VP Head of Ericsson Research

Ericsson; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in technology is looking for a visionary Head of Research to drive its long-term technological vision. This role involves leading a global team dedicated to breakthrough AI and connectivity innovations. The ideal candidate will have a PhD or MSc, experience in managing large-scale R&D organizations, and exceptional communication skills. The position is based in High Wycombe, UK, featuring collaboration with Business Areas and leading customers.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to translate macro-industry trends into a research agenda.
• Deep mastery of innovation complexity and evolving business models.
• Significant experience leading global R&D organizations.
• Understanding of standardization strategies and open source dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Direct a global workforce fostering excellence and high-performance.
• Ensure Ericsson's technological leadership in the global market.
• Represent Ericsson in the scientific community at major forums.

Skills

Strategic stewardship

Innovation ecosystems

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Education

PhD or MSc in a relevant field

Job description

The Opportunity

As the Head of Ericsson Research, you will serve as the thought leader and driver for our long‑term technological vision. Reporting directly to the Group CTO, you will lead a world‑renowned global organization dedicated to exploring and developing breakthrough connectivity and AI technology. This role requires a visionary leader who can bridge the gap between scientific exploration and global industrial leadership, ensuring Ericsson remains at the absolute forefront of technology.

The Mandate

• Strategic Stewardship: Direct a global workforce of over 800 professionals across 14 countries, fostering a culture of excellence, intellectual curiosity, and high‑performance delivery.
• Innovation Ecosystems: Work in close cooperation with all Business Areas, Development Units, Market Areas and key Customer Units, as well as partners, leading customers, top‑tier universities and research institutes.
• Technological Leadership: Secure Ericsson’s leadership in the global market by balancing long‑term exploration with tangible technology transfers that fuel our product and service roadmaps.
• Global Advocacy: Represent Ericsson within the scientific community and at major international fora, shaping the global discourse on future technologies.

Executive Profile & Competencies

Visionary & Strategic Agility

• A proven ability to translate macro‑industry trends and customer insights into a robust research agenda.
• Deep mastery of the interplay between innovation complexity and evolving business models.

Technical & Domain Mastery

• Extensive expertise across the full stack: Radio, AI, Network Architecture, Security, and Hardware/Software co‑design.
• A specific focus on distributed, real‑time AI, including AI‑native networks, compute paradigms, and the integration of AI into the very fabric of research methodology.

Operational Excellence

• Significant experience leading large‑scale, global R&D organizations with a track record of successfully managing leaders of leaders.
• A sophisticated understanding of standardization strategies and open source dynamics as levers for market influence.

Ecosystem & Influence

• An established global network spanning academia (top‑tier professors/universities) and industry (C‑suite technology executives).
• Exceptional communication skills, with the presence and gravitas to distill complex technical concepts for diverse, global stakeholders.

Requirements

• Academic Background: PhD or MSc in a relevant field; a distinguished career in senior line management within a global context.
• Location: Stockholm, Sweden (Global HQ).
• Reporting Line: Member of the Group Function Technology Leadership Team, reporting to the CTO and Head of Group Function Technology.

Contact: Please direct all questions to Martin Eriksson, Executive Recruiter – [e-mail]

Ericsson is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.