Chief Engineer – Large Excavator

Overview

In this Chief Engineer role, you will lead the engineering strategy and development for the Large Excavators portfolio, including wheeled excavators and Hydradig. You will drive NPIP programmes, lifecycle improvements, and cost-reduction efforts to deliver significant value. You’ll coach a multidisciplinary team, ensure timely, high-quality delivery, and collaborate with cross-functional partners to shape the product roadmap. This is a strategic leadership role focused on innovation, quality, and commercially impactful outcomes.

Pay / Benefits

• competitive salary
• 33 days’ holiday
• company pension
• onsite gym
• in-house doctor and dentist
• ULEV car scheme

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the next-gen Large Excavator range, including Hydradig
• Own NPIP programmes from concept to production
• Drive cost reduction initiatives across the product portfolio
• Lead, coach and develop the engineering team; foster high-performance culture
• Collaborate with Product Management, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, Service, and Commercial teams
• Manage engineering budgets and forecast future spend
• Ensure compliance with processes, standards, and quality requirements
• Contribute to long-term product roadmap and strategic planning
• Monitor programme performance, risks, and resource needs

Key requirements

• 10+ years of engineering experience in off-highway/construction equipment or similar
• Proven experience leading large-scale engineering programmes from concept to production
• Strong technical knowledge of vehicle systems and product development processes
• Experience managing and developing high-performing engineering teams
• Track record of delivering significant cost reductions/value engineering
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related discipline
• Commercial awareness and ability to balance technical, financial, and business priorities
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, and leadership skills
• Knowledge of JCB systems, processes, and governance (preferred)
• Passion for innovation and future-shaping of Large Excavators

• leadership and people development
• stakeholder management
• strong communication
• vehicle systems knowledge
• product development lifecycle
• engineering delivery processes

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