Operating Unit Manager for Substation Automation Systems - Europe

The Opportunity

As the Operating Unit Manager for Substation Automation Systems HUB Europe, you will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping the strategic direction, performance, and growth of our Substation Automation portfolio across the region. You will oversee all commercial, operational, and technical aspects of the HUB, ensuring excellence in project execution, customer satisfaction, and business results. This role reports to the HUB Leader and collaborates closely with global Product Management, R&D, and cross‑regional teams. Location is flexible within Europe and will be confirmed during later stages. This role requires frequent travel within Europe and occasional international travel.

How You’ll Make an Impact

• Drive Strategic Direction & Business Growth:
  Develop and execute the HUB’s strategy in alignment with global objectives. Identify market opportunities, expand customer relationships, and grow sales in substation automation solutions including protection relays, SCADA, control systems, and communication technologies.
• Lead Operational Excellence:
  Oversee engineering, project delivery, sales support, and service execution. Define and track KPIs to secure efficient operations, on‑time delivery, customer satisfaction, and strong financial performance.
• Strengthen Customer & Market Presence:
  Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, partners, and stakeholders across Europe. Represent Hitachi Energy as a subject matter expert at industry forums and customer engagements.
• Ensure Financial Performance:
  Manage budgets, forecasts, and resource allocation to achieve revenue, margin, and profitability targets. Identify improvement opportunities to enhance efficiency and reduce cost.
• Advance Technical Expertise & Innovation:
  Stay at the forefront of substation automation technologies, industry trends, competitor movements, and regulatory changes. Promote innovation and technology adoption across the HUB.
• Champion Quality, Safety & Compliance:
  Ensure operations comply with internal policies, industry standards, and European regulations. Promote a strong safety and quality culture across all teams and activities.
• Collaborate Across Functions:
  Partner with global product management, R&D, and other regional business units to share best practices, align strategies, and maximize value from the full Hitachi Energy portfolio.
• Lead & Develop High‑Performing Teams:
  Recruit, mentor, and empower a strong team of engineers, project managers, and commercial professionals. Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and operational excellence.

Your Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field; a Master’s degree or MBA is an advantage.
• 10–15 years of experience in the power transmission and distribution industry, with deep expertise in substation automation systems, of which 5–7 years in a leadership role managing a business unit, department, or similar organization within a multinational environment.
• Strong technical knowledge across substation automation architectures, protective relaying, SCADA, control systems, IEC 61850, and cybersecurity for critical infrastructure.
• Proven success in business strategy execution, P&L management, contract negotiation, and complex project delivery and strong understanding of the European energy market, customer landscape, and regulatory environment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder‑management skills with the ability to influence across a matrix environment.
• Fluency in English is required; additional European languages are an asset.