Groupleader RandD Product Development

Job Title

Job Description

Build people. Strengthen delivery. Shape our Pune team & capability.

We are looking for an inspiring and delivery-focused Group Leader to lead our multidisciplinary R&D Product Development team in Pune. This is an opportunity to shape and grow a strategic capability within our global technology organization, strengthen collaboration across the value chain and deliver tangible impact for our Distribution customers.

Job Description

We are looking for a Group Leader who enjoys building and leading a high-performing, innovative, multidisciplinary and agile team. You will combine people leadership with delivery leadership, enabling the team to mature while delivering predictable business results in high-quality conveying products that can be used by global e-commerce and parcel players in the core of their operations!

Your Department

You will be part of our Technology department where no two days are the same. We maintain and improve our current products and develop new solutions by working closely with product management, engineering, supply chain and service, all driven by our key account customer needs. Our activities are based all over the world and each project is different. Every one of our talented R&D engineers are committed to solving the next challenge, and enhancing Vanderlande’s competitive position.

Your Responsibilities

You will be part of Conveying Equipment Development, part of the Business Function Technology. As Group Leader R&D Product Development in Pune, you will lead and develop the team, strengthen delivery performance and ensure effective collaboration from product development through engineering and industrialization. The Pune team consists of approximately 15-20 professionals representing all relevant engineering disciplines. You will work closely with colleagues in Product Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Service and Projects, as well as with international development teams. In this role, you will work closely together within an international management team to ensure the right people and competences are available for the right projects to be successful. The role includes international travel approximately one to two times per year.

Team Leadership & Development

• Guide, coach and inspire a multidisciplinary team of 15-20 engineers and specialists, supporting their professional growth and strengthening the team's maturity and experience.

• Create a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing environment built on trust, accountability, continuous learning and customer focus.

• Conduct performance reviews, provide constructive feedback and identify development opportunities for team members.

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding and integration of new team members, enabling a smooth start and rapid contribution.

Delivery & Business Performance

• Translate business priorities into clear team goals and deliver on agreed business targets with predictable quality, timing and cost.

• Ensure the right people, competences and capacity are available for priority initiatives and customer commitments.

• Manage dependencies across the value chain and create transparency on progress, risks and required decisions.

• Balance short-term delivery with the long-term development of people, products and capabilities.

Product & Operational Excellence

• Drive standardization and modularization across the product portfolio and ways of working.

• Strengthen product industrialization and effective collaboration with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering and Service.

• Improve quality and reduce Cost of Poor Quality through structured problem solving, learning loops and continuous improvement.

• Ensure compliance with health, safety and quality standards in all team activities.

Value Chain & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Act as the bridge between Product Development and VOICE Engineering, ensuring effective handovers, feedback loops and shared priorities.

• Build strong collaboration across Product Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Service, Projects and other internal stakeholders.

• Contribute actively to the global technology management team and collaborate across international locations.

• Support solutions that create direct impact for Amazon and Parcel customers within the Distribution domain.

Your Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Technology, or a related field.

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in leading multidisciplinary technical teams, preferably in innovation, product development or automation.

• Should have multidisciplinary affection (Mechanical, Electro-mechanical, PLC and System Designer), with a strong focus on innovation, development, life cycle management and driving improvements

• Demonstrated ability to coach, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.

• Fluent in English.

Leadership Behaviors

• Strong people developer and coach.

• Pragmatic and result-driven, always considering the needs of the internal end-user.

• Your mindset is geared towards customer first, teamplay, every day better and action-oriented.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to shape and grow our Pune team & capability within a global technology organization.

• Leadership responsibility for business-critical products with direct impact on global customers.

• A collaborative and supportive environment with room for personal and professional growth.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Ready to build the Pune team and deliver the next level of product performance?

• Apply now and help shape the future of automated logistics solutions.

Diversity & inclusion

Vanderlande is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regards to race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status.