• SFR RECRUITMENT SOLUTIONS

Tag: Mechanical locking solutions

Vacancies

Product Development Lead – SFR517

May 6, 2026 , , , by sfrrecruitment
SFR Recruitment Solutions are representing an established cylinder designer and manufacturer, renowned for quality within the locksmith and fenestration sector, who are looking to appoint a Product Development Lead.
This is a senior, hands-on product development role with leadership responsibility — approximately 70% “doing” and 30% leading. It suits someone who wants to remain technically close to the detail while owning the product pipeline and guiding the function.
The Role
You will take ownership of the product development function, shaping the future product range and leading development from concept to launch. This is an internally focused position, building the next generation of products, driving continuous improvement, and managing a small technical team.
Key Responsibilities
You will own and lead:
  • Product range strategy and lifecycle (what gets built, refreshed, and retired)
  • All active development projects (A–Z) from concept through to market launch
  • Continuous improvement backlog (tolerances, pin systems, modular system evolution)
  • Supplier engineering and component cost management
  • Patent process and strategy, working with external patent attorneys
  • Line management of engineer(s) and a product development specialist
  • Senior-level external technical representation, including key OEM/B2B discussions and engagement with standards bodies
What We’re Looking For
  • Proven track record launching complex mechanical / precision-engineered products end-to-end
  • Strong hands-on technical depth — able to review CAD, make tolerance/material decisions, and troubleshoot prototypes
  • Background in precision mechanical assemblies and engineered hardware (e.g. safety-critical hardware, automotive components, medical devices, hydraulics, fasteners, or similar)
  • Experience managing technical teams (typically 2–7 people)
  • Has taken products through certification and/or regulated standards processes
  • Comfortable with patents — either a named inventor or experienced working closely with patent counsel
  • A strategic thinker who can own a product range, not just execute projects
  • Decisive, data-driven, organised, and commercially aware
Interested?
For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact:
Matthew
SFR Recruitment Solutions
📞 07512 602431
✉️ matthew@sfrrecruitment.co.uk
Vacancies

Business Development Manager – SFR465

May 8, 2025 , by sfrrecruitment

Are you experienced in the Architectural Ironmongery industry?  Do you have a proven track record in sales?

 

The Opportunity.

Our client offers the commercial market an extensive range of locking systems, including high security patented and specialist cylinders.

As experts in building security, our client works in collaboration with architects, architectural ironmongers and the end-user to design systems to their bespoke requirements.

Our client’s great strength is the people – and that is not just a catch phrase – it comes from experience, commitment to each other and a belief and demonstration of great customer service being fundamental.

 

The Role & Its Requirements

We are looking for a Business Development Manager whose values match ours. One who has a good understanding of the architectural ironmongery industry and is able to face the challenges of a changing marketplace, identifying and developing business streams for future growth.

Your role will be regional, working across contacts based in the Midlands and across the South-East. You will support the National Sales Manager in all aspects of business development and have an expansive knowledge and understanding of the product range and its uses to be able to guide and support distributors in product selection.

  • Promote and sell our core product ranges through existing partners
  • Actively seek new partners
  • Ensure the achievements of budgeted and targeted sales are met and achieved fully in business

development including through existing distributors

  • Identify and develop awareness of our offering to end user targets
  • Uphold quality standards – putting customers first in liaising with partners to ensure correct

specification is met

  • Provide technical advice on complete range of products
  • Provide detailed quotations based on customer requirements
  • Manage the specification registration scheme
  • Work closely with the specification team to deliver sales through existing/new partner networks

 

We desire someone that…

 

  • Capability to work using your own initiative
  • Is passionate and driven
  • Possession of strong commercial acumen
  • Adaptability to meet the demands of changing priorities

 

 

If you are interested in this position, please contact SFR Recruitment Solutions for a complete job description and a confidential conversation.

 

Architectural Ironmongery | Internal & External Doors | Access Control | Window & Door Hardware

Vacancies

Product Manager SFR455

Mar 4, 2025 , , by sfrrecruitment

Product Manager – Mechanical

 

Can you bring Product Management skills to our team? Join our team and enjoy a collaborative culture that empowers you to build a career you can be proud of.

 

You would be responsible for managing and co-ordinating a wide range of mechanical security products including Cylinder, Padlocks, Lock cases and other Architectural Ironmongery.

 

You would also:

Build relationships with key stakeholders across the portfolio to understand the individual needs of each department (sales, technical support, suppliers, management) and implement strategies that meet their requirements.

Overall responsibility for the assigned product categories in terms of input to PR, Marketing and Sales.

Become the product champion ensuring the sales teams are made aware of all new standards, product changes or amended technical specifications.

Effectively manage the New Product Development/Introduction process from generating new product concepts, through feasibility studies to implementation and launch.

Have full margin responsibility for above product ranges ensuring margins and profitability are maximised.

Effectively manage the overall product portfolio and where feasible reducing product overlaps as well as making sure that product gaps are identified and corrected.

 

We are looking for someone who:

Experience in product management field preferable.

Experience working with high security products, master keyed products would be a preference.

Understanding of product management principles and processes.

