Strategic Engineering Director

Strategic Engineering Director North Search is a global talent consultancy that helps different clients to join the best talent. The Head of Engineering & Strategic Projects is responsible for leading the engineering organization while owning the definition and governance of advanced, high-value, non-standard projects. This role ensures technical excellence, protects engineering as a strategic asset, and drives the development of future solutions by owning technical complexity upstream, before execution and commercialization. The position plays a key role in positioning the company as a true engineering partner. Your responsibilities: Engineering Leadership: Lead and develop the engineering organization, including Technical Leaders, the Engineering Coordinator, and design teams. Ensure timely resolution of manufacturing non-conformities to keep production running. Review and approve designs prior to release to manufacturing. Act as the senior technical reference for the engineering team. Drive competence development and long-term capability building. Strategic Projects & Business Development (Engineering-led). Own and govern technical complexity across all high-value, non-standard projects. Define solution architecture, technical boundaries, and design-to-cost targets. Identify repeatable solutions and transform one-off projects into scalable offerings. Lead upstream technical engagement with customers and OEMs at engineering / CTO level. Define solution roadmaps based on future market needs and technological trends. Support selective market development through engineering-led positioning (not traditional sales). Oversee strategic and special projects, ensuring technical and executional alignment. Work closely with the Project Manager to ensure milestones, risks, and deliverables are controlled. Approve technical deviations and major design changes. Ensure lessons learned are captured and institutionalized. Define and implement engineering policies, standards, and ways of working. Lead PLM implementation and ensure its effective usage across the organization. Drive structured engineering processes to improve quality, efficiency, and scalability. Required Skills & Abilities : Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or related Engineering. 10+ years of experience in engineering, special machinery, or complex industrial systems. Proven experience leading engineering teams in project-based environments. Strong understanding of manufacturing, cost structures, and industrial processes. Experience working with PLM systems and structured engineering processes. Ability to translate market needs into technical solutions and roadmaps. Experience in engineering-led business development or upstream technical sales. Strong capability to evaluate trade-offs between cost, risk, time, and scalability. Long-term, systems-level thinking (2–5-year horizon). Strong leadership presence and decision-making capability. Ability to operate in ambiguity and evolving organizational contexts. High credibility with senior stakeholders, internally and externally. Excellent communication skills in English (mandatory). Comfortable working in a post M & A environment with changing priorities and new corporate governance. North Search and our client are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage professionals of all backgrounds to apply. Ready to take your career to the next level in the xxxx industry? We want to hear from you! Locations Barcelona Remote status Hybrid About North Search North search es una consultoría de talento global, que se sitúa como partner de empresas de sectores en transformación, ayudándoles a constriur un potencial de talento sólido e innovador. Founded in 2023 Coworkers 5 Turnover 1M