R&D Technology Manager

ABB's Medium Voltage Products business unit provides utility, industrial and commercial customers with safe, reliable and smart technologies for the distribution of electricity. The extensive global offering includes distribution automation products, switching, limiting, measuring and sensing devices, switchgear, modular substation packages and related services.

The Electrification Products Division (EP) in Norway develops and produces ring main units (RMU), compact switchgear (CSG) and compact secondary substations (CSS) used in electrical distribution network (12-36kV). In addition to the products we offer product service of installed product base in general. The division has operations in Skien, Bergen and Oslo. The local division in Skien employs about 400 people.

Mission statement;

Executes technology projects in according to road map defined by PG Technology Managers using local resources focused on a specific technology. Identify, explore and implement technology development and growth strategies within a Global BU to enhance ABB’s global position and profitability in the medium/long term

Basic Function:
Research and Development Engineering comprises the investigation, evaluation and potential application to product development, requiring broad technical engineering knowledge. Manage either directly or through subordinate supervisors, physical resources and engineers engaged in technically specialized phases of activities involving one or more engineering disciplines.  Candidate will direct major engineering efforts that potentially have substantial impact on current engineering projects, future developments and customers. Direct a wide range of complex technical analyses and investigations. Oversee finalization of proposals and present them, with accompanying recommendations, to executives and customers. Proactively seek, develop and implement initiatives to cost effectively achieve goals and ensure utmost customer satisfaction. Promote and enable professional and technical development of staff.

Main Accountabilities: 

• Prepare the Technology Centre (TC) Mission & Vision, TC related part of Roles and Responsibilities document and Competence Profile (in cooperation with the respective Product Group Technology Manager (PGTM), BU Technology Manager (BU TM) and Local BU manager), provide follow up to PGTM and BU TM on this topic.
• Ensure channelling information between BU Management / CHTET / Local BU Management and TC co-workers. Establish the appropriate tool for it such as regular meetings, DB tools, etc.
• Ensure distribution, implementation, embracing and execution of all Guidelines relevant to TC activities, namely CHTET Guidelines, Gate procedure, ISO 9000 and QA documents.

Resources Management:

• Responsible for resource selection and allocation within the TC.
• Ensure the respective resources in cooperation with PGTMs, BU TM and local Management considering both qualitative and quantitative requirements in line with specific role of TC (CoE and CoC roles in Competence matrix) based on mid-term forecast prepared by PGTMs and approved by BU TM.
• Ensure the optimal flexibility of resources.
• In cooperation with BU TM and Local BU Management prepare organisational structure of TC aiming at optimal TC performance of CHTET tasks.

Budgeting process:

• Prepare annual and multi-year TC budget in cooperation with BU TM and PGTMs (with respect to both Money and Activity dimension).
• Execute the budget in line with all Guidelines relevant to TC activities, instructions of BU TM, CHTET CFO and applicable local legislation.
• Manage the allocated CHTET R&D funds.
• Ensure that TC cost are compensated by WP deliveries (money wise) / Responsible for Cash Flow of TC.
• Ensure early indications of deviations between budgeted and actual values.

Human resources:

• Responsible for hiring, dismissals, reallocations, annual performance reviews, and salary recommendations for all TC members (in coordination with the local HR management and HR rules), all TC members report directly, or through group leaders or eng. managers (solid line) to TCM.
• Ensure optimal knowledge Management and improvement of TC co-worker qualification using training, coaching, continuing-education, etc.
• Prepare Succession plan for Key Technology Position in cooperation with Local BU Management and BU TM.
• Ensure stability of resources.
• Organise Job rotation.
• Organise Project Management Training.

Methods and Tools:

• Ensure that state of the art Methods and Tools are used.
• Ensure training on Methods and Tools preferring locally available resources.
• Disseminate the best results reached when using available tools.

Project execution:

• Ensure most economical local allocation and prioritization of resources (financial and human, timing).
• Ensure that the best available knowledge (CRCs, Universities) is used.
• Ensure that the adequate and efficient Methods and Tools are used.
• Ensure optimal planning, control and utilization of Local resources with special attention to Top Priority Projects as defined by BU Management.
• Supports Work Package Leaders and R&D Project Managers in their activities.
• Ensure that the local priorities do not prevail Global and strategic R&D tasks as defined by BU Management.
• Ensure On Time Delivery for allocated WPs.
• Optimise Risk management.
• Control Change management in project documentation and alignment with BU instructions (Role of Supporting and Receiving Units to be performed properly, English language, etc.).
• Take care about global R&D quality (with special attention to on-time release of products, and product Quality aspects) in cooperation with QA R&D and PGTMs.

Knowledge and Information sharing:

• Ensure organisational and technical conditions for efficient X-TC, X-functional (local level) communication.
• Ensure the right Information flow between M&S, P&L and TC in the Local BU organisation.
• Manage the cooperation with local universities.
• Ensure the information flow from local market, Fairs on the territory of the TC, competitor products.
• Support PGTMs in ensuring the timely information about IP issues (watch out activity) from the respective region.

IPR (Intellectual Property Rights):

• Take care about the IP protection together with BU Patent Officer, cooperate in defence and enforcement related activities on the territory of TC.
• Support TC co-workers in invention disclosures.
• Create condition (together w/ local BU management) for motivating remuneration of inventors).

Interface to Host Local BU:

• Cooperate with GPMs on Portfolio development in the given local BU.
• Take care of Technology Knowledge preservation in Legacy products.
• Order Related R&D – instruction under preparation.
• In case there is a P-development need, coordinate with the relevant PGTM in order to evaluate this business / technology opportunity.
• Check the Licensed product portfolio status and development, indicate deviation (non-main line products) to BU TM (form to be agreed upon with hosting LBU, usually as a part of CHTET Audit).

Requirements:

Knowledge and Skills;

• Good understanding of gas Insulated Switchgear technology, low energy switching, vacuum interruption and typical topologies of secondary distribution networks
• Strong Leadership skills
• Have cultural sensitivity to work across geographic borders
• Understanding of IEC/IEEE standards
• Familiar with development models and processes
• Strong Project Management background
• Excellent communication & negotiation skills
• Strategic orientation and thinking
• Experience in leading development groups and large development programs

Qualifications:

Min. Master Degree in mechanical or electrical engineering and at least 8 years’ experience in engineering leadership position

We can offer:

• Technical and personal challenges in a positive and innovative environment 
• Informal and good work relations between co-workers and managers 
• Positive and exciting work environment in a global organization 
• Professional growth 
• Various company benefits

Please note that in cooperation with Meditor Search we conduct a background screening on all candidates that receive an offer of employment in ABB Norway. This to insure best quality in our recruitment process, according
with ABBs company policy.