We are seeking a forward-thinking Head of R&D – Showering to lead the development of our smart premium & premium showering portfolio. This role is pivotal in bringing the Villeroy & Boch group brands to winning, next generation showering solutions that blend performance, design, sustainability, and smart functionality. You will drive innovation from ideation through industrialization, managing a multidisciplinary team across mechanical, hydraulic, electronic, and digital domains. The role is based in Brussels, but requires weekly presence in our technology center in Wittlich, Germany. Travelling to suppliers in Europe & AsiaPac will be part of the role.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead R&D Strategy for the showering category aligned with brand, consumer, and sustainability goals.
- Conceptualization and Development: You will be responsible for the conceptualization, development, and design of new taps and components, considering technical, economic, and regulatory requirements.
- Drive innovation & differentiation in water delivery, spray performance, thermal comfort, hygiene, and connectivity (e.g. app, voice, sensors) following industry and consumer trends
- Technical Analyses and Simulations: Conducting technical analyses, simulations, and calculations to optimize design and functionality.
- Prototype Construction and Testing: Building prototypes and conducting tests to validate designs and identify potential improvements.
- Documentation and Technology Monitoring: Creating technical documentation, reports, and presentations.
- Collaboration: Close cooperation with other departments such as product management, production, sales, design, manufacturing and quality assurance.
- Build and mentor a high-performing, global R&D team and foster a culture of technical excellence and curiosity.
- Support IP creation and supplier co-development.
Your Profile
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering
- 10–15+ years experience in R&D leadership roles with proven track record in similar industries
- Strong grasp of fluid mechanics/hydraulics, materials, mechatronics.
- Proof of “maker mindset”, ideally proof of significant IP contribution
- Experience with modular platforms, design for manufacturing, and sustainability.
- Global mindset; capable of leading cross-functional teams across Europe and Asia.
- Software: Confident handling of CAD software and simulation software.
- Excellent leadership and team management skills, structured way of working and Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication skills in German and English
Top Skills
What We Do
Opportunities for go-getters and goal-setters – become part of Villeroy & Boch!
Ceramic is our strength. But the ability to perceive things differently is also part of our DNA. For this precise reason, we are looking for motivated colleagues to join our 8,000 employees in 125 countries. People who are eager to make things happen and rise to new challenges. And to work with us to shape Villeroy & Boch's successful future. Find out more about our extensive and varied vacancies offering excellent career and development prospects – in departments including Marketing & Sales, Online Marketing & E-commerce, HR, Finance, SCM, IT and Production.
Take your first step on the career ladder with Villeroy & Boch
Pupils: build solid foundations for your career with an apprenticeship or a dual study programme.
Students: from work experience to student traineeships or dissertation – opportunities are available in many different departments.
Graduates: as part of our junior programme, we support you all the way to your first management position.
Professionals: we offer exciting opportunities for people at all stages of their careers, from entry-level positions to management roles.
You will take on exciting tasks as well as responsibility at Villeroy & Boch from day one. Because we firmly believe that each and every one of our employees has his or her own very individual strengths. We will help to you fully explore this valuable potential, with tailored training and development programmes, a balance between career and family life, an attractive working environment with impressive architecture, modern offices and a friendly atmosphere. And, of course, by rewarding outstanding performance.
Visit our careers website now to find out more about the company and our current vacancies. We look forward to hearing from you. Visit villeroyboch.com/career!
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