VP Simulation Solutions

Location: Udine or Torino (preferred)

Job Description Summary:

The VP Simulation Solutions oversees the development of the simulation portfolio (today VI-grade portfolio of Simulation Software, Hardware-in-the-loop, and Simulators) leading the teams in product management and R&D. This senior leadership position requires extensive expertise in automotive technology and simulation, alongside strong business acumen.

The VP is responsible for driving profitable growth through strategic product portfolio planning across both software and hardware domains, balancing innovation and product quality with financial objectives. The position presents a unique opportunity to shape the future of simulation technology within a dynamic, innovative setting where rapid growth through acquisition will be an imperative.

Core Responsibilities

• Portfolio Management

• Responsible for the growth and profitability of the simulation portfolio, by delivering a best-in-class product portfolio through organic and inorganic growth.

• Oversee product lifecycle management, including roadmaps for new and existing hardware/software products, ensuring an optimal balance of innovation, cost, quality and performance.

• Build and maintain strategic alliances and identify, nurture, acquire, and integrate M&A candidates

• Research and Development

• Deliver new products to market efficiently while managing costs effectively using contemporary development methodologies.

• Oversee cross-functional teams (product management, R&D, operations, sales, services) to ensure milestone achievement across the product delivery process.

• Oversee software and HiL teams for stand-alone hardware-in-the-loop and software solutions, as well as integrated with VI-grade simulators.

• Innovates to close the loop between virtual and physical testing world

• Promote a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

• Serve as the primary driver and guardian of patents.

• Sales & Customer Support

• Partner with sales to support initiatives such as customer visits, technical consultations, and quoting.

• Act as a technical authority during customer interactions, articulating product value and capabilities.

• Support SimCenter activities, ensuring high service standards and simulator performance.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering (PhD preferred)

• Robust background in vehicle dynamics and NVH, with proficiency in computational analysis and programming

• Minimum 15 years in automotive engineering with significant experience in simulation, HiL, and driving simulators or related fields; prior experience in leadership roles within OEMs, suppliers, or simulator companies is highly desirable

• Demonstrated ability to manage portfolios, technical teams, and complex engineering projects successfully

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; proven record of effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders

• Financial and business acumen, ideally with P&L responsibility

• Ability to assess customer technical requirements

• Teamwork experience delivering products, services, and solutions to clients

• Proficiency in English presentation and written communication

• Capability to work under pressure in dynamic and multitasking environments with strict deadlines

• Commitment to responsive customer service, coordinating solutions through tested designs and customized approaches

• Willingness to travel (up to 30%)

Personal Skills

• Demonstrates the ability to develop and implement successful strategies

• Culturally adaptable, skilled at building and leading geographically diverse cross-functional teams

• Balances strategic vision with practical execution, maintaining a customer-focused approach

• Open-minded, able to drive change and inspire across all organizational levels

• Consistently fulfills commitments with reliability and accountability

We Offer

Freedom with responsibility is the framework for HBK’s employees. This allows for a good balance between work and family life and for constant development of professional and personal skills in an international and enjoyable working environment.

One Company – HBK

On 1 January 2019, Brüel & Kjær and HBM merged their activities into a new company called HBK (Hottinger Brüel & Kjær). With more than 3,500 employees worldwide and production facilities in Denmark, Germany, the UK, the USA, China and Portugal and presence in 80 countries, HBK is a leading player in the test and measurement area. For further info please visit www.hbkworld.com.