A header positioning system for controlling a position of a header for a combine harvester. The header positioning system including a controller that is configured to receive signals corresponding to (i) a measured inclination of either the header or the combine, (ii) a measured ground speed of the header or the combine, and (iii) a measured height of the header with respect to ground. The controller is further configured to adjust a height and a pitch of the header as a function of the inclination, measured ground speed and the measured height.