R&D Director Smart Grid Solutions (SGS)

What will you do?

In this role, you define and drive the multi‑year R&D strategy for Smart Grid Solutions, working closely with the BU R&D Director SGS, Technology Managers and Discipline Experts. Rather than managing teams directly, you influence, guide, and challenge the R&D leaders to elevate engineering maturity and development performance.

You ensure high-quality product development for solutions such as medium-voltage grid equipment, transformer substations, and digital smart‑grid technologies. You promote systems engineering, modular design, lifecycle thinking and efficient certification processes—essential for the regulated environment in which SGS operates.

You also strengthen collaboration between SGS and other Business Units and represent Alfen’s technology vision in relevant external ecosystems.

Your responsibilities include:

R&D Strategy & Technology Leadership

• Shaping the long‑term R&D and technology vision for SGS, aligned with Alfen’s global technology roadmap.
• Advising on R&D investment priorities, strategic technology choices, and capability development within SGS.
• Guiding portfolio KPIs such as time‑to‑market, certification readiness, cost targets, and engineering efficiency.
• Supporting technology risk assessments, IP strategy, and planning of future technology platforms.

Innovation, Product Development & Engineering Excellence

• Acting as custodian of the innovation funnel and driving best‑practice development processes within SGS.
• Coaching teams on systems engineering, architecture, requirements quality and cross‑disciplinary integration.
• Encouraging consistent approaches to verification, validation, testing, and compliance with European standards.
• Leading the adoption of agile methodologies, platform thinking, modularity and design‑for‑X principles.
• Removing cross‑functional obstacles by fostering alignment with Product Management, Operations, Quality and Supply Chain.

People Development & Organizational Capability

• Mentoring R&D leaders within SGS and developing engineering and leadership maturity.
• Working with HR to define learning pathways, expert development programs, and communities of practice.
• Building a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the SGS R&D organization.
• Contributing to organizational design that supports scale, complexity, and growth of the product portfolio.

External Technology Partnerships & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Representing Alfen’s technology vision externally with universities, research partners, suppliers, and industry bodies.
• Identifying strategic partnerships, co‑development opportunities and relevant subsidy or grant programs.
• Strengthening alignment between SGS, other Business Units and central product and technology teams.

What do we ask of you?

• Master’s degree in engineering; a PhD and/or MBA is a strong advantage.
• 25+ years of experience in R&D/Engineering, preferably in energy technology, grid infrastructure or regulated electrotechnical products.
• Proven track record in shaping long‑term technology and product strategies.
• Deep expertise in systems engineering, verification & validation, safety, compliance, and certification (e.g., IEC standards).
• Experience with agile transformations and lean engineering practices.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Fluent in English; Dutch is a strong plus.

What do we offer you?

At Alfen, you’ll have the space to make a real impact in a role with plenty of responsibility, autonomy, and opportunities for innovation. You can count on:

• A competitive salary and excellent employment conditions (Metalektro Collective Labour Agreement).
• 27 vacation days + 13 ADV (additional) days per year, with the option to sell 10 days.
• Hybrid working (max. 2 days per week with a 40-hour workweek).
• A company laptop.
• Free access to our online learning platform.
• Activities organized by our employee associations AlFun and Young Alfen.
• Sports activities through Alfen, such as fitness and participation in sporting events.
• Pension scheme via PME, with a solid employer contribution.
• Company car.

Where will you work?

You report directly to the CEO and work closely with the BU R&D Director SGS, Technology Managers and cross‑functional teams. You operate at the intersection of technology, innovation, and strategy, playing a key role in scaling and professionalizing Alfen’s Smart Grid Solutions.

Interested?

Apply via the “apply now” button on our website.

Please note: a reference check, screening and Certificate of Conduct (VOG) may be part of the selection process. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; the vacancy will remain open until a suitable candidate has been selected. Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.