YOUR PROFILE

We are looking for a strong people- and project-oriented professional with a broad technical background. You combine strategic helicopter view with the ability to deep dive into technical details when necessary.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in R&D, including several years in a leadership/management role.
• Proven track record in managing multidisciplinary development projects (mechanical, electrical, production).
• Solid knowledge of both mechanical and electrical engineering principles.
• Experience with Agile/Scrum methods in R&D environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; pragmatic and hands-on when needed.
• Excellent communication skills in English (Dutch is a plus).
• Common sense, resilience, and the ability to balance technical depth with strategic oversight.

THE ROLE

As Research and Development Manager, you will play a central role in the successful execution of our product and production development and optimization projects. You are responsible for ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and at the expected quality level.

The R&D department consists of:

• 3 mechanical teams
• A specialist support team
• An in-house workshopEach of these teams works with its own Scrum Master.

Your direct responsibility will initially cover the (Agile) planning and execution of one mechanical team, and over time also the specialist support team. The other R&D teams are managed externally by an ASSA ABLOY product unit; however, you will provide technical and process support to these teams to ensure alignment and consistency.
You will also hold overall responsibility for R&D budget and capacity planning, competence development, and general management tasks, including hiring and performance management.
As a member of the Management Team (MT), you will report directly to the Managing Director and collaborate closely with other business functions such as Operations, Sales, and Finance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage one mechanical R&D team and (in time) the specialist support team.
• Oversee the execution of product and production development projects in an Agile environment.
• Ensure delivery within scope, time, and budget.
• Maintain and monitor overall R&D budgets, capacity planning, and reporting (actuals vs. forecasts).
• Provide technical and process support to externally managed R&D teams.
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, performance, and competence development within the department.
• Drive continuous improvement in R&D processes, methods, and collaboration.
• Represent the R&D function in the Management Team and contribute to overall business strategy.