Research and Development Manager

Research and Development Manager at Kinetron

About Kinetron

Kinetron B.V., part of the global ASSA ABLOY Group, develops and manufactures cutting-edge energy systems. Our technologies are applied in a wide variety of products and industries, enabling sustainable and innovative solutions worldwide. With a strong focus on quality, efficiency, and innovation, Kinetron is committed to pushing the boundaries of energy harvesting and power management systems.

The Role

As Research and Development Manager, you will play a central role in the successful execution of our product and production development and optimization projects. You are responsible for ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and at the expected quality level.

The R&D department consists of:

• 3 mechanical teams
• A specialist support team
• An in-house workshop
  Each of these teams works with its own Scrum Master.

Your direct responsibility will initially cover the (Agile) planning and execution of one mechanical team, and over time also the specialist support team. The other R&D teams are managed externally by an ASSA ABLOY product unit; however, you will provide technical and process support to these teams to ensure alignment and consistency.

You will also hold overall responsibility for R&D budget and capacity planning, competence development, and general management tasks, including hiring and performance management.

As a member of the Management Team (MT), you will report directly to the Managing Director and collaborate closely with other business functions such as Operations, Sales, and Finance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage one mechanical R&D team and (in time) the specialist support team.
• Oversee the execution of product and production development projects in an Agile environment.
• Ensure delivery within scope, time, and budget.
• Maintain and monitor overall R&D budgets, capacity planning, and reporting (actuals vs. forecasts).
• Provide technical and process support to externally managed R&D teams.
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, performance, and competence development within the department.
• Drive continuous improvement in R&D processes, methods, and collaboration.
• Represent the R&D function in the Management Team and contribute to overall business strategy.

Your Profile

We are looking for a strong people- and project-oriented professional with a broad technical background. You combine strategic helicopter view with the ability to deep dive into technical details when necessary.

Requirements:

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in R&D, including several years in a leadership/management role.
• Proven track record in managing multidisciplinary development projects (mechanical, electrical, production).
• Solid knowledge of both mechanical and electrical engineering principles.
• Experience with Agile/Scrum methods in R&D environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; pragmatic and hands-on when needed.
• Excellent communication skills in English (Dutch is a plus).
• Common sense, resilience, and the ability to balance technical depth with strategic oversight.

What We Offer

• A challenging leadership position in a growing, innovative, and international environment.
• The opportunity to work on cutting-edge energy systems with real-world applications.
• A key role within the Management Team, directly influencing the direction of the company.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Training and personal development opportunities within the global ASSA ABLOY network.
• A collaborative and open work culture with dedicated technical teams.

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.