Global Head of R&D | Automated Chemistry

Our Opening and Your Responsibilities

Drive the next generation of laboratory innovation!

In this critical leadership role, you will define and execute the global R&D strategy for the Automated Chemistry business unit, leading the development of innovative hardware and software solutions that empower scientists and engineers worldwide.

As a member of the Auto Chem Functional Management Committee (FMC), you will shape the future technology roadmap, foster a culture of innovation, and ensure the successful delivery of new products that create sustainable customer value and business growth.

Leading a highly skilled global R&D organization across multiple disciplines and locations, you will combine strategic leadership with strong technical engagement to keep Auto Chem at the forefront of laboratory automation and process innovation.

In this role, your responsibilities will include

• Own the global R&D strategy and technology roadmap, aligning innovation priorities, technology investments, and organizational capabilities with Auto Chem's long-term business objectives.
• Lead a global R&D organization spanning hardware development, software development, systems engineering, systems testing, and project management across multiple locations.
• Drive the development of innovative hardware and software solutions that strengthen Auto Chem's market position and enable sustainable business growth.
• Champion a culture of innovation and engineering excellence while continuously evaluating emerging technologies, industry trends, and future technology platforms to unlock long-term customer and business value.
• Ensure effective execution of global product development programs, balancing robust product lifecycle management processes with the agility required to accelerate innovation and time-to-market.
• Partner closely with Strategic Product Groups to ensure alignment of R&D roadmaps, investment priorities, and business objectives.
• Act as a visible 'working leader,' providing both strategic direction and technical guidance while supporting teams in solving complex engineering and technology challenges.
• Build and lead a high-performing global R&D organization by defining its vision, operating model, priorities, and ways of working while continuously strengthening technical, leadership, and organizational capabilities.
• Own the global R&D budget, and project roadmap, ensuring effective resource allocation, investment decisions and organizational alignment to maximize innovation impact and business value
• Serve as a key member of the Auto Chem Functional Management Committee (FMC), fostering strong partnerships across Product Management, Quality, Operations, Commercial organizations, Digital Business Services, and external technology partners to drive business success.
• What You Need to Succeed

The following requirements are necessary for this role

• Master's degree or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Computer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

A Ph D is an advantage.

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in R&D, Engineering, Product Development, or related technical disciplines.
• Proven experience leading global multidisciplinary development organizations across hardware, software, automation, systems engineering, and related technology domains.
• Demonstrated success in developing and commercializing complex technology products within industrial automation, semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, analytical instrumentation, laboratory automation, process technology, or comparable technology-driven environments.
• Strong technical leadership capabilities with the ability to engage deeply in engineering and technology discussions while providing strategic direction to highly experienced subject matter experts.
• Demonstrated success leading technical experts, engineering managers, and multidisciplinary teams across multiple locations, functions, and technology platforms.
• Proven experience defining and executing technology strategies, innovation roadmaps, and organizational transformation initiatives in a global environment.
• Strong understanding of integrated product ecosystems combining hardware, software, automation, digital solutions, and service offerings.
• Demonstrated success partnering with and influencing senior leadership, driving alignment and execution across complex global matrix organizations.
• Strong business acumen with experience managing significant R&D investments, budgets, and portfolio prioritization decisions.

Experience with ownership of a substantial functional budget is highly desirable.

• A balance of strategic thinking and hands‑on execution, with the ability to translate technology opportunities into measurable business outcomes.
• Native‑level or business fluent English, written and spoken; additional languages are considered an asset.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally up to 25-30%.
• Our Offer to You
• Where applicable flexible working hours, a hybrid work model and a wide portfolio of training opportunities
• 40h week with at least 25 vacation days per year plus 4 to 7 additional days off (i. e. in between bank holidays)
• Free parking spaces and direct access to public transport from our facilities
• Healthy menus cooked onsite and special prices for employees at our own METTLER TOLEDO restaurant
• We offer a dynamic and innovation-driven corporate culture that promotes teamwork, personal development, and a passion for excellence.
• A range of additional attractive benefits like discounts for sport clubs and others

You can expect challenging, interesting, and varied tasks in an innovative and international environment, with the opportunity to network globally and realize your next career goal.

• If you have any question, please do not hesitate to contact our Talent Acquisition Team
• About Mettler Toledo

Working at METTLER TOLEDO Auto Chem Inc. ( means you are impacting the world in important ways.

Our process analytical technology and automated synthesis reactors provide scientists in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and chemical industries the information they need to deliver life-changing products.

As a strategic business unit within Mettler Toledo, Auto Chem develops, manufactures, sells, and services instruments that modernize chemical synthesis, provide insight to every chemical reaction, and provide process knowledge to eliminate scale-up and safety incidents.

• Our instruments increase the efficiency and effectiveness of chemists and engineers.
• Our products help develop profitable, green, and safe scientific processes.
• We help keep you healthy. Our instruments make it possible for scientists to develop new drugs and bring life-saving medicines to the world.
• Equal Opportunity Employment

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company.

We give consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.

If you’d like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please click here.

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