Vice President- Engineering (Agriculture)

We are partnering with an innovative, fast-growing, and customer-centric Global powerhouse in the agriculture space. To launch a search for a Vice President – Engineering (Agriculture).

The company delivers some of the most powerful, industry-leading farming machinery, replacement parts, and farmer-focused end-to-end solutions. They own some of the most recognizable brands in the industry. One of their main differentiators is a customer value proposition that makes it easy to conduct business, deliver winning solutions, and constant innovation.

The driving engine of this Global leader’s success is a global team of employees who are laser-focused on delivering end-to-end value, innovation, and sustainability solutions – while achieving personal and professional growth. The company makes an intentional effort to invest in the personal and professional development of its team members. Offering diverse local and international growth opportunities across multiple disciplines.

This is a great opportunity to bring your personal brand and authentic self to this fast-growing and innovative company that is providing the challenges, rewards, and space for you to deliver and strengthen your personal brand. All while making a positive impact on farmers, feeding the world, and protecting the environment.

The position will be located on-site in Central Kansas. A strong and comprehensive relocation package is available if needed. The position requires approximately ~35+% travel (including some international).

Who is this opportunity great for?

•This opportunity is prime for a strong motivated leader, people developer and coach, impactful communicator, innovative and curious mindset, results-driven, analytical, and creative solutions provider who does not like to be micromanaged.

• A driven and engaging leader

•A collaborator and cross-functional team player

• A candidate with solid experience: At least ten years of experience successfully leading multiple concurrent major new product development projects (agricultural harvesting is a major plus) supporting sales in multiple global markets. Fifteen plus years of experience in product development for ‘global’ harvesting (combines) equipment. Ten-plus years of product development management experience.

•Someone with ten years of experience managing large engineering project teams and large annual budgets

•A candidate with previous experience researching, developing, and/or integrating new and emerging technologies

•A bold leader who is ready to make a bold move to this challenging and rewarding VP role. With a strong desire to deliver and prove their brand should be in the pipeline for strong consideration for the next upward role in the organization (i.e., Global Senior Vice President).

Some Specific Responsibilities & Experience:

•Directly lead all engineering activities related to the diverse portfolio of global harvesting equipment and products while also working with other stakeholders to develop and ultimately deliver the strategic product roadmap supporting the corporate strategy.

•Provide strong leadership, partnership, and collaboration with other global engineering and production sites, development partners, and cross-functional peers in Product Management, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Marketing, Service, and Finance.

•Drive the sequential development and support of multiple harvesting platforms

•Lead, coach, and develop a global team of 8-12 direct reports and ~150 indirect reports

•Budget optimization and management (~$40 mln annually) with a keen focus on lean asset utilization

•New (global) product development and introduction

•Current product support and life cycle management

•Drive culture and atmosphere of innovation and provide guidance/insight on emerging new technologies

•Support site/brand/corporate achievement of annual financial objectives

•Strong leadership and coaching experience

•Excellent communication skills

•Strong ability to negotiate, influence, and persuade others at executive levels internally and externally

•Experience in managing a culturally diverse organization and a globally distributed team in a very flat organization

Minimum Qualifications:

•10 plus years of experience successfully leading multiple concurrent major new product development projects supporting sales in multiple global markets. (Development of agricultural harvesting (Combines) equipment (or other similar off-road) products are preferred.

•10 plus years of experience managing large engineering project teams (>25 employees)

•10 plus years of experience efficiently managing large annual budgets (>10 mil)

•Proven track record of co-developing products with multiple ‘peer’ engineering global sites while adhering to all applicable standards, requirements, and processes.

•Previous experience researching, developing, and/or integrating new and emerging technologies

•Bachelor’s Degree - Engineering

•Preferred (not mandatory) optional Qualifications:

At least one assignment of 3+yrs in a foreign country

Foreign language capability - English, German, or Spanish, if possible, understanding of foreign cultures

Competencies:

•Strong technical skills and diverse understanding of new product development processes and tools while adhering to global platform strategies and roadmaps.

•15 plus years of experience in product development for ‘global’ harvesting (combines) equipment including 10 plus years of product development management experience

•Innovative spirit w/ diverse problem-solving skills

•Broad understanding of global customer expectations

•Accurate decision-making skills based on facts/data across a broad variety of subjects

•Understanding of emerging agricultural practices - like connected machines and new manufacturing technologies while optimizing time-to-market, cost of development, and overall product cost.

•Consistent application of various leadership traits (motivation, persuasion, etc.) across different cultures

•Strong (verbal and written) communication skills (English (required))

•Strong ability to productively work with peers located in other regions and cross-functionally

•Budget management and lean asset utilization

Salary Range & Benefits:

•$270,000 – 310,000 USD per year

•401K, Medical/Dental/Vision, Vacation

•Comprehensive relocation package if needed

•Premium car allowance

•Strong short and long-term financial bonus opportunities

Quick question:

Are you Ready to Feed Your Career while Working on Solutions that exceed the Challenges of Feeding the World?

Come plant and grow your brand with this Global powerhouse!