Director & Head of R&D (m/f/d)

Director & Head of R&D (m/f/d)
Wireless Locks – Würzburg Centre of Excellence

At Uhlmann & Zacher, part of ASSA ABLOY Group, we are shaping the future of intelligent access. As we accelerate our ambition to become the leading supplier of Wireless Locks, we are looking for a visionary Director & Head of R&D to drive innovation, strengthen our product portfolio, and deliver market-leading solutions that create sustainable growth.

Based in Würzburg, you will take full ownership of Product Development across all R&D functions. You will provide technical leadership across software, firmware, connected systems, credential technologies, and lock hardware, with particular focus on accelerating digital capabilities and future AI-enabled solutions.

This role represents a unique opportunity to build on the legacy of a successful founder-led organization while shaping the next phase of innovation, growth, and integration within ASSA ABLOY.

What you will work on

Your purpose is clear: build better products to drive better growth.

As Director & Head of R&D, you will shape the future of our Wireless Locks portfolio by delivering solutions that set new standards in usability, physical security, cybersecurity, and long-term durability. You will lead development from concept through industrialization and scale, combining deep technical expertise with strong leadership, and strategic insight.

• Lead Product Development at the Würzburg Centre of Excellence, ensuring end-to-end delivery and lifecycle management of products that consistently meet time, cost, and quality commitments
• Serve as Director (Geschäftsführer) of Uhlmann & Zacher and as a core member of the Wireless Locks Product Unit Management Team, contributing to the strategic direction, operational performance, and long-term success of the business
• Define and execute the Wireless Locks technology and development roadmap, leading innovation across software, firmware, connected systems, credential technologies, and lock hardware
• Lead a multi-site, multi-disciplinary R&D organization, building capabilities and fostering a high-performance culture
• Ensure our products consistently lead the market in usability, physical security, cybersecurity, reliability, and durability
• Drive collaboration across product lines and Product Units, defining common platforms and modules that improve quality, reduce duplication, strengthen integration, and accelerate time to market
• Drive measurable impact on product category performance and P&L through strong portfolio, technology, and development decisions
• Build strong relationships with local and global stakeholders, providing technical leadership, competitor insight, and strategic alignment within a matrix organization

The skills and experience you will bring

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience in digital locking, connected devices, IoT, or related technologies
• At least 10+ years of progressive R&D leadership experience with a strong track record leading complex hardware, firmware, and software development organizations
• Proven success bringing high-volume, security-critical products from concept through industrialization and market launch
• Deep expertise in software and firmware development, systems architecture, integration, connectivity, and cloud/backend technologies
• Experience leading large, international, multi-site teams within decentralized and matrix organizations, with the ability to build trust, influence stakeholders, and lead through change
• Strong understanding of product development methodologies, industrialization, and manufacturing scale-up
• Excellent technical and commercial leadership skills, with the ability to connect technology decisions to business outcomes
• Fluent in German and English is a must, with willingness to travel across the EMEIA region

• Experience in AI, cybersecurity, transformation, or system-level integration is a plus

Why Join Uhlmann & Zacher / ASSA ABLOY?

• A high‑impact leadership role with a broad mandate, shaping the future wireless lock platform and products for multiple brands and markets
• Entrepreneurial speed and strong engineering heritage at Uhlmann & Zacher combined with the scale, portfolio and global reach of ASSA ABLOY
• A Product Unit with a clear ambition: “Better Products, Better Growth, Better Together” and strong focus on quality and collaboration
• Opportunity to build world‑class teams, modernize development practices and apply AI to accelerate innovation and delivery​

We review applications regularly, so don't wait.

We’re committed to building diverse, inclusive teams and encourage applications from all who see themselves thriving here. To make sure your personal data stays protected, we do not review applications sent via email or post. If you have questions about the role or process, contact Léa Rein, Senior Talent Acquisition Business Partner at lea.rein@assaabloy.com.

Let’s create a safer and more open world — together.

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.