Global Installation Product Management and R&D - Job Opportunity at Hiab

Meppel, Netherlands
Full-time
Senior
Posted: June 10, 2025
On-site
EUR 85,000 - 120,000 per year based on the senior-level position, extensive travel requirements, global scope of responsibilities, and location in the Netherlands where engineering management roles command premium compensation

Benefits

Global leadership role with strategic impact across multiple regions and product lines
Opportunity to work with class-leading products and innovative digital solutions in a market-leading company
Professional growth opportunities within a global organization with diverse and challenging tasks
International exposure with travel opportunities primarily in Europe and US markets
Position within a financially robust company with EUR 1.6 billion in sales and global presence

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic market analysis and competitive intelligence initiatives to shape installation solutions positioning and capture market opportunities
Architect and execute comprehensive product roadmaps for installation solutions that standardize operations and deliver measurable efficiency improvements across global markets
Lead cross-functional collaboration with product divisions, sales, and service teams to orchestrate successful go-to-market strategies that maximize revenue impact
Direct global research and development initiatives for installation technologies, overseeing the complete innovation lifecycle from concept to market validation
Ensure regulatory compliance and quality excellence across all installation solutions while maintaining industry-leading safety standards
Establish and standardize R&D processes and documentation frameworks that drive consistency and operational excellence across the global service network
Cultivate strategic partnerships with suppliers and technology partners to accelerate innovation and competitive advantage in installation solutions
Develop compelling business cases and financial analyses that secure investment and demonstrate ROI for new installation service solutions
Implement Lean Six Sigma methodologies across all operational phases to optimize business performance and drive continuous improvement

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Business Management, or a related field. Equivalent through a combination of education and work experience.

Experience

At least 7+ years in a leadership role within relevant industry environment, +5 years of experience supporting process methods.

Required Skills

Green or Black Belt required Proven experience in managing complex projects, with project management skills Ability to analytical thinking, with problem solving capability and a structured way of working A strong interest in developing existing and new processes, tools and ways of working to increase efficiency and productivity Ability to influence stakeholders at multiple levels, drive consensus within the organization Experience in typical R&D software and solutions Willingness to travel mostly in Europe and US +50 days Fluency in English, other languages are in advantage Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively deal with internal and external customers

Certifications

Green or Black Belt certification in Lean Six Sigma methodology
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The on-road load-handling equipment industry is experiencing significant digitalization, with companies increasingly integrating IoT sensors, predictive analytics, and smart monitoring systems into their products to provide comprehensive lifecycle management solutions. This trend is driving demand for product managers who can bridge traditional mechanical engineering with digital innovation capabilities. Sustainability requirements are reshaping the industrial equipment sector, with customers demanding more energy-efficient and environmentally conscious solutions. Companies are investing heavily in R&D to develop cleaner technologies and optimize equipment performance to meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations. The global supply chain disruptions and manufacturing reshoring trends are creating opportunities for companies with strong installation and service networks to differentiate themselves through localized support and rapid deployment capabilities, making installation expertise a critical competitive advantage.

Role Significance

Likely managing a cross-functional team of 8-15 professionals including R&D engineers, product specialists, and regional installation managers, with matrix management responsibilities across multiple geographic regions
Senior management position with significant strategic influence, reporting likely to executive leadership and responsible for global product strategy that directly impacts company revenue and market position across multiple regions

Key Projects

Development of next-generation installation methodologies that reduce deployment time and costs Implementation of standardized CPQ configurations across global markets Launch of digital installation solutions integrating predictive maintenance and remote monitoring capabilities Strategic partnerships with technology providers to enhance installation automation

Success Factors

Ability to translate complex technical requirements into viable business strategies while maintaining strong relationships with engineering teams and commercial stakeholders across diverse cultural and regulatory environments Exceptional project management capabilities combined with deep understanding of Lean Six Sigma methodologies to drive operational excellence and measurable improvements in installation efficiency and customer satisfaction Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills to identify market opportunities, assess competitive threats, and develop innovative solutions that differentiate Hiab's offerings in the global load-handling equipment market

Market Demand

High demand driven by industrial automation trends, sustainability requirements, and the critical need for companies to optimize their service delivery and installation processes in competitive markets

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification is essential as it demonstrates ability to drive process improvements and operational efficiency initiatives that are core to the role's success in standardizing installation procedures and optimizing service delivery across global markets Complex project management experience is crucial given the need to coordinate R&D initiatives, product launches, and go-to-market strategies across multiple regions, product lines, and cross-functional teams while managing competing priorities and resource constraints Stakeholder influence and consensus-building capabilities are vital for success in this role, as the position requires alignment between technical teams, commercial organizations, and regional management across diverse cultural and business environments

Beneficial Skills

Digital technology expertise including IoT, predictive analytics, and connected equipment solutions would provide significant advantage as the industry continues its digital transformation journey International business development experience would enhance effectiveness in identifying and pursuing market opportunities across different regulatory and cultural environments Supply chain and manufacturing optimization knowledge would complement the installation focus and support end-to-end customer experience improvements

Unique Aspects

Combination of product management and R&D leadership responsibilities is relatively rare, offering exceptional opportunity to influence both strategic direction and technical innovation within a market-leading company
Global scope with significant travel requirements provides unique exposure to diverse markets and customer requirements, enabling development of comprehensive international business perspective
Focus on installation solutions represents a specialized niche within the broader equipment industry, requiring unique blend of technical expertise and service delivery understanding
Integration of Lean Six Sigma methodology into product development processes demonstrates company's commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement culture

Career Growth

3-5 years to progress to VP level given the global scope and strategic nature of this role, with potential for accelerated advancement based on successful product launches and market expansion achievements

Potential Next Roles

VP of Product Management overseeing multiple product lines within Hiab's portfolio Global Head of R&D responsible for innovation strategy across all equipment categories General Manager or Country Manager role leading regional operations Chief Technology Officer position in industrial equipment or related sectors

Company Overview

Hiab

Hiab is a publicly traded market leader in the on-road load-handling solutions industry, operating as part of a larger industrial conglomerate with strong financial performance and global market presence. The company has established itself as an industry pioneer with a comprehensive portfolio of premium equipment brands and a robust service network spanning over 100 countries.

Market leader position with approximately EUR 1.6 billion in sales and over 4,000 employees globally, demonstrating strong competitive positioning and financial stability in the industrial equipment sector
This role represents a critical position in Hiab's European operations, with the Netherlands location serving as a strategic hub for R&D and product management activities supporting both European and North American markets
Performance-driven environment with emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence, typical of successful industrial companies with strong engineering heritage and global ambitions
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