Head of IT Products R&D & PLM

29 January 2026
100%
Permanent position
PO Box, 1001 Lausanne

About the job

At BOBST, we believe in the power of innovation, collaboration, and technology to transform our industry.
To strengthen our digital strategy and support the evolution of our R&D ecosystem, we are looking for a:

Head of IT Products R&D & PLM

Permanent position – 100% – Based in Mex (VD)

Your Mission

Reporting to the CIO and CTO, you will play a pivotal role in driving the digital transformation of our R&D environment.
You will own the vision for PLM and IT RD&E solutions and lead a strategic roadmap that modernizes our tools, processes, and architecture across the Group.
You will lead a team of Product Owners (MCAD, ECAD, Software, Configurators, Documents) and collaborate closely with IT, business, R&D teams, and key technology partners. Your goal is to build a world‑class RD&E digital ecosystem that supports BOBST’s long‑term innovation ambitions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership

Define the long‑term vision and roadmap for PLM and IT RD&E systems, aligned with Group priorities.

Ensure the performance, scalability, and evolution of the RD&E IT landscape.

Lead the complete transformation program for IT RD&E—from strategy through deployment and operations.

Align priorities across Product Lines by engaging and coordinating with RD&E Directors.

Enhance data & analytics capabilities to support smarter decision‑making in R&D.

2. Product & Portfolio Management

Drive the portfolio of initiatives (EPICs) supporting business and financial objectives.

Identify risks and cross‑team dependencies, ensuring alignment with PMO, Finance, and Enterprise Architecture.

Translate strategic EPICs into actionable features together with Product Owners.

Foster Agile ways of working and ensure synchronicity across product teams.

3. Delivery & Operations

Optimize the RD&E application landscape and reduce legacy systems.

Manage relationships with key technology partners and solution providers.

Promote Agile and DevOps principles across the IT RD&E organization.

Lead and mentor a team of 5–10 employees, encouraging collaboration and continuous improvement.

Your Profile

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.

Experience

10+ years of experience in similar positions within manufacturing or engineering industries.

Strong background in RD&E or engineering environments.

Proven track record in leading major digital or IT transformation programs.

Experience with “as‑a‑service” integration concepts.

Technical Skills

In‑depth knowledge of Dassault Systèmes solutions (3DEXPERIENCE, CATIA).

Experience with SAP S/4HANA and SAP PLM SI integration.

Solid understanding of CAD/CAE, simulation, and data analytics tools.

Proficient with Office 365 and engineering IT systems.

Personal Skills

Strong leadership with the ability to influence in a matrix organization.

Excellent communication, facilitation, and problem‑solving skills.

High business acumen and strategic mindset.

Strong agility culture; comfortable switching between strategic and operational tasks.

Fluent in English and French.

Why Join BOBST?

At BOBST, you will find:

A global company undergoing an exciting digital transformation.

A culture that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

The opportunity to shape the future of our R&D environment and have a direct impact on the Group’s long‑term success.

A leadership role offering visibility, influence, and the chance to leave a meaningful legacy.

Join us – and grow with us.

BOBST is an engineering company, pioneering intelligent solutions that shape the future of the packaging world. At BOBST, you make an impact on a global scale – through innovation and advanced technology. You grow by mastering challenges – in a team that strives for excellence. And you enjoy a culture of a family-run enterprise, where values are truly lived. With the combined forces of more than 6400 people and business activities in more than 50 countries, we are positioned as the innovation leader in our industry.