Director & Head of R&D (m/f/d)
Wireless Locks – Würzburg Centre of Excellence
At Uhlmann & Zacher, part of ASSA ABLOY, we are on a mission to become the leading supplier of Wireless Locks. We are looking for a visionary Director & Head of R&D to accelerate innovation, strengthen our product portfolio and deliver high‑quality solutions that drive sustainable growth.
Based at our Würzburg Centre of Excellence, you will take full ownership of Product Development across all R&D functions - you will drive world‑class innovation across lock hardware, credential technologies, integration software and backend systems. In addition, you will lead multi‑site activities in software and firmware utilising the latest development tools.
What you will do as Director & Head of R&D
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 by delivering industry‑leading solutions that set new standards in usability, physical security, cybersecurity and 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
Deliver industry‑leading products that set benchmarks for usability, physical security, cybersecurity and long‑term durability
Serve as Director (Geschäftsführer) of Uhlmann & Zacher
Own software and firmware development across the Wireless Locks Product Unit, leading a multi‑site, multi‑disciplinary organization of up to 80 people
Drive cross‑product‑line collaboration within Wireless Locks (and, where required, across other Product Units) to improve quality, functionality and system integration, while defining common platforms and modules to reduce duplication and increase speed‑to‑market
- Develop and share technical assessments of existing and new competitor solutions
Shape and align the Product Unit development strategy in close partnership with Wireless Locks Management and DAS Management
Act as a core member of the Wireless Locks Product Unit Management Team, contributing to strategic, operational and financial decision‑making
Champion common processes, best practices and modern engineering standards
Develop and grow R&D capabilities of R&D team members, including shaping the potential opportunities that AI brings to our innovation and delivery activities
Drive measurable impact on the product category P&L, with success evaluated through financial performance and clearly defined additional performance KPIs
The skills and experience you will bring
- Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent expert‑level experience in digital locking / IoT systems
- Proven leadership experience across hardware, firmware and software product development, with strong delivery track record in complex, safety/security‑critical products.
- Strong delivery record in complex, high‑volume, security‑critical products
- Hands‑on understanding of firmware and software engineering, architecture, integration and cloud/backend concepts
- Experience leading international, cross‑functional teams with strong change‑management capability and cultural awareness
- Deep understanding of product development methods (Agile and Waterfall) and of industrialization/ramp‑up in high‑volume environments
- Excellent technical management skills: systems thinking, analytical problem solving, quality mindset and stakeholder management in a matrix organisation
- Fluent in English and German
- A willingness to travel across the EMEIA region
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 are building diverse, inclusive teams, and encourage applications from everyone who can see themselves working with us. Just set up your profile and apply here.
To make sure your personal data is safe, we don’t look at any applications sent by email or post. If you have any questions about the role or the process, email Gemma Perry, Director & Head of HR - DAS EMEIA at
[email protected]
Let’s create a safer and more open world - together!
To find out more about us, visit www.assaabloy.com
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.
