R&D Director-Global machinery company

Shanghai Permanent RMB1,000,000 - RMB1,500,000 per year View Job Description
This role will take the company's innovation strategy and new product development, ensuring compliance with international market requirements, regulations, and safety standards while continuously improving cost and quality of existing product ranges. It drives efficient resource allocation across the global engineering network to foster technological advancement and business growth.
  • Own the innovation agenda and new product development
  • Work the global engineering network's people and functional management

About Our Client



Our client is a global manufacturer of engineered systems and intelligent solutions serving industrial, commercial, and infrastructure markets worldwide. The company operates across multiple regions and is recognized for its strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and technological advancement.

As part of its continued growth strategy, theorganization is expanding its R&D capabilities and accelerating the development of innovative products, smart solutions, and future-oriented technologies.This confidential opportunity offers a senior technical the chance to shape product strategy, build high-performing engineering teams, and drive innovation on a global scale. The company emphasizes innovation, digital transformation, and smart solutions as core strategic priorities

Job Description



  • Engineering & Organization
    • Lead and develop the China Lead Engineering Center consisting of department managers, project managers, and engineering specialists.
    • Establish a high-performance engineering culture focused on innovation, accountability, collaboration, and execution.
    • Define organizational structures, capabilities, and succession plans to support future business growth.
    • Coach and develop engineering leadership talent within the organization.



    Product Development & Platform Management

    • Lead engineering activities supporting product design, development, localization, and product modifications.
    • Drive platform development initiatives supporting both China and global markets.
    • Ensure customer requirements and market expectations are translated into robust engineering solutions.
    • Accelerate product development cycles while maintaining quality, reliability, and cost competitiveness.
    • Support the globalization of product platforms and engineering standards.



    Innovation & Technology Management

    • Define and execute the China R&D and innovation strategy in alignment with regional and global priorities.
    • Identify emerging technologies, market trends, and customer needs to drive future product development.
    • Foster a culture of innovation and encourage patent generation and technology leadership.
    • Collaborate with Product Management and regional leadership to develop future product roadmaps.



    Engineering Governance & Compliance

    • Ensure engineering projects comply with all applicable regulations, standards, and company`s
    • Establish and maintain engineering processes, guidelines, and technical standards.
    • Ensure product qualification and validation activities meet international and local requirements.
    • Drive continuous improvement in engineering effectiveness and project execution.



    Cross-Funcional Collaboration

    • Provide technical leadership and support to Production, Quality, Purchasing, Product Management, Sales, and Operations teams.
    • Build strong cooperation between local engineering teams and regional/global stakeholders.
    • Act as a trusted technical advisor to China and AMEA leadership teams.
    • Operate effectively within a matrix organization balancing global governance with local business agility.



    Business & Resource Management

    • Manage the R&D budget, resource allocation, and investment planning.
    • Monitor engineering KPIs, project performance, and resource utilization.
    • Report engineering performance, innovation progress, and strategic initiatives to management.
    • Ensure engineering activities contribute to profitable growth and market competitiveness.

The Successful Applicant

Experience

  • 15+ years of engineering and R&D experience with at least 8 years in senior leadership roles.
  • Experience managing large multidisciplinary engineering organizations.
  • Proven track record in platform development and product innovation.
  • Experience in the pump industry or adjacent industrial manufacturing sectors strongly preferred.
  • International and multinational company experience required.
  • Patent ownership and innovation achievements considered a strong advantage.





Leadership Competencies

  • Pragmatic and execution-oriented.
  • Results-driven rather than process-driven.
  • Strong matrix leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
  • Ability to balance global standards with local market realities.
  • Strong business acumen and commercial awareness.
  • Excellent communication skills in English and Mandarin.
  • Ability to build trust, transparency, and collaboration across regional and global teams.

What's on Offer

Success Profile

The successful candidate will be recognized as:

  • An engineering people rather than solely an administrative manager.
  • A builder of platforms, capabilities, and innovation.
  • A pragmatic problem solver who delivers results.
  • A trusted partner for China, AMEA, and Global leadership.
  • A developer of people and future engineering talent.
  • A catalyst for innovation, speed, and engineering excellence.



position in Shanghai could be the perfect suit for you. Apply now to take the next step in your career!

Contact
Rachel Cheng
Quote job ref
JN-012026-6912544
Phone number
+862160268053

Job summary

Function
Engineering & Manufacturing
Specialisation
Engineering Design, R&D and NPI
What is your area of specialisation?
Industrial / Manufacturing
Location
Shanghai
Contract type
Permanent
Consultant name
Rachel Cheng
Consultant phone
+862160268053
Job Reference
JN-012026-6912544

Diversity & Inclusion at Michael Page

We don't just accept difference - we celebrate it. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this role and are committed to building inclusive, diverse workplaces where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.