Director of Product Development, North America

The Director of Product Development leads the North American Product Development organization for the Pedestrian Business Segment. This role is accountable for defining and 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 Management, 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 Sales, Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, and global engineering teams to deliver a high‑performing, market‑driven product portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Innovation

• Own and lead the North America Product Roadmap in alignment with 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.

Product Development Oversight (Strategic, Not Tactical Engineering)

• 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.

Product Management & Market Leadership

• Lead Technical Product Managers/Product Specialists across all product categories.
• Serve as the senior market authority for Sliding, Swing, Folding, ICU, and Revolving entrance systems.
• Oversee development of product requirements, application guidelines, data sheets, and technical documentation.
• Ensure competitive benchmarking, market analysis, and customer‑driven product enhancements.
• Drive strategy, value proposition development, and product positioning in collaboration with Marketing and Sales.

Product Support, Training & Field Expertise

• 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.

Cross‑Functional & Global Collaboration

• 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.

Governance, Compliance & Product Liability

• 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.

Organizational Leadership & Budget Management

• Build, mentor, and develop a high‑performing product development and product management 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field; Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of leadership experience in product development, 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.
• [ADDED] Experience integrating digital technologies, IoT, or smart‑building capabilities into physical products.

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.