Global Head of R&D | Automated Chemistry

Own the global R&D; strategy and technology roadmap, aligning innovation priorities, technology investments, and organizational capabilities with AutoChem's long-term business objectives.

Lead a global R&D; organization spanning hardware development, software development, systems engineering, systems testing, and project management across multiple locations.

Drive the development of innovative hardware and software solutions that strengthen AutoChem's market position and enable sustainable business growth.

Champion a culture of innovation and engineering excellence while continuously evaluating emerging technologies, industry trends, and future technology platforms to unlock long-term customer and business value.

Ensure effective execution of global product development programs, balancing robust product lifecycle management processes with the agility required to accelerate innovation and time-to-market.

Partner closely with Strategic Product Groups to ensure alignment of R&D; roadmaps, investment priorities, and business objectives.

Act as a visible 'working leader,' providing both strategic direction and technical guidance while supporting teams in solving complex engineering and technology challenges.

Build and lead a high-performing global R&D; organization by defining its vision, operating model, priorities, and ways of working while continuously strengthening technical, leadership, and organizational capabilities.

Own the global R&D; budget, and project roadmap, ensuring effective resource allocation, investment decisions and organizational alignment to maximize innovation impact and business value.

Serve as a key member of the AutoChem Functional Management Committee (FMC), fostering strong partnerships across Product Management, Quality, Operations, Commercial organizations, Digital Business Services, and external technology partners to drive business success.

METTLER TOLEDO AutoChem Inc. is a strategic business unit within Mettler Toledo. AutoChem develops, manufactures, sells, and services instruments that modernize chemical synthesis, provide insight to every chemical reaction, and provide process knowledge to eliminate scale-up and safety incidents. Its process analytical technology and automated synthesis reactors provide scientists in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and chemical industries the information they need to deliver life-changing products. Its instruments increase the efficiency and effectiveness of chemists and engineers, help develop profitable, green, and safe scientific processes, and make it possible for scientists to develop new drugs and bring life-saving medicines to the world.

The role leads a highly skilled global R&D; organization across multiple disciplines and locations, including hardware development, software development, systems engineering, systems testing, and project management. As a member of the AutoChem Functional Management Committee (FMC), the role partners across Product Management, Quality, Operations, Commercial organizations, Digital Business Services, and external technology partners.

• Master's degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Computer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. A PhD is an advantage.

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in R&D;, Engineering, Product Development, or related technical disciplines.

• Proven experience leading global multidisciplinary development organizations across hardware, software, automation, systems engineering, and related technology domains.

• Demonstrated success in developing and commercializing complex technology products within industrial automation, semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, analytical instrumentation, laboratory automation, process technology, or comparable technology-driven environments.

• Strong technical leadership capabilities with the ability to engage deeply in engineering and technology discussions while providing strategic direction to highly experienced subject matter experts.

• Demonstrated success leading technical experts, engineering managers, and multidisciplinary teams across multiple locations, functions, and technology platforms.

• Proven experience defining and executing technology strategies, innovation roadmaps, and organizational transformation initiatives in a global environment.

• Strong understanding of integrated product ecosystems combining hardware, software, automation, digital solutions, and service offerings.

• Demonstrated success partnering with and influencing senior leadership, driving alignment and execution across complex global matrix organizations.

• Strong business acumen with experience managing significant R&D; investments, budgets, and portfolio prioritization decisions. Experience with ownership of a substantial functional budget is highly desirable.

• A balance of strategic thinking and hands-on execution, with the ability to translate technology opportunities into measurable business outcomes.

• Native-level or business fluent English, written and spoken; additional languages are considered an asset.

• Willingness and ability to travel internationally up to 25-30%.