Translation Project Lead

About Us
ASSA ABLOY is the global leader in access solutions, dedicated to satisfying end-user needs for security, safety, and convenience. With operations in over 70 countries, our brands—such as Lockwood, Abloy, and Yale—are synonymous with quality and innovation. We’ve been recognised multiple times on Forbes' list of the world’s most innovative companies.

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions New Zealand is committed to continuous improvement, product innovation, and operational excellence. We’re now looking for a highly capable Translation Project Lead to drive key initiatives within our Product Development team.

About The Role
As the Translation Project Lead, you will be responsible for leading the migration of high-volume, low-customisation products from our New Zealand factory to our Shenzhen facility. This role requires exceptional project management skills and the ability to coordinate with internal and external stakeholders across borders.

You will be hands-on with everything from creating and driving project plans to validating product samples and supporting product innovation initiatives on site. A strong grasp of engineering fundamentals, BOM maintenance, and process optimisation will be essential.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end translation projects—ensuring a seamless transition of products from MTO (made to order) to PTS (purchase to stock).
• Create and manage detailed project plans and timelines.
• Liaise with the Shenzhen (AASZ) factory and ensure compliance with NZ standards.
• Coordinate product testing, change management, and warehouse integration.
• Support CPI (Continuous Product Innovation) and lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Maintain accurate BOMs and routings in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 and M-Files.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including operations, suppliers, and quality.
• Drive self-managed sprints and continuous improvement practices.
   

About You 

We’re looking for a driven and experienced professional who thrives on managing complex, cross-functional projects. You’ll be a confident communicator who enjoys solving problems and making things happen.

You will bring:

• A degree in Engineering or trade qualifications with relevant experience.
• 5+ years of project management experience in a manufacturing/engineering environment.
• Hands-on experience with production transfer or supplier migration projects.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to lead without direct authority.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Power BI, and ideally CAD tools (SolidWorks).
• A working knowledge of Lean, Agile, and VA/VE methodologies.
   

In Return
You’ll join a global organisation with local impact. We offer ongoing learning, a supportive team environment, and the opportunity to lead meaningful projects that shape the future of our business. Career pathways both locally and internationally are open for the right candidate.

We are the ASSA ABLOY Group
Our people have made us the global leader in access solutions. In return, we open doors for them wherever they go. With over 61,000 colleagues around the world, we help billions of people feel safe, secure, and confident in their environments.

We’re proud to be an inclusive workplace that celebrates different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Join us in creating a more open world.

We are the ASSA ABLOY Group
Our people have made us the global leader in access solutions. In return, we open doors for them wherever they go. With nearly 63,000 colleagues in more than 70 different countries, we help billions of people experience a more open world. Our innovations make all sorts of spaces – physical and virtual – safer, more secure, and easier to access. 

As an employer, we value results – not titles, or backgrounds. We empower our people to build their career around their aspirations and our ambitions – supporting them with regular feedback, training, and development opportunities. Our colleagues think broadly about where they can make the most impact, and we encourage them to grow their role locally, regionally, or even internationally.

As we welcome new people on board, it’s important to us to have diverse, inclusive teams, and we value different perspectives and experiences.