IT literate with good understanding of Microsoft Office.

Ability to deliver presentations.

 

If you are interested in this position, please contact SFR Recruitment Solutions for a complete job description and a confidential conversation.

 

Architectural Ironmongery | Internal & External Doors | Access Control | Window & Door Hardware

Vacancies

Technical Support Manager – SFR424

Jul 10, 2024 , , , , , by sfrrecruitment

Our client is a leading manufacturer of and Cylinders and Door Hardware products. 

Technical Manager will play a crucial role in managing and overseeing product specification, testing, certification, technical support, master keying, and training. This means that a strong technical background, exceptional organizational skills, and a keen eye for detail are required to succeed at the role. The successful candidate will be a self-starter, able to work off their own initiative, while ensuring our products meet the highest standards of quality and performance, contributing significantly to our market leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Product Specification and Testing Management
  2. Product Certification Management:
  3. Market Research and Analysis:
  4. Technical Support and Customer Service:
  5. Master Keying Management:
  6. Quality Assurance:
  7. Technical Training:

Qualifications: Proven experience in technical management, preferably within the lock manufacturing industry but not essential.

  • Strong knowledge of product specification, testing processes, market research methodologies, and quality management systems.
  • Familiarity with master keying principles, including key system design and implementation.
  • Must have a full UK driving license.

Require Skills: Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with teams and stakeholders.

  • Attention to Detail: Keen eye for detail to maintain high standards of product quality and accuracy.
  • Self-Starter: Proactive and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, and make data-driven decisions.
  • Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and address technical issues and customer inquiries promptly.

Benefits:

  • 24 days holiday
  • Bank holiday and Christmas shut down
  • Duvet days
  • Company pension
  • Company days out
  • Reduced price gym membership
  • 24/7 employee assistance programme
  • Bright HR benefits package
  • Free parking

The position offers a competitive salary and rewards package.

If you are interested in this position, please contact SFR Recruitment Solutions.

Vacancies

Merchant Key Account Manager – SFR418

Jun 4, 2024 , , , , , by sfrrecruitment

Our client is a leading European Manufacturer and one of the world’s leading providers of mechanical locking and security products.

About the role

Merchant Key Account Manager

The successful candidate will be tasked to retain and develop business within the existing account base and find new and profitable business through direct supply, and via business partners. Reporting directly to Sales Director he/she will be expected to identify business opportunities and develop long term relationships with both customers and colleagues.

The UK network consists of Builders, Agricultural & Engineers merchants, DIY, Electrical wholesalers. In addition distribution & sales into Locksmiths, Architectural Ironmongers, Security Installers, System Integrators and other Security Suppliers.

 Benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • Company vehicle
  • 25 days holidays plus bank holidays (rising to 28 after 1 year of service)
  • Generous pension scheme
  • Flexibility – home based role
  • Necessary product knowledge training

If you would like to learn more about this position please get in touch with SFR Recruitment Solutions for a confidential chat.

Vacancies

Senior Market Development Manager – SFR413

May 7, 2024 , , , by sfrrecruitment

SFR Recruitment Solutions have a brand-new opportunity for a Market Development Manager to focus on the growing energy sector!

Our client is an established and leading global brand of both mechanical and electrical locking solutions and door hardware products. Products designed for your safety and security.

Responsibilities Include:

  • The Market Development Manager will be responsible to the Head of division, for the growth within an established sector. The role will focus on not only the infrastructure behind the sector but also the major players within the sector.
  • A specific focus will be required on the continues evolvement of electromechanical and electric locking solutions and new patent protected master key systems into this sector.
  • Increase and develop the brand specifications with influencers and especially end-users for the brand, providing solutions, products and promote as appropriate all complementary products.
  • Work closely and effectively with the End User and their preferred contractors to identify, qualify, negotiate and close new business. Consideration to be given to ensure that we provide the best overall solution to the end user and deliver world‑class service.
  • Clearly identify end user business needs in order to continually progress product and solutions for the sector.
  • Search for new, creative markets within the vertical to expand the current reach of the organisation and increase emerging business opportunities.

Skills & Attributes:

  • Develop and maintain a close, regular & professional working relationship with existing & prospective clients/customers.
  • Attend Sales Meetings, Product Promotions, Training Sessions and other industry related functions when required.
  • You must have a strong track record of leading and growing sales of products via solution selling methods in targeted sectors.
  • Possess a strong business development background, with experience of similar role previously.
  • Demonstrable record of strategic prospecting skills.
  • Effective time management for national coverage.
  • Managing/achieving sales budgets.
  • A positive and determined approach to researching and analysing new business opportunities.
  • It is essential that you possess excellent presentation and persuasion skills
  • Ability to work in an extremely challenging and demanding environment, with a strong emphasis on achieving agreed targets.

If you are interested in this position, please contact SFR Recruitment Solutions for a complete job description and a confidential conversation.

Architectural Ironmongery | Internal & External Doors | Access Control | Window & Door Hardware

Vacancies

Key Account Manager – SFR388

Dec 13, 2023 , , , by sfrrecruitment

Our client is a leading European Manufacturer and one of the world’s leading providers of mechanical locking and security products.

