Senior R&D Manager, Forestry & Recycling

Cargotec Corporation; Stargard; Hybrid; PLN 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical care

Life insurance

Meal subsidy

Transport allowances

Birthday off

MultiSport card

Fruit Wednesdays

Job summary

Hiab is seeking a Senior R&D Manager for Forestry & Recycling in Stargard, Poland. You will lead the R&D function, direct New Product Development and Product Lifecycle Management, optimize engineering processes, and translate strategic vision into engineering solutions that advance sustainable load-handling technology.

You will manage a dedicated engineering team, handle departmental budgets, and foster cross-functional collaboration, balancing Design-to-Cost with Quality targets, while staying

Qualifications

• University degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 5–7 years of industrial R&D experience in heavy automotive or mobile load-handling equipment.
• Proven expertise in NPD, PLC management, DtC/DfM criteria, with PLM/CAD familiarity.
• Strong analytical and budgeting skills with a track record of delivering solutions.
• Excellent communication and team motivation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D and orchestrate New Product Development and PLM strategies.
• Direct Design-to-Cost and Design-for-Manufacturing initiatives.
• Bridge customer insights with technical execution and IP protection.
• Manage budgets and cross-functional collaboration across product teams.
• Maintain relationships with external research partners and universities.
• Define capital investments and ensure on-time, within-budget delivery.

Skills

NPD leadership

PLC management

DtC/DfM criteria

Budget management

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's or higher in Mechanical/Mechatronics

Tools

PLM/CAD tools

Software development familiarity

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.

Say Hi! to your next challenge — explore the opportunity and apply below!

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.