Head of Research And Development

We are a world-renowned leader in the design and production of innovative irrigation machinery and solutions. With a strong global presence and commitment to sustainability and technological advancement, we are looking for a visionary Head of R&D Department to lead and inspire our research and development efforts with the possibility of coordination at the group level. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of irrigation technology on a global scale.

Position: Head of R&D Department
Location: Castelvetro di Modena
Reports to: CEO
Type: Full-time

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead, direct, and oversee all R&D activities within the organization, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic goals.
2. Manage a diverse and talented team of engineers, researchers, and specialists, driving innovation and product development across all areas of irrigation machinery.
3. Formulate and implement R&D strategies that focus on the development of next-generation irrigation systems and technologies, ensuring market competitiveness.
4. Collaborate closely with executive leadership to define key technology priorities and guide the department’s initiatives towards achieving business objectives.
5. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, creativity, and technical excellence within the R&D team.
6. Coordinate with cross-functional departments, including production, marketing, and quality assurance, to ensure seamless product development from concept to commercialization.
7. Oversee the budgeting, planning, and resource allocation for R&D projects, ensuring the efficient use of company resources.
8. Stay at the forefront of industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies, ensuring the company maintains a leadership position in the market.
9. Build and maintain strong relationships with external research institutions, technology partners, and stakeholders.
10. Coordinate the R&D Department at the Group level.

Requirements:

1. Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field.
2. Minimum of 5/7 years of experience in R&D leadership roles, with a strong background in the automotive, manufacturing or agricultural machinery sector.
3. Proved technical experience in the mechanical engineering sector, preferably from medium-sized companies with NPI processes and Design practices, with the following key backgrounds:
   1. Hardware design and validation
   2. IoT and software/hardware integration
4. Extensive experience in developing, testing, and commercializing innovative products.
5. Proven track record of leading and motivating multidisciplinary teams to deliver successful projects.
6. Strong project management skills: ability to work on projects while coordinating resources that are not hierarchically dependent.
7. Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
8. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with senior executives and cross-functional teams.
9. Fluency in English (B2 – CEFR).
10. Willingness to travel internationally when needed.

Desirable qualifications (nice to have but not a must):

1. PMI certification.
2. Knowledge of Lean Management.
3. Knowledge of French (B1 – CEFR).

What We Offer:

1. A leadership role in a highly innovative and sustainable industry.
2. Opportunities for professional development and advancement within a global organization.
3. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
4. The chance to shape the future of global agricultural technology and have a significant impact on global food security and sustainability.

If you are an innovative and strategic leader with a passion for advancing irrigation technology, we invite you to apply and join our world-class team.

How to Apply: Please send your resume, cover letter, and any relevant supporting documents to hrocmis-irrigation.com with the subject line “Head of R&D Department Application.” We look forward to receiving your application and discussing how you can contribute to our continued success.