About the role

Key Account Manager

The successful candidate will be tasked to retain and develop business within the existing account base and find new and profitable business through direct supply, and via business partners. Reporting directly to Sales Director he/she will be expected to identify business opportunities and develop long term relationships with both customers and colleagues.

The UK network consists of Builders, Agricultural & Engineers merchants, DIY, Electrical wholesalers. In addition distribution & sales into Locksmiths, Architectural Ironmongers, Security Installers, System Integrators and other Security Suppliers.

 Benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • Company vehicle
  • 25 days holidays plus bank holidays (rising to 28 after 1 year of service)
  • Generous pension scheme
  • Flexibility – home based role
  • Necessary product knowledge training

If you would like to learn more about this position please get in touch for a confidential chat

SFR Recruitment Solutions 📞 01522 452423

Vacancies

Product Manager – SFR329

Jan 24, 2023 , , , by sfrrecruitment

Our client is a leading global brand of both mechanical and electrical locking solutions and door hardware products.


The Primary Objective

To develop, implement, manage and drive the agreed product range strategies and plans, in order to achieve market share, sales turnover and gross margin objectives for all the Door Hardware brands.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

The key responsibility of the Security Product Category Manager is the management of all aspects of the product group and/or service, in order to create and deliver superior customer satisfaction, whilst simultaneously providing long-term value for the company. In addition, provide technical support to other selling units, and respective Product Managers, as and when required. · Strategic development of the cylinders and padlocks category for both UK and Export markets. · Collaboration with the lock case product manager for strategic development of the mechanical push button lock category for both UK and Export markets. · Identification of market gaps, key value chain drivers, trends and customer profit potential. · Aligning product development with group strategies where possible. · Consistent and regular interface in the field – customer/commercial market – VOC · Support and drive product sales through proactive activities to support the field based commercial team. · Initiate and own market research, obtaining buy-in from relevant stake holders producing creative and original specifications for best-in-class customer centric products working with product Marketing and sister companies where appropriate. · Create and sponsor generation plans to drive NPI and product lifecycles.

· Full and coherent understanding of competitors products and positioning in the market. · Understand and translate all industry standards and leverage to commercial advantage. · Overall management and co-ordination of New Product Development programs on time and to budget. · Creation of effective cost/price/value propositions maximizing turnover and profit potential for the business, driving market share and the re-investment in the brands. · Full commercialization of new product launches. · Monitoring and tracking of KPI’s: · Turnover · Profitability · Stock Control · SKU Management · NPI delivery · Proactively represent the Company and its interests at Industry events. · To be a proactive member of the Product Management Team.

The Ideal Candidate

Education / Qualifications: · Ideally qualified to degree level · Proven project management skills · IT literate with good understanding of Microsoft Office and Project

Functional competencies: · Communication and Interpersonal Skills · Teamwork · Customer Focus · Problem Solving · Strategic Thinking · Continuous Improvement · Planning and Organisation

Personal Characteristics

Team Player · Flexible approach · Reliable · Empathetic

If you are interested in this position, please contact SFR Recruitment Solutions.

Vacancies

Digital Marketer

Apr 6, 2021 , , by sfrrecruitment

Our Client:

A market leader in the digital and mechanical locking industry. A designer and manufacturer of market mechanical and digital locking solutions for large enterprises, locking solutions for homeowners and small and medium-sized business and locking equipment for industrial groups providing turnkey solutions.

Our client is expanding the team and currently recruiting for the position of Digital Marketer.

Job Purpose:

To increase our company’s presence and market awareness and gain more market share, we are hiring a Digital Marketer. This position is based in Birmingham (UK) and will report directly to the Sales & Marketing Director.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

•             Manage and optimise digital platforms (company website, B2b customer portal) using our Content Management System (CMS) & Product information management (PIM)

•             Grow the social media channels and thus our increasing our presence and awareness

•             Create, manage and analyse online marketing campaigns

•             Manage leads generation through all digital activities and report via CRM to Sales Team

•             Create company newsletters and conduct customer surveys

•             Write high-quality content focused on our target markets

•             Manage sales support print deliverables (e.g. brochures, flyers, posters, catalogues, etc.)

•             Handle marketing events such as webinar, roadshows & exhibitions

•             Coordinate marketing material for our customers

•             Collaborate with a central group marketing team supporting with various expertise such as SEO, content creation, graphic design.

•             Manage defined annual marketing budget

Background:

•             3 to 5 years of experience in a similar role

•             Proficiency in online marketing tools, especially Google Ads, LinkedIn ads (other social media is an advantage) and Google Analytics

•             Experience in organizing events

•             Able to rewrite complex topics to readable articles

•             Knowledge about SEO

•             Available for occasional travel (post-COVID)

•             Sitecore knowledge is an advantage

Equipment normally used: MAC & PC Laptop.

Software used: Sitecore (CMS), Agility (PIM), Adobe Package (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), NAV/CRM, SharePoint, MSOffice

If this exciting opportunity sounds of interest please get in touch with SFR Recruitment Solutions.

SFR Recruitment Solutions