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# VP, Research & Development with an Automotive Tier 1 Supplier – Ann Arbor, MI


Role Overview for VP, Research & Development with an Automotive Tier 1 Supplier – Ann Arbor, MI
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a globally recognized, forward-thinking Tier 1 Automotive Supplier in their search for a transformative Vice President of Research & Development. Located in the vibrant automotive innovation hub of Ann Arbor, Michigan, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of mobility. Our client is a market leader renowned for its commitment to quality, cutting-edge technology, and sustainable solutions. They are at the forefront of the industry’s evolution, heavily invested in electrification, autonomous driving, and connected vehicle technologies.
As the VP of R&D, you will be the principal architect of the company’s technological future. You will be entrusted with leading a world-class, multi-disciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and researchers dedicated to discovering and developing next-generation products and systems. This is not merely an oversight role; it is a hands-on, strategic position requiring a deep technical understanding, visionary leadership, and a relentless passion for innovation. You will be responsible for the entire R&D lifecycle, from ideation and fundamental research to prototype development and technology transfer to product engineering teams.
Your leadership will directly impact the company’s competitive advantage, market position, and long-term growth trajectory. You will foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence, empowering your team to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the automotive landscape. This role requires a leader who can navigate the complexities of a global organization, manage significant budgets, and build strategic partnerships that accelerate innovation.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Research & Development with an Automotive Tier 1 Supplier – Ann Arbor, MI
The Vice President of Research & Development will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

Strategic Technology Leadership: Develop and articulate a compelling, long-range technology roadmap that aligns with corporate strategy and anticipates future market needs. Identify and champion emerging technologies, materials, and methodologies that will secure the company’s position as an industry innovator.
Global R&D Operations Management: Direct and oversee all global R&D activities, ensuring projects are executed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality. Implement best practices for project management, resource allocation, and performance metrics across all R&D centers.
Team Development & Mentorship: Lead, inspire, and mentor a large organization of R&D professionals. Foster a dynamic and inclusive culture that encourages intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and a fail-fast, learn-faster mindset. Attract, develop, and retain top-tier engineering and scientific talent.
Innovation Pipeline Management: Drive the innovation process from concept to commercialization. Establish and manage a robust pipeline of R&D projects, balancing short-term product enhancements with long-term, disruptive technological pursuits. Oversee the development of advanced concepts in areas such as electric vehicle (EV) powertrains, battery management systems, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, and lightweight materials.
Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy: In collaboration with the legal department, develop and execute a comprehensive IP strategy to protect the company’s innovations. Oversee the patent application process and manage the existing patent portfolio to create a strategic competitive barrier.
Budgetary & Financial Oversight: Develop and manage the multi-million dollar global R&D budget. Ensure responsible fiscal management and justify investments through rigorous analysis and clear business cases, demonstrating a strong return on investment for all R&D expenditures.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team. Work closely with Product Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Sales & Marketing to ensure a seamless transition of technology from the lab to the production line. Provide technical expertise and insights to inform corporate strategy and M&A activities.
External Partnerships & Technology Scouting: Cultivate a strong network of external partners, including universities, national laboratories, startups, and industry consortia. Act as the company’s chief technology scout, identifying and evaluating external innovations and potential partnership or acquisition opportunities.

Requirements for the VP, Research & Development with an Automotive Tier 1 Supplier – Ann Arbor, MI
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned R&D leader with a proven track record of success in the automotive industry or a related high-tech field. Specific qualifications include:

Educational Background: A Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field is required. A Ph.D. is highly preferred.
Executive Experience: A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in research and development, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership capacity (Director, Senior Director, or VP level) managing large, global, multi-disciplinary teams.
Industry Expertise: Deep technical knowledge and experience within the automotive industry, specifically with a Tier 1 supplier, is strongly preferred. Candidates with extensive R&D leadership experience in aerospace, defense, or complex industrial manufacturing will also be considered.
Technical Acumen: Demonstrated expertise in one or more key automotive technology domains, such as electrification (e-motors, inverters, battery systems), autonomous systems (sensors, perception, control algorithms), connectivity (infotainment, telematics, cybersecurity), or advanced materials science.
Business & Financial Acumen: Proven ability to manage large, complex budgets and make sound financial decisions. Experience developing business cases for technology investments and a strong understanding of P&L management.
Strategic Vision: A demonstrated ability to think strategically, anticipate future trends, and develop long-term plans that drive innovation and business growth. Experience creating and executing multi-year technology roadmaps is essential.
Leadership & Communication Skills: Exceptional leadership qualities with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a high-performing team. Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences, including the C-suite and Board of Directors.
Global Mindset: Experience working in a global organization and managing teams across different cultures and time zones is essential.

Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent in the industry and offers a comprehensive and highly competitive compensation and benefits package, which includes:

Executive Compensation: A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual bonus and long-term incentive/equity plan.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness: A full suite of medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, along with wellness programs and robust mental health support.
Retirement Savings: A generous 401(k) plan with a strong company match to help you plan for your future.
Paid Time Off: A generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave policy to support a healthy work-life balance.
Relocation Assistance: A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Professional Development: A significant budget for continuous learning, including executive coaching, conference attendance, and further education.
Work Environment: Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and labs, and the opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the automotive industry.

How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary R&D leader with the skills, experience, and passion to drive the next wave of automotive innovation, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and leadership philosophy. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Industrial & Automotive practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing this exceptional opportunity with you.