R&D Director Floorcare
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports to: Head of Floorcare
Role Overview
We are looking for a R&D Director for our Floorcare division, with full technical ownership of our scrubber dryer and sweeper product platforms used in indoor commercial cleaning environments. This role leads engineering teams in Hungary and Italy, while driving tight collaboration with our Technology teams in China and Hadsund to ensure unified architectures, shared component strategies, and a strong innovation pipeline.
You will define the long-term technical roadmap for our floorcare platforms, ensuring they deliver best‑in‑class cleaning performance, durability, ergonomics, and total cost of ownership. This position is ideal for a leader who combines deep electromechanical expertise with strategic platform thinking and global team leadership. Some international travel should be expected to engage with engineering teams as well internal and external stakeholders. The position can be based in Nagykanizsa, Hungary or in Piacenza, Italy.
Key Responsibilities
Platform Ownership & Lifecycle Management
Own the technical strategy, architecture, and evolution of scrubber dryer and sweeper platforms.
Ensure platforms meet performance, safety, durability, and regulatory requirements across global markets.
Lead structured lifecycle management, including cost optimization, quality improvements, and end-of-life planning.
Drive modular platform architectures enabling reuse, scalability, and efficient variant creation.
Global R&D Leadership
Lead, coach, and develop multi-disciplinary engineering teams in Hungary and Italy.
Build strong technical alignment with Technology teams in China and Hadsund, ensuring shared standards, component roadmaps, and coordinated development.
Oversee cross-site execution, resource planning, and engineering processes to ensure consistent delivery.
Innovation & Product Development
Translate customer needs and market trends in commercial cleaning into actionable technical strategies.
Guide development of new technologies such as battery systems, brushless motors, water management systems, squeegee and brush technologies, suction systems, and digital/IoT features.
Oversee prototyping, testing, validation, and industrialization of new solutions.
Ensure robust engineering practices including DFMEA, DFM/DFA, reliability engineering, and compliance with global standards.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with Product Management to define platform roadmaps and feature sets.
Work closely with Operations, Quality, Procurement, and Service to ensure manufacturability, reliability, and serviceability.
Support supplier development and sourcing strategies for key components (motors, batteries, electronics, plastics, mechanical assemblies).
Provide technical leadership during escalations, field issues, and major customer engagements.
Qualifications to succeed in the position
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
10+ years of experience in product development or engineering leadership within machinery, appliances, industrial equipment, or similar electromechanical products.
Experience with scrubber dryers, sweepers, or related cleaning equipment is a strong advantage.
Proven success leading multi-site engineering teams in a global environment.
Strong understanding of electromechanical systems, battery technologies, embedded controls, and industrial product development.
Demonstrated ability to drive platform strategy, lifecycle management, and cross-functional execution.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills across cultures and time zones.
What We Offer
A strategic leadership role shaping the future of our commercial floorcare portfolio.
The opportunity to lead and grow high-performing engineering teams across Europe.
Close collaboration with global technology centers and access to advanced development capabilities.
Competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for international career growth.
Interested?
If this role resonates with your next strategic career move, we encourage you to apply. Your unique experience may be exactly what we’re looking for. Please submit your CV and cover letter in English by 15 May.
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Let’s create a cleaner future together
Cleaning has emerged as a key contributor to health and safety, sparked by technology and innovation. At Nilfisk we are a driving force in this development. Being part of Nilfisk means thinking outside of the box, bringing your inspiring ideas to life, sharing the results, and learning from your setbacks. We believe that diversity is our greatest strength – as we achieve the best results from a wide variety of views and approaches. At Nilfisk, you have the freedom to be yourself and express your opinions. Nilfisk is firmly committed to growth and sustainability in everything we do. You will be empowered in your role as you collaborate with passionate colleagues on a quest to create a cleaner future.
Are you ready to make a change for a cleaner future?
About Nilfisk
Nilfisk is a world-leading provider of professional cleaning equipment and services, founded in Denmark in 1906. With approximately 4,500 employees across 45 countries and products sold in over 100 markets, we are committed to developing sustainable cleaning solutions that improve quality of life. We are listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen and a proud member of the United Nations Global Compact.
We embrace diversity and equality with an environment of inclusion. We encourage everyone to apply for the position, regardless of origin, race, ethnicity, religion, physical or mental ability, gender, gender-identity or expression, sexual orientation, and age.
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