At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering for EMEA Telehandlers, driving innovation and product strategy.
- Company: Join JLG, a global leader in access equipment with a commitment to safety and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to shape the future of telehandlers.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the construction and agriculture sectors with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Senior engineering experience in off-highway vehicles and strong leadership skills required.
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
- 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
Chief Engineer – EMEA Telehandlers in Leicester employer: Oshkosh
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 opportunities and supportive environment, allowing you to thrive as a Chief Engineer in the dynamic EMEA region. Join us to lead cutting-edge telehandler projects while enjoying the benefits of working with a global leader dedicated to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Engineer – EMEA Telehandlers in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant online groups. 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 JLG and understanding their products and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission and the specific role of Chief Engineer – EMEA Telehandlers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your technical expertise and leadership style clearly and confidently. Highlight your experience in off-highway vehicles and how it can benefit JLG's telehandler strategy.
✨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 in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Engineer role. Highlight your experience in 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 you can contribute to JLG's mission. Be sure to mention specific projects or achievements that showcase your skills.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:In your application, don't shy away from detailing your technical skills. We’re looking for someone who can operate at both strategic and detailed levels, so make sure to highlight your experience with vehicle systems and product development.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the JLG team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oshkosh
✨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 challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. This role demands a deep understanding of product architecture and performance targets, so be prepared to showcase your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Chief Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to build and lead teams. Think of examples where you've successfully developed engineering talent or fostered a high-performance culture. Highlight your experience in mentoring and how you've influenced cross-functional teams without direct authority.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with the EMEA telehandler market and JLG's position within it. Be ready to discuss customer applications, market expectations, and competitive positioning. Showing that you can translate these insights into successful product strategies will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
This role requires a strategic thinker who can define long-term product and technology roadmaps. Prepare to discuss your vision for the future of telehandlers, including trends like electrification and advanced hydraulics. Articulate how you would align engineering priorities with market opportunities to drive competitiveness.
