Role Overview for VP, R&D, Electrification with an Industrial Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a globally recognized leader in industrial manufacturing to identify a transformative Vice President of Research & Development, Electrification. Based in the vibrant industrial hub of Cleveland, OH, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity to spearhead the company’s strategic pivot towards a sustainable, electrified future. Our client, a titan in their industry with a legacy of innovation and quality, is making a significant investment in electrifying their product portfolio and manufacturing processes. This position is central to that mission, offering the chance to build and lead a world-class R&D organization that will redefine industry standards.
As the VP of R&D, Electrification, you will be more than a technical leader; you will be the chief architect of the company’s next-generation technology roadmap. You will be entrusted with the vision, strategy, and execution of all research and development activities related to electrification. This includes everything from advanced battery systems and power electronics to electric motor design, charging infrastructure, and energy management software. You will operate at the intersection of cutting-edge science, market demands, and strategic business objectives, ensuring that our client not only keeps pace with the electric revolution but leads it. You will be responsible for fostering a culture of relentless innovation, attracting top-tier engineering talent, and building a robust intellectual property portfolio that secures the company’s competitive advantage for decades to come. This role requires a dynamic leader who can inspire a team, collaborate effectively across a complex global organization, and translate ambitious technological visions into commercially successful products that will have a lasting impact on the industry and the planet.
Key Responsibilities of VP, R&D, Electrification with an Industrial Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
The Vice President of R&D, Electrification will assume a broad range of responsibilities critical to the company’s long-term success. Your leadership will directly influence product innovation, market position, and profitability.
Strategic Technology Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, multi-year R&D strategy and technology roadmap for electrification. This involves conducting in-depth market analysis, competitive intelligence, and technology forecasting to identify emerging trends and opportunities that align with the company’s strategic goals. You will champion this vision at the executive level and across the organization.
Team Development and Mentorship
Build, lead, and mentor a high-performance, multi-disciplinary R&D team of engineers, scientists, and technicians. Foster a dynamic and inclusive culture of innovation, curiosity, and accountability. You will be responsible for talent acquisition, professional development, and succession planning to ensure the team possesses the skills needed for future challenges.
Product Development Lifecycle Management
Oversee the entire R&D lifecycle for all electrification projects, from initial ideation and feasibility studies through to prototyping, testing, validation, and hand-off to manufacturing. Implement and refine best-practice engineering processes (e.g., Agile, Stage-Gate) to accelerate development timelines while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.
Budgetary and Financial Oversight
Command a substantial multi-million dollar R&D budget. You will be responsible for strategic resource allocation, financial forecasting, and managing departmental expenditures to maximize return on investment. You will present business cases for new technology investments to the executive leadership team and the board.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as the primary R&D liaison to other key business units, including Product Management, Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain. Forge strong collaborative relationships to ensure that R&D efforts are aligned with customer needs, market opportunities, and manufacturability constraints.
Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy
Develop and manage a robust intellectual property strategy to protect the company’s innovations. Work closely with legal counsel to oversee the patent application process, manage the existing patent portfolio, and monitor the competitive IP landscape to ensure freedom to operate.
External Partnerships and Alliances
Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with universities, research institutions, national labs, and technology startups to accelerate innovation and gain access to cutting-edge technologies. Represent the company at industry conferences, technical committees, and standards organizations to establish our client as a thought leader in industrial electrification.
Regulatory and Compliance Adherence
Ensure all R&D activities and resulting products comply with relevant domestic and international safety standards, environmental regulations, and industry certifications (e.g., ISO, IEC, UL). You will stay ahead of evolving regulatory landscapes that impact product design and market access for electrified industrial equipment.
Requirements for the VP, R&D, Electrification with an Industrial Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
We are seeking a seasoned and visionary leader with a proven track record of success in high-technology R&D environments. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of deep technical expertise, strategic business acumen, and inspirational leadership qualities.
Educational Background
A Master’s degree (M.S.) or Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a closely related technical field is required. An MBA or equivalent business degree is highly desirable.
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in research and development, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role (Director, Sr. Director, or VP level) managing large, multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
Deep Electrification Expertise
Demonstrable, hands-on experience and deep subject matter expertise in core electrification technologies. This must include extensive knowledge of advanced power electronics and battery management systems (BMS), high-voltage battery pack design (including cell chemistry and thermal management), electric motor and inverter technologies, and vehicle/system control software.
Proven Track Record of Innovation
A history of successfully leading the development and commercialization of complex, technology-driven products from concept to market. Experience in the industrial equipment, automotive, aerospace, or heavy machinery sectors is strongly preferred.
Strategic and Commercial Acumen
The ability to think strategically, connect technological possibilities with market needs, and build compelling business cases for R&D initiatives. Experience with technology roadmapping, portfolio management, and M&A due diligence is a significant plus.
Exceptional Communication Skills
Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to a wide range of audiences, from engineers to the Board of Directors.
Global Perspective
Experience working in a global organization and managing international teams is highly advantageous. Familiarity with global standards and market requirements is essential.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a long-term incentive plan (equity/stock options) that aligns your success with the company’s growth.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, along with a robust wellness program, Health Savings Account (HSA), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
Retirement Planning
A generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with a substantial company match to help you secure your financial future.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to ensure a smooth transition to the Cleveland, OH area.
Paid Time Off
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company-paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for executive coaching, continuing education, and attendance at key industry conferences to support your ongoing growth and leadership development.
Additional Perks
Access to other executive-level benefits which may include a vehicle allowance, life and disability insurance, and other perquisites.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary R&D leader with a passion for electrification and a desire to make a significant impact on a global industrial leader, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. For more information about our expertise in this space, please visit the JRG Partners’ Industrial & Manufacturing Executive Search practice page. We look forward to reviewing your qualifications and discussing this exciting opportunity with you.
