Operational R&D Manager – Firefly
At Firefly, we develop and deliver world-leading fire prevention and fire protection systems for the global process industry. As part of our strong growth journey, we are now looking for an Operational Development Manager who wants to take overall responsibility for leading and developing our product development organization.
This is a key role where operational leadership meets technical strategy. You will have the opportunity to influence and drive our technical development forward while helping shape Firefly’s future position, innovation capability, and continued growth.
About the role
In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring that our product development operations run efficiently, structurally, and with high quality across all deliveries.
You will lead teams, processes, and technology initiatives while ensuring the right priorities, resources, and ways of working are in place to develop the right products at the right time.
The role involves close collaboration with Product Management, Purchasing, and other parts of the organization, where you will play a central role in creating clarity, structure, and effective cross-functional collaboration.
Your main responsibilities will include:
Lead and develop the product development organization
Ensure deliveries according to timeline, budget, and quality targets
Manage resource planning and operational priorities
Develop and improve internal processes and ways of working
Define technical strategy, architecture, and technology choices
Drive the product roadmap together with Product Management
Manage budgets for the development department and projects
Ensure strong supplier collaborations and technical procurement processes
Support Purchasing in technical supplier discussions
Manage patents and intellectual property matters
Ensure strong collaboration between R&D and other business functions
We are looking for someone with:
At least 10 years of experience within product development or engineering
Minimum 3 years of experience as an R&D Manager, Development Manager, or similar leadership role with personnel responsibility
Experience leading larger development teams
Broad technical expertise within mechanics, electronics, and/or software
Experience in system development, architecture, and project management
MSc in Engineering or equivalent technical education
Strong English skills, both written and spoken. Swedish is considered an advantage.
Meritorious experience:
Experience working with Agile methodologies
Experience in CAD, mechanical design, or software development
Experience in technical procurement and supplier management
Experience working with patents and intellectual property
Who you are
You are a confident and collaborative leader with strong technical understanding and a genuine passion for product development.
You thrive in a role where operational responsibility is combined with strategic work, and where you work close to technology, people, and business.
You are structured, communicative, and results-oriented, with a natural ability to create engagement, clarity, and momentum within teams.
About Firefly
Firefly is a Swedish technology company with more than 50 years of experience in fire prevention and fire protection systems. We have approximately 170 employees representing more than 25 nationalities, with headquarters located in Hammarby Sjöstad, Stockholm.
We are proud of our inclusive and engaged company culture, where collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being are highly valued. At Firefly, you will work in an international environment where technology, sustainability, and safety come together.
Learn more at: firefly.se
Location: Stockholm, Hammarby Sjöstad
Employment type: Full-time | Permanent position
Start date: As soon as possible or according to agreement
How to apply
We review applications on a rolling basis and look forward to hearing from you.
Please submit your CV and cover letter via our online application form.
Questions?
Please contact Charlotte Åvall, HR Manager, at charlotte.avall@firefly.se.
- Department
- Engineering
- Role
- Research & Development
- Locations
- Stockholm