Lead Project Manager Product Development

Wat is jouw rol?

As Lead Project Manager Product Development at Lely, you provide direction to the development of our latest robotics and automation solutions. In this role, you combine leading technically complex development projects with coaching and mentoring a team of project managers. In doing so, you make a direct contribution to both innovative products and the continued professionalization of project management within Lely.

You work according to the New Product Introduction (NPI) process and act as the connecting link between Product Management, Product Development, Integrated Supply Chain, and Field Support. Together with multidisciplinary teams, you translate customer needs into technically feasible and future-proof solutions, while continuously safeguarding quality, planning, and costs.

What makes this role unique is the combination of content-driven leadership and people-focused coaching. You support project managers in their professional growth, encourage knowledge sharing, and actively contribute to shared standards and best practices. You do this in close collaboration with fellow leads and the head of the department.

Your main responsibilities include:

• Coaching and developing a team of project managers, with a strong focus on collaboration, ownership, and professional growth.
• Leading one or more complex development projects within multidisciplinary teams (software, electronics, mechanical engineering, and system integration).
• Defining and safeguarding the direction of projects, in line with strategy and NPI processes.
• Preparing and monitoring project plans, budgets, risks, and progress.
• Ensuring clear communication and effective alignment with internal stakeholders such as product management, manufacturing, supply chain, service, and procurement.
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of project management practices within Lely.

Wat is jouw ervaring?

You are an engaged and inspiring leader who gains energy from guiding people as well as delivering complex projects. You feel at home in an innovative environment where technical depth and collaboration go hand in hand. You know how to provide direction to teams without losing sight of the human aspect.

In addition, you bring:

• A completed master’s degree in a technical field, such as Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, or Mechatronics.
• At least 7 years of experience as a project manager and/or team lead within a technical development environment.
• Proven experience in leading complex product development trajectories (NPI) in a multidisciplinary setting.
• A strong technical foundation and the ability to contribute at a system level.
• Experience with mechatronics and/or embedded software development is a plus.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to effectively engage with a wide range of stakeholders.
• A coaching and results-oriented working style, with a balanced focus on people and performance.

Wat bieden wij jou?

Working at Lely means contributing to sustainable progress within one of the most innovative organizations in the Netherlands. You help future-proof the agricultural sector, and we ensure you have the space, resources, and support to do so.

• An international working environment where collaboration, initiative, and diverse perspectives are valued.
• A culture that encourages learning, experimentation, and ownership of ideas.
• Excellent employment conditions, including up to 8 weeks of paid leave per year and a solid pension scheme.
• A full-time salary range between €6,500 and €9,300 gross per month, with room for growth within the scale.
• Ownership of your personal development, with access to a wide range of courses via the Lely Academy.
• Daily access to excellent sports facilities on the Lely Campus, including an indoor gym, outdoor padel courts, basketball and volleyball courts, table tennis, and table football. You can join Hyrox workouts or sign up for personal training—and challenge your colleagues during an active break.
• Fresh coffee and tea from our in-house barista (with milk from our own farm) and a healthy, affordable company restaurant.

Work–life balance

• A healthy work–life balance through our hybrid working policy: you work at least three days per week on Campus, with flexible working hours and plenty of opportunity to spend additional time on-site (between 06:00 and 20:00).
• A free shuttle bus that takes you to and from the metro station in Maassluis, ensuring a smooth start and end to your workday.
• And of course, we love to celebrate! Whether it’s a work anniversary or our Christmas party—at Lely, we know how to celebrate.

We are also proud that our commitment and vision have been recognized with the Rotterdam Entrepreneur Award 2025.

Over Lely

At Lely, we believe in achieving a sustainable, profitable and agreeable future for dairy farmers by combining robotisation, engineering and farming expertise.