Department Manager Product Engineering - R&D

Main responsibilities and tasks in this role Lead and develop a high-performing team, setting clear goals, allocating responsibilities, and ensuring the right skills, tools, and training are in place. Lead the development and continuous improvement and automation of standardized processes for the full lifecycle of engineering and product data changes. Act as a key cross-functional collaborator, coordinating closely with factories, HQ, and global R&D-centres to align on product structures, change impacts, and data management requirements. Monitor performance and drive transparency through KPIs, such as ECN cycle time, data accuracy, and process performance providing insights and improvement recommendations to senior management. Secure quality, efficiency, and scalability across PLM/ERP systems. Ensure documentation, audit trails, and data governance are fully maintained. Professional qualifications for the role MSc. /BSc. in Engineering, Product Management or related technical field. 5+ years of experience in change management, product data management or PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) gained in a similar or related industry. Experience in leadership or team management. Strong knowledge of ECN/PCN processes, BOM structures and part-numbering systems. Experience working with PLM/ERP systems like Windchill, Teamcenter, SAP and/or Oracle. Good understanding of manufacturing processes, engineering documentation and configuration management principles. Lean Six Sigma knowledge, is advantageous. Norwegian and English language skills, written and spoken. Your personal skills and attributes Upholds a strong leadership presence, able to guide and motivate, combined with a clear sense of ownership and accountability. Analytical and systematic decision-maker, able to solve complex problems and drive change in a dynamic environment. Excellent communication skills, collaborative and cross-functional by nature. Adaptable and resilient under pressure. High integrity and professionalism, ensuring compliance, governance, and consistent execution of standards and processes. Customer focused, and able to understand internal stakeholders’ needs and impact on the business. Willingness to travel and represent the department and to support cross-site collaboration, internationally. We offer With us, you will be part of a professional, profitable, and solid organization. We are an innovative and global company, offering a highly positive and dynamic work environment with engaged and dedicated colleagues from around the world. We offer a varied role with significant responsibility and competitive compensation and benefits. With the right mindset, this position will challenge you and provide opportunities to further develop your expertise within the field. We are currently located at Lierstranda but we will return to our original location in Kobbervikdalen in Q1 2026. Our office building there has been fully renovated and is essentially brand new. We are excited to move in! Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and interviews will commence in early January.