Senior R&D Manager, Forestry & Recycling

Cargotec Corporation; Polska; Hybrid; PLN 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical care

Life insurance

Meal subsidy / Meal allowance

Transport allowances

An extra day off for your birthday

MultiSport card

Free coffee and fruit

Job summary

Hiab in Stargard is seeking a Senior R&D Manager for Forestry & Recycling to lead the R&D function, drive New Product Development and lifecycle initiatives, and align engineering with strategic vision. You will head a team of engineers, manage budgets, and collaborate cross-functionally with Product Management to translate customer insights into innovations, while Design-to-Cost and DtM drive execution.

The role supports a hybrid work model (2 days from home) and offers a culture focused on

Qualifications

• University degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field
• Minimum of 5–7 years of relevant industrial R&D experience (heavy automotive or mobile load-handling equipment preferred)
• Proven expertise in NPD, PLC management, DtC/DfM criteria, with familiarity in software development or PLM/CAD environments
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a track record of managing operational budgets and fixed costs
• Exceptional communication skills with a proven ability to motivate teams, navigate complex challenges, and deliver business solutions.

Responsibilities

• Coach, inspire, and manage the R&D team, fostering an innovation-led culture and high collaboration across diverse groups
• Lead the division’s New Product Development and Product Lifecycle Management (PLCt) strategies from initial concept through execution
• Partner with Product Management to capture customer insights, refine the technology roadmap, and protect intellectual property
• Drive Design-to-Cost and Design-for-Manufacturing initiatives to ensure products meet strict financial and quality targets
• Evaluate and maintain relationships with external research partners, universities, and industry networks to track emerging trends
• Define capital investments, optimize R&D systems and workflows, and ensure all projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Skills

R&D leadership

NPD

PLM/DfM

Budget management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

University degree in Mechanical Engineering / Mechatronics

Tools

CAD/PLM software

Job description

Senior R&D Manager, Forestry & Recycling

Hiab is the pioneer in smart and sustainable on road load handling solutions. We believe in more than just work — we believe in making a difference for our customers to building a better tomorrow.

Your mission

Ready to pioneer the future of load handling? Would you like to lead our R&D function in Forestry & Recycling, drive cutting-edge product innovation, and turn high-level strategic vision into industry-leading engineering solutions?
Spearhead the Forestry & Recycling division's R&D strategy by directing New Product Development and lifecycle initiatives, optimizing engineering processes, and positioning the company at the forefront of sustainable load-handling technology.

As a Senior Manager R&D for Forestry & Recycling, you will lead a dedicated team of engineers, manage departmental budgets, and oversee the end-to-end product development lifecycle. You will bridge customer insights with technical execution‑fostering a culture of innovation, Design‑to‑Cost, and cross‑functional collaboration.

This position is open for candidates located in Stargard with the possibility for hybrid working model (2 days per week working from home)

Key responsibilities

• Coach, inspire, and manage the R&D team, fostering an innovation‑led culture and high collaboration across diverse groups
• Lead the division’s New Product Development and Product Lifecycle Management (PLCt) strategies from initial concept through execution
• Partner with Product Management to capture customer insights, refine the technology roadmap, and protect intellectual property
• Drive Design-to-Cost and Design-for-Manufacturing initiatives to ensure products meet strict financial and quality targets
• Evaluate and maintain relationships with external research partners, universities, and industry networks to track emerging trends
• Define capital investments, optimize R&D systems and workflows, and ensure all projects are delivered on time and within budget.

What we are looking for

• University degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field
• Minimum of 5–7 years of relevant industrial R&D experience (heavy automotive or mobile load-handling equipment preferred)
• Proven expertise in NPD, PLC management, DtC/DfM criteria, with familiarity in software development or PLM/CAD environments
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a track record of managing operational budgets and fixed costs
• Exceptional communication skills with a proven ability to motivate teams, navigate complex challenges, and deliver business solutions.

What we offer

As a part of our Employees First culture, we offer opportunities to grow within a dynamic environment that values flexibility and your well‑being. We strive to make things easier, empower you to succeed, and strive for excellence in a positive and inclusive environment.

Our benefits include

Private medical care
Life insurance
Meal subsidy / Meal allowance
Transport allowances
An extra day off for your birthday
MultiSport or Medicover Sport card
Free coffee and tea plus Fruit Wednesdays

We Are Hiab Hiab (Nasdaq Helsinki: HIAB) is a leading provider of smart and sustainable on road load-handling solutions, committed to delivering the best customer experience every day with the most engaged people and partners. As the industry pioneer, Hiab continues to make on road load-handling smarter, safer and more sustainable to build a better tomorrow.