Head of Research and Test Centres

Head of Research & Test Centers

Preferred: Venlo, Netherlands. We are open to considering Bangalore, India or Melbourne, Australia for the right candidate, although Venlo remains our strongly preferred location

Work Arrangement - Hybrid

What we do at Weir

We are a global leader in mining technology for a sustainable future. We help our customers extract the resources the world needs more efficiently and more sustainably. Our planet’s future depends on the transition to renewable energy, and that transition can only happen with the metals and minerals our customers deliver. So, we work side by side with mines across the globe to move less rock, use less energy, use water wisely, and create less waste. Together, we drive the shift to smart, efficient, and more sustainable mining.

Make your impact

You’ll play a key role in solving real-world challenges. You’ll apply your skills to deliver results that matter whether that’s through engineering, planning or customer support. You’ll work with purpose, learn every day and help shape a more sustainable future.

Purpose of the Role

This is a unique opportunity to lead and shape Weir's global network of Research & Test Centres, ensuring world‑class laboratory operations, safety, and technical excellence across multiple locations. As a key leader within our Technology and Process Innovation Group, you will drive operational performance, develop future testing capabilities, and play a critical role in supporting the innovation that underpins Weir's growth and customer success globally.

What you’ll do

• Operational Leadership: Lead the day‑to‑day operations of the Venlo Test Centre, ensuring test programs and projects are delivered on time, on cost, and in full. Manage local staff including lab technicians and leaders, oversee scheduling, equipment maintenance, and facility management.
• Global Governance: Provide functional oversight and governance across the global test centre network in Melbourne, Bangalore, and Venlo. Drive alignment on safety protocols, testing procedures, and customer service standards to ensure consistent, high‑quality outcomes.
• Team Development: Foster a high‑performing, engaged team through leadership, performance management, and capability building. Support continuous improvement initiatives and promote a culture of safety and operational excellence.
• Strategic Planning: Collaborate with Technology & Innovation leadership to plan and expand global testing capabilities, including managing relationships with third‑party commercial test facilities. Support data management and innovation projects to enhance test center effectiveness.
• Customer & Stakeholder Engagement: Govern commercial test work including proposal development, negotiation, pricing, and invoicing. Ensure strong customer service to internal and external stakeholders, delighting customers with reliable and insightful test results.
• Safety First: Demonstrate 100% commitment to our zero harm behaviors in support of our drive towards developing a world‑class safety culture.

What you’ll bring

Must-haves

• Laboratory operations leadership experience with a strong safety mindset.
• Proven people leadership skills managing technical teams.
• Solid knowledge and experience in minerals processing.
• Experience delivering operational outcomes in technical environments with a focus on safe laboratory operations.

Nice-to-haves

• Expertise in comminution (crushing and grinding).
• Experience managing geographically dispersed, multi‑site teams.
• Advanced qualifications such as a Master’s or PhD in Minerals Processing or related discipline.
• Experience in strategic planning and capability development within global test center networks.

Why join Weir?

We live our values. We think safety first, do the right thing, respect each other, aim high, and delight our customers. We encourage our people to lead by example and celebrate our successes.

We’re passionate about our purpose to help deliver the natural resources that are essential to create a better future for the world. We do this by combining our deep customer insights, world‑class engineering, materials science expertise, and intelligent automation to deliver innovative end‑to‑end solutions incorporating our signature technologies.

We believe your voice matters and your ideas make a difference. We’re working hard to nurture a diverse culture where our people feel like they belong and can do the best work of their lives. You can help shape our unique culture through our inclusion networks and safety initiatives.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Career development and learning support
• Access to global inclusion networks
• Regional and team‑specific benefits
• Sharebuilder scheme
• Wellness support for you and your family
• Collaboration with global teams
• Study support

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