Engineering Director, Xi'an China

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.