R&D Leader & Product Line Manager

Sécheron Hasler Group is a global leader in railway and industrial electrification systems, offering cutting-edge solutions to enhance transportation and decarbonize industrial processes. With a rich Swiss heritage of over a century and a commitment to innovation, Sécheron Hasler Group is growing worldwide.

For the biggest Business Unit Electrical Safety Solutions (ESS) we are looking for an ambitious and experienced R&D Leader & Product Line Manager leading all R&D and project application activities related to product development of AC-Off-Load products, Modboxes and Pantographs. In this role you work in close collaboration with the other Product Line Managers, with Sales Organization, Product Marketing Manager and Business Development Manager to drive the business unit’s market growth.

Global objectives:

• Operational lead of R&D team for AC-Off-Load products, Modboxes and Pantographs to technically enhance the products and the product portfolio. Ensure timely realization of R&D roadmap by maintaining R&D budgets.
• Ensure commercial success of product lines following technical market demands and provide technical product maintenance.  
• Manage project teams for customer projects to meet project timelines, cost and quality.
• Leads team of approx. 40 FTE with several direct reports.

Key responsibilities:

• Operational management of R&D activities for all AC-Off-Load products, Modboxes and Pantographs to meet development targets (product maturity, timing, quality and cost) and improve the products in the long term.
• Technical coordination of various R&D teams in Geneva, Prague, Manchester and Milano.
• Control of projects while respecting the development phases.
• Manage product standardization, technical state of the art, design to cost and design for manufacturing while ensuring their safety function in our customer applications.
• Stimulate R&D activities for feasibility studies and manage R&D budgets.
• Implementation of procedures and tools to improve productivity, project and R&D transparency.
• Manage and adapt R&D and project resources by setting priorities, ensuring appropriate training and performance in line with expectations.
• Foster external R&D collaboration with respective working groups, laboratories, as well as certification norms (ISO and IRIS).
• Ensure growth of the development team outside Switzerland.
• Close collaboration with other R&D Product Line Teams, Industrialization Team, Test Laboratory, ESS Sales Organization, Production sites, Quality Department, Product Marketing Manager and Business Development Manager.

• Master degree in electrical engineering, power electronics or equivalent.
• At least 10 years’ experience as Product Line Manager leading R&D for high/medium voltage/electronics products in an international industrial B2B environment.
• Successful track record and proven working experience in product line management and driving R&D teams across the organization.
• Technical knowledge and working experience in at least one of the following industry sectors: high voltage, railway traction systems, power transmission & distribution, renewable energy, robotics and equipment industry.

• Interest and ability to understand DC and AC power systems and corresponding product needs.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Outstanding communication and presentation capabilities.
• Client oriented business and development approach.
• Proven ability to think creatively, identify and resolve problems.
• Experienced to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in MS-Office programs, 3D-tools knowledge desirable.
• English: Written and oral proficiency.
• French and/or German desirable.

We have flat hierarchies and direct communication between departments and management levels is encouraged. This allows us to make decisions quickly.

We give our employees full responsibility for their work tasks. All employees are encouraged to take initiative and contribute to the operational excellence of the company, and have ample opportunities to achieve their personal and professional growth goals.