The posting
Our client is a global leader in fire protection, specializing in both fire detection and suppression systems for commercial, industrial, and high-risk environments. The company's solutions are designed to protect life, property, and business continuity by combining early-warning detection with rapid, effective fire response.
On the detection side, they manufacture advanced smoke, heat, and multi-sensor detectors connected to intelligent control panels that provide real-time monitoring, alarms, and automated safety responses. This ensures fires are identified at the earliest possible stage, allowing prompt action to minimize damage.
For suppression, they offer versatile mechanical systems, including sprinklers, pumps and flow-switches. These are tailored to specific risks and integrate seamlessly with detection systems, ensuring coordinated and efficient fire mitigation.
Renowned for reliability, innovation, and compliance with international standards, they deliver complete, configurable fire safety solutions trusted by businesses worldwide, making it a global leader in comprehensive fire protection.
Their vision is for their customers to know them globally as their innovative, easy-to-do-business-with, best-in-class life-safety product partner. And their mission? With a passion for creating safer environments worldwide, their mission is to provide their customers with a team of real people that connect them with reliable expertise in life safety applications.
If you're inspired by purpose, energized by collaboration, and thrive in an environment of feedback, ownership, and experimentation, you'll feel at home here.
As the Director of Engineering, you will play a critical role in driving the development, management, and optimization of the fire detection, fire panel, and sprinkler monitoring product lines for the global market. We are looking for someone who is a strategic thinker, innovative leader, and collaborative problem-solver, energized by guiding cross-functional engineering and R&D efforts while balancing multiple priorities to achieve business objectives.
In this role, you will oversee the full product development lifecycle, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, well-manufactured solutions that meet customer needs and industry standards. You will help foster innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across the organization, while strengthening the company's reputation, market presence, and long-term growth through technical leadership and commitment to excellence.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING – XI'AN, CHINA
Key Accountabilities
Provide strategic direction and leadership to the R&D function to accelerate growth
Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of NPD projects.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to drive innovation and achieve business objectives
Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to the team
Continuously improving new product development processes and the technical management system
Track global technology trends and take actions to position the company as a leader in the industry
Assesses project scope and objectives before finalizing budgets and team; Plans and budgets well prepared and thoughtful
All programs managed on time and on budget; All projects are staffed appropriately and teams perform well
Hire, assess, develop and grow R&D/engineering organization
Build world class R&D and application capabilities, processes and tools
Well manage the team to drive results
Take on additional responsibilities as needed to support team goals and project milestones.
Required Experience
Proven experience (typically 10 years) in product and portfolio management roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity.
Strong business acumen and strategic thinking skills, with a track record of developing and executing successful portfolio strategies.
Deep understanding and experience of Fire and Life Safety Industry (15 Years) and its market dynamics, competitive landscapes, and customer insights.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field (Master's degree preferred).
Ability to drive innovation and foster a culture of continuous improvement within fire alarm and suppression industry.
Strong leadership and team management abilities.
Knowledge of industry trends and advancements in fire alarm and suppression.
Key Strengths & Skills
Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across functions and levels of the organization
Understanding of Fire industry Building regulations
Effective at assessing customer needs and proposing solutions
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Effective organization and time management skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to travel overnight for customer meetings, trade shows and internal meetings
Our Culture
Build strong relationships with teammates, partners, and customers
Take pride in knowing every product we build serves the purpose of protecting lives
Listen actively, coach frequently, and own your results
Foster innovation, value curiosity, and believe that experimentation is part of growth
Create a welcoming and inclusive space where everyone belongs
Take ownership of our work, quality and safety are at the core of what we do
Our client is proud to be an equal opportunities employer, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. They offer a competitive compensation package, including performance-based incentives and benefits, designed to reward talent and dedication. Flexible working arrangements, including home-based and hybrid options, are available to support work-life balance and accommodate individual needs.
