Job Description
About JLG, an Oshkosh companyJLG began in 1969, when our founder, John L. Grove set out to resolve growing safety concerns in the construction industry. Since then we have been committed to understanding the challenges and delivering innovative solutions to the access market. We partner with customers to provide quality equipment, training opportunities and trusted support within the access industry. We are a global company, and our products-including mobile elevating work platforms, telehandlers, utility vehicles and accessories-can be found all over the world.JLG is expanding its Telehandler capability within the EMEA region, and we are seeking an experienced and visionary engineering leader to help shape the future of our Agriculture and Construction Telehandler product portfolio.This is a senior leadership opportunity for an established Chief Engineer / Head of Engineering-level professional with deep off-highway vehicle experience and a proven track record of delivering complex mobile equipment products from concept through production.The successful candidate will take full technical ownership of the EMEA Telehandler product strategy, acting as the senior engineering authority for regional requirements, product development direction, and long-term competitiveness. This individual will play a critical role in building and developing a high-performing European engineering organisation while influencing global platform decisions to ensure JLG products meet the evolving needs of EMEA customers and markets.We are looking for a strong technical leader with experience in telehandlers and/or closely related off-highway equipment sectors such as construction, agriculture, material handling, heavy vehicles, or industrial machinery. The role requires an individual capable of operating strategically while remaining technically credible and commercially aware.This position will partner closely with global engineering teams, product management, operations, manufacturing, and commercial leadership to define and execute a product roadmap capable of competing directly with established market leaders.Key Areas of ResponsibilityLead all EMEA Telehandler engineering activities across Agriculture and Construction segmentsDefine and own EMEA product technical requirements and long-term product strategyBuild and develop a strong regional engineering capability and team structureInfluence global engineering platforms and product decisionsLead New Product Introduction (NPI) activities from concept through production and field supportDrive product competitiveness in performance, quality, reliability, cost, and customer satisfactionEnsure compliance with EMEA regulatory, safety, and homologation requirementsSupport future technology direction including electrification, advanced hydraulics, digital integration, and alternative powertrainsRequired CharacteristicsWe are looking for a leader who is:Technically CredibleAble to operate confidently at both strategic and detailed engineering levels, with the ability to challenge, guide, and influence technical direction.Product & Customer FocusedUnderstands customer applications, market expectations, and competitive positioning, and can translate these into successful products.Strategic ThinkerCapable of defining long-term product and technology roadmaps that position JLG competitively within the EMEA telehandler market.Builder of TeamsExperienced in developing engineering organisations, mentoring talent, and creating a high-performance engineering culture.Influential & CollaborativeComfortable operating within global matrix organisations and capable of influencing cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority.Delivery OrientedFocused on execution, accountability, and delivering products that meet quality, timing, cost, and performance expectations.Commercially AwareUnderstands the balance between engineering excellence, manufacturability, cost targets, and business objectives.Job DescriptionChief Engineer - EMEA TelehandlersRole PurposeThe Chief Engineer - EMEA Telehandlers is responsible for the technical leadership, strategic direction, and successful execution of the EMEA Agriculture and Construction Telehandler product portfolio.This role serves as the senior engineering authority within the region and acts as the critical interface between EMEA business requirements and global engineering organisations. The position will ensure that regional customer needs, market expectations, regulatory requirements, and application demands are translated into competitive product solutions.The role will also be instrumental in establishing and developing a high-performing European Telehandler engineering organisation capable of supporting long-term product growth and market leadership ambitions.Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical & Product LeadershipProvide end-to-end technical ownership for EMEA Telehandler productsDefine product architecture, technical requirements, and performance targets aligned to customer and market needsLead engineering decision-making across structures, hydraulics, powertrain, operator environment, controls, and emerging technologiesEnsure robust product validation and technical risk management throughout developmentDrive product competitiveness against key industry competitorsProduct Strategy & Market CompetitivenessDevelop and maintain the EMEA Telehandler product roadmap and technology strategyIdentify future customer trends, application requirements, and competitive gapsPartner with Product Management and Commercial teams to align engineering priorities with market opportunitiesSupport platform and feature strategies that improve market share and profitabilityGlobal Engineering IntegrationAct as the primary engineering interface between EMEA and global product development teamsTranslate regional requirements into actionable engineering specificationsInfluence global platform decisions to ensure EMEA needs are represented effectivelyDrive alignment between regional business priorities and global engineering executionNew Product Introduction (NPI)Lead engineering activities through all stages of NPI:Concept developmentArchitecture definitionPrototype buildValidation & testingIndustrialisationProduction launchField supportEnsure products are delivered on time, within budget, and to required quality standardsTeam & Capability DevelopmentBuild, lead, and develop the EMEA Telehandler engineering organisationMentor and develop engineering talent and technical capabilityEstablish strong engineering processes, governance, and accountabilityFoster a high-performance engineering culture aligned with Oshkosh valuesRegulatory & ComplianceEnsure products meet all applicable EMEA regulatory, homologation, safety, and environmental requirementsSupport certification and compliance activities across multiple marketsRequired Experience & QualificationsEssentialSignificant senior engineering leadership experience within off-highway mobile equipmentProven experience delivering complex vehicle or machinery platforms from concept through productionStrong technical background across vehicle systems such as:StructuresHydraulicsPowertrainElectrical/electronic systemsVehicle integrationExperience leading New Product Introduction programsDemonstrated experience building and developing engineering teamsStrong stakeholder management and cross-functional leadership capabilityExperience working within global or matrix engineering organisationsCommercial awareness including cost management, sourcing, and product competitivenessDegree qualified in Mechanical, Automotive, Agricultural, or related Engineering disciplinePreferredTelehandler experience strongly preferredAgriculture and/or construction equipment experienceExperience with electrification or alternative powertrain technologiesChartered Engineer status or equivalent professional accreditationMulti-region product development experience including EMEA regulatory compliance