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: Enjoy a competitive salary, career development, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on growth and excellence in engineering.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the construction and agriculture sectors with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in engineering, especially in off-highway vehicles or telehandlers.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € 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
We are looking for a leader who is:
- 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
Required Experience & Qualifications
Essential
- 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
Preferred
- 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
Advance your career by advancing the world. For many of our team members, this is more than a career. It’s a calling. Oshkosh is home to thousands of difference-makers working together to build, serve and protect people and communities around the world. From the front lines to the firehouse, the people we serve are driven by a sense of purpose. The people who work here are no different. Our engineering and product innovation help keep soldiers and firefighters safe, is critical in building and keeping communities clean and helps people do their jobs every day. As part of a People First culture, you’ll be encouraged and empowered to take ownership of your work, develop your career and make a real impact on the world around you.
Chief Engineer – EMEA Telehandlers employer: Oshkosh Corporation, Inc.
At JLG, an Oshkosh company, we pride ourselves on fostering a People First culture that empowers our employees to take ownership of their work and develop their careers. Located in Leicester, Leicestershire, we offer a collaborative work environment where innovation thrives, and team members are encouraged to make a meaningful impact in the access industry. With a strong focus on employee growth and a commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions, JLG is an excellent employer for those seeking a rewarding career in engineering leadership.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Engineer – EMEA Telehandlers
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their telehandler offerings and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you're not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your achievements and how they relate to the role of Chief Engineer. Highlight your leadership skills and technical expertise in off-highway vehicles to make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the JLG team.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Engineer – EMEA Telehandlers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Engineer role. Highlight your experience with off-highway vehicles and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about telehandlers and how your strategic thinking can benefit JLG. Let us know what makes you the perfect fit for this role.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical expertise in areas like hydraulics, powertrains, and vehicle integration. We’re looking for someone who can operate confidently at both strategic and detailed levels, so make that clear!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oshkosh Corporation, Inc.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to telehandlers and off-highway vehicles. Be ready to discuss specific engineering principles, product development processes, and any relevant technologies like electrification or advanced hydraulics.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Chief Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and develop teams. Prepare examples of how you've built high-performing engineering teams in the past and how you've influenced cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with the EMEA telehandler market and JLG's position within it. Be prepared to discuss customer needs, competitive positioning, and how you would define a product roadmap that aligns with market expectations.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about long-term product strategies and technology roadmaps. Think about how you can align engineering priorities with business objectives and be ready to share your vision for the future of telehandlers in the EMEA region.
