for a strong technical leader with experience in telehandlers and/or closely related off-highway equipment sectors such as construction, agriculture, material handling, heavy vehicles, or industrial machinery. The role requires an individual capable of operating strategically while remaining technically credible and commercially aware. This position will partner closely with global engineering teams, product management, operations, manufacturing, and commercial leadership to define and execute a product roadmap capable of competing directly with established market leaders.
Key Areas of Responsibility
- Lead all EMEA Telehandler engineering activities across Agriculture and Construction segments
- Define and own EMEA product technical requirements and long-term product strategy
- Build and develop a strong regional engineering capability and team structure
- Influence global engineering platforms and product decisions
- Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) activities from concept through production and field support
- Drive product competitiveness in performance, quality, reliability, cost, and customer satisfaction
- Ensure compliance with EMEA regulatory, safety, and homologation requirements
- Support future technology direction including electrification, advanced hydraulics, digital integration, and alternative powertrains
Required Characteristics
- Technically Credible – Able to operate confidently at both strategic and detailed engineering levels, with the ability to challenge, guide, and influence technical direction.
- Product & Customer Focused – Understands customer applications, market expectations, and competitive positioning, and can translate these into successful products.
- Strategic Thinker – Capable of defining long-term product and technology roadmaps that position JLG competitively within the EMEA telehandler market.
- Builder of Teams – Experienced in developing engineering organisations, mentoring talent, and creating a high-performance engineering culture.
- Influential & Collaborative – Comfortable operating within global matrix organisations and capable of influencing cross‑functional stakeholders without direct authority.
- Delivery Oriented – Focused on execution, accountability, and delivering products that meet quality, timing, cost, and performance expectations.
- Commercially Aware – Understands the balance between engineering excellence, manufacturability, cost targets, and business objectives.
Role Purpose
The Chief Engineer – EMEA Telehandlers is responsible for the technical leadership, strategic direction, and successful execution of the EMEA Agriculture and Construction Telehandler product portfolio. This role serves as the senior engineering authority within the region and acts as the critical interface between EMEA business requirements and global engineering organisations. The position will ensure that regional customer needs, market expectations, regulatory requirements, and application demands are translated into competitive product solutions. The role will also be instrumental in establishing and developing a high-performing European Telehandler engineering organisation capable of supporting long-term product growth and market leadership ambitions.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical & Product Leadership
- Provide end-to-end technical ownership for EMEA Telehandler products
- Define product architecture, technical requirements, and performance targets aligned to customer and market needs
- Lead engineering decision-making across structures, hydraulics, powertrain, operator environment, controls, and emerging technologies
- Ensure robust product validation and technical risk management throughout development
- Drive product competitiveness against key industry competitors
- Product Strategy & Market Competitiveness
- Develop and maintain the EMEA Telehandler product roadmap and technology strategy
- Identify future customer trends, application requirements, and competitive gaps
- Partner with Product Management and Commercial teams to align engineering priorities with market opportunities
- Support platform and feature strategies that improve market share and profitability
- Global Engineering Integration
- Act as the primary engineering interface between EMEA and global product development teams
- Translate regional requirements into actionable engineering specifications
- Influence global platform decisions to ensure EMEA needs are represented effectively
- Drive alignment between regional business priorities and global engineering execution
- New Product Introduction (NPI)
- Lead engineering activities through all stages of NPI: Concept development, Architecture definition, Prototype build, Validation & testing, Industrialisation, Production launch, Field support
- Ensure products are delivered on time, within budget, and to required quality standards
- Team & Capability Development
- Build, lead, and develop the EMEA Telehandler engineering organisation
- Mentor and develop engineering talent and technical capability
- Establish strong engineering processes, governance, and accountability
- Foster a high-performance engineering culture aligned with Oshkosh values
- Regulatory & Compliance
- Ensure products meet all applicable EMEA regulatory, homologation, safety, and environmental requirements
- Support certification and compliance activities across multiple markets
- Significant senior engineering leadership experience within off-highway mobile equipment
- Proven experience delivering complex vehicle or machinery platforms from concept through production
- Strong technical background across vehicle systems such as: Structures, Hydraulics, Powertrain, Electrical/ electronic systems, Vehicle integration
- Experience leading New Product Introduction programs
- Demonstrated experience building and developing engineering teams
- Strong stakeholder management and cross‑functional leadership capability
- Experience working within global or matrix engineering organisations
- Commercial awareness including cost management, sourcing, and product competitiveness
- Degree qualified in Mechanical, Automotive, Agricultural, or related Engineering discipline
- Telehandler experience strongly preferred
- Agriculture and/or construction equipment experience
- Experience with electrification or alternative powertrain technologies
- Chartered Engineer status or equivalent professional accreditation
- Multi-region product development experience including EMEA regulatory compliance
Required Experience & Qualifications
Essential
Preferred
Chief Engineer – EMEA Telehandlers in Leicester employer: Dormont Manufacturing Co
At JLG, an Oshkosh company, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for career advancement within the dynamic EMEA region. With a focus on safety and quality in the construction industry, we offer a supportive environment where your expertise as a Chief Engineer can truly make an impact on the future of telehandlers.
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We think this is how you could land Chief Engineer – EMEA Telehandlers in Leicester
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We think you need these skills to ace Chief Engineer – EMEA Telehandlers in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Chief Engineer – EMEA Telehandlers, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
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Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Dormont Manufacturing Co specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
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How to prepare for a job interview at Dormont Manufacturing Co
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Dormont Manufacturing Co, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Dormont Manufacturing Co want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.