At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of engineers to innovate and optimise construction machinery for the European market.
- Company: Join a growing global player in construction equipment manufacturing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to €100,000 plus variable pay and benefits.
- Other info: Based in Bologna, Italy, with opportunities for career growth and travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on future machine platforms and drive industry innovation.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in construction machinery with strong leadership and technical skills.
This role would suit an experienced engineering leader, engineering manager or chief engineer with a proven track record working within the construction machinery industry within R&D. The purpose of this role is to lead a group of engineers focused on innovation, enhancement and optimisation of construction machines for the European market. This will include applications, design, development, test and validation capabilities.
This role involves working for a growing, global player within the construction equipment manufacturing sector. They seek an experienced engineering manager / R&D leader to steer the future development of their machine platforms (excavators and wheeled loaders). The role would suit an engineering leader with good people management skills, a strong technical understanding, project management capability and the ability to align activities with strategic goals.
The Role & Strategic Purpose
As R&D leader you will drive product development, research activities and NPI. You will keep abreast of industry trends, customer expectations and technology advancements. Your technical understanding and leadership skills will help bridge the gap between European and global engineering and customer teams.
In addition, you will build, guide and develop team capabilities ensuring future platform development improvements, which in turn will lead to the production of market leading products.
Typical involvements:
- Supporting the Development of Future Platform Strategy: Performance, reliability, safety, etc.
- Influence System Architecture: structures, hydraulics, electrical and control systems, powertrain, safety, etc.
- Guide & Mentor: Leading regional design teams and collaborating with global R&D centres.
- Market Benchmarking: Translate competitor analysis, dealer feedback, and voice-of-customer data into actionable engineering and platform requirements.
- Validation & Homologation: Oversee platform development, validation, vehicle testing, homologation protocols, and field-testing to ensure premium quality standards.
Skills / Knowledge Required:
- Excellent Construction Machinery Domain Experience: 10+ years of technical experience within construction machinery having worked on excavators or wheeled loaders.
- Leadership and Engineering Management: Proven capability with team building, development and motivation. Ability to manage and deliver complex R&D projects. Commercial understanding and customer centric.
- Technical Proficiencies: Strong familiarity with excavator or wheeled loader machine systems (e.g. advanced hydraulics and control, structures, powertrains, performance and optimisation, etc).
- Performance and optimisation: Experience of construction machinery test, validation and performance.
- Communication & Influence: Fluency in English is required (Italian language skills are a strong asset).
- Education: Degree (BSc, MSc, or Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or Aerospace Engineering or similar.
This Engineering Manager / R&D leader role is based in the Bologna area and is commutable from Modena, Ferrara, Imola, Reggio Emilia and Faenza. This role is based on site near Bologna, Italy, and will require occasional travel to customer sites and R&D centres.
European R&D Leader employer: Marcus Webb Associates Limited
Join an innovative engineering business in Cambridge as an Electrical Design Engineer, where you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to developing advanced industrial systems that enhance energy efficiency and manufacturing processes. The company fosters a collaborative work culture, offering excellent benefits such as generous holiday allowances, pension schemes, and early finishes on Fridays, while also providing ample opportunities for professional growth and relocation support for engineers looking to make a move. Embrace the chance to work on cutting-edge technology and contribute to meaningful projects in a thriving environment.
Contact Details:
Marcus Webb Associates Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land European R&D Leader
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time European R&D Leader role you’re after at Marcus Webb Associates Limited.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Marcus Webb Associates Limited a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Marcus Webb Associates Limited.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like European R&D Leader at Marcus Webb Associates Limited, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace European R&D Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like European R&D Leader, 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.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Marcus Webb Associates Limited a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Marcus Webb Associates Limited 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!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marcus Webb Associates Limited
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Marcus Webb Associates Limited, 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 Marcus Webb Associates Limited 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.
