Director of Product Development, North America

ASSA ABLOY•Monroe, NC

26d

About The Position

The Director of Product Development leads the North American Product Development organization for the Pedestrian Business Segment. This role co-owns the product strategy with Product Management and is accountable for executing the regional product strategy, driving innovation, ensuring product competitiveness, and managing the full lifecycle of Sliding, Swing, Folding, ICU, and non‑security Revolving door systems. This leader oversees Product Support, Product Certification, and Mechanical Design Engineering at a strategic level—ensuring alignment with global platforms, regulatory requirements, operational capabilities, and customer expectations. The Director partners closely with Product Management, Sales, Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, and global engineering teams to deliver a high‑performing, market‑driven product portfolio.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field; Master’s degree preferred.
10+ years of leadership experience in engineering leadership, or technical management within electromechanical, building products, or automation sectors.
Proven success leading cross‑functional teams and managing complex product portfolios.
Strong understanding of product lifecycle management, certifications, codes, and safety standards.
Experience working with global, multi‑site engineering or product organizations.
Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets.
Excellent communication, leadership, and customer‑facing skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in automated door systems, industrial entrance solutions, or building access technologies.
Knowledge of UL, ANSI, IBC, ADA, and regional certification standards.
Experience supporting Sales/Marketing and performing customer‑facing technical work.
Expertise in stage‑gate NPI processes and VAVE methodology.
Experience integrating digital technologies, IoT, or smart‑building capabilities into physical products.

Responsibilities

Co-Own and lead the North America Product Roadmap in alignment with the local Product Management and with the global platform strategies.
Drive PPI (Pre‑Product Innovation), NPI (New Product Innovation) initiatives.
Champion a culture of innovation, customer‑centric design, and product excellence.
Lead the NA Product Council and ensure governance through the Gateway process.
Establish long‑term product portfolio strategy, including platform consolidation, technology evolution, and competitive positioning.
Provide high‑level direction to engineering resources supporting new product development and sustaining activities.
Ensure product development priorities align with business strategy, market needs, and financial objectives.
Oversee project portfolio management, resource allocation, and milestone execution.
Ensure robust product validation, certification planning, and compliance with applicable codes and standards.
Lead Product Support teams and manage escalations for complex technical or field issues.
Oversee product training programs for internal teams, partners, installers, and service networks.
Ensure timely creation and maintenance of installation guides, manuals, technical bulletins, and field communications.
Implement feedback loops from service and field performance into product roadmap decisions.
Act as a key partner to Sales, Marketing, Key Accounts, and major customers to ensure product performance meets market needs.
Collaborate with European and Chinese engineering/R&D teams on shared platforms, components, and future innovations.
Partner with Operations and Supply Chain to support manufacturability, sourcing strategies, cost optimization, and quality improvements.
Align product strategy with regional manufacturing capabilities and supply chain resilience plans.
Ensure all products meet North American safety, certification, and legal compliance requirements.
Lead product liability investigations, corrective actions, and risk mitigation efforts.
Influence industry standards by representing the company in relevant committees and advocating for strategic positions.
Build, mentor, and develop a high‑performing product development organization.
Manage departmental budgets, staffing plans, tools, testing resources, and capital investments.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Develop succession planning and talent development strategies to strengthen organizational capability.