Sr. Specification Writer

Job description

Role Purpose The Senior Specification writer plays a pivotal role in supporting the Specification Team Leader and scaling the delivery of high-quality door and hardware specifications across the New Zealand market. The role combines project delivery, technical expertise, team leadership support, and process optimisation to ensure specification outputs consistently meet ASSA ABLOY standards, customer requirements, New Zealand Building Code, and relevant industry regulations. Responsible for managing discretionary, mid-sized, and selected complex projects, the Senior Specification writer drives operational efficiency through the development of standardised workflows, best-practice methodologies, and continuous improvement initiatives. The role also contributes to the growth of specification-led opportunities by providing technical guidance, supporting stakeholder engagement, and ensuring projects are progressed effectively from specification through to conversion. In addition, the role supports the adoption and advancement of ASSA ABLOY Openings Studio (AAOS) and BIM-enabled workflows, providing technical expertise and training to internal teams, consultants, architects, and customers. Through a combination of leadership, technical capability, and process excellence, the Senior Specification writer helps strengthen ASSA ABLOY's market influence, specification capability, and long-term growth objectives. Key Accountabilities / Primary Responsibilities Team Leadership & Coordination • Support the Specification Team Leader in the day-to-day coordination, development, and operational effectiveness of the specification team. • Maintain regular communication with the New Zealand-based Specification Team Leader to align on project objectives, priorities, and timelines. • Provide remote support to the New Zealand team while facilitating knowledge sharing and leveraging technical resources available within ASSA ABLOY India. • Coach, mentor, and develop Specification Writers and junior team members, strengthening technical capability and best-practice application. • Act as a secondary escalation point for technical queries, project challenges, and team support requirements. • Ensure continuity of leadership, operational processes, and stakeholder engagement when required. Specification Development & Project Delivery • Prepare and deliver detailed door and hardware specifications, schedules, and documentation in accordance with the New Zealand Building Code, New Zealand Standards, and fire compliance requirements. • Interpret architectural drawings, project documentation, and design intent to develop compliant and commercially viable solutions. • Capture, qualify, and specify discretionary project opportunities identified through lead generation and market intelligence tools. • Manage discretionary, mid-sized, and selected complex projects, ensuring quality standards, compliance requirements, and project deadlines are consistently met. • Review specifications and schedules prior to issue, ensuring accuracy, consistency, compliance, and adherence to ASSA ABLOY standards. • Maintain a detailed understanding of building codes, regulatory requirements, door systems, and ASSA ABLOY product applications, including mechanical, electromechanical, and digital access solutions. • Conduct peer reviews of hardware schedules and specifications prior to issue. • Support quality control initiatives to maintain specification accuracy, consistency, and compliance. BIM, AAOS & Technical Consulting • Support the implementation, adoption, and effective use of ASSA ABLOY Openings Studio (AAOS) across projects and customer engagements. • Assist the Specification Manager with BIM consulting activities, software integration initiatives, and digital workflow development. • Provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance to internal stakeholders and external customers using AAOS. • Identify BIM-related project opportunities and contribute to the growth of digital specification solutions. • Promote AAOS adoption and best-practice utilisation within architectural, consultant, contractor, and customer networks. Technical Support, Training & Customer Engagement • Provide technical support and expert guidance to consultants, architects, Business Development Managers, and specification teams through strong hardware, system, and industry knowledge. • Support technical consultations, customer presentations, and project meetings alongside the Specification Manager. • Assist in the delivery of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) presentations, technical seminars, and product training programmes. • Support the training and development of ASSA ABLOY sales teams, specification teams, and external users on AAOS, hardware applications, and opening solutions. • Respond promptly to technical enquiries and project-related support requests. CRM, Reporting & Commercial Support • Ensure all projects, specifications, opportunities, and customer interactions are accurately recorded and maintained within CRM systems. • Monitor project pipelines, specification activity, and conversion opportunities, providing regular reporting and insights. • Support forecasting activities related to project opportunities, production planning, and procurement requirements. • Ensure quotations are prepared in accordance with company pricing strategies, commercial policies, and margin objectives. • Maintain accurate and current project, specification, and customer data. Process Improvement & Operational Excellence • Drive the systemisation and optimisation of specification processes, with a particular focus on discretionary project workflows. • Develop and implement templates, standards, procedures, and best-practice methodologies to improve efficiency and consistency. • Contribute to the continuous improvement of AAOS, BIM processes, specification quality, and overall team productivity. • Support the ongoing development of digital tools, automation opportunities, and operational efficiencies across the specification function. Stakeholder & Industry Engagement • Support relationship management with ASSA ABLOY Door Group businesses, internal stakeholders, and key industry partners. • Assist in maintaining and enhancing ASSA ABLOY's presence on Masterspec and other specification platforms. • Participate in relevant industry engagement activities, professional associations, and networking opportunities. • Contribute to specification-led sales growth by maximising project influence and conversion opportunities. • Ensure specifications support profitable, sustainable, and strategically aligned business outcomes. Key Position Criteria Technical Skills, Knowledge & Experience • 7+ years’ experience in door hardware / Specification • Strong understanding of NZ Building Code, fire compliance, and standards • Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings. • Experience preparing hardware schedules and specifications. • Strong technical knowledge of door systems and hardware • Experience with CRM, AAOS, and specification tools • Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills • Strong relationship skills and impeccable follow up. • Preferred: DHC, DHT (DHI) / DipGAI Behavioural Attributes • Operates with integrity. • Works to grow and develop others. • Leads through influence. • Continuous Improvement: Demonstrates and promotes a growth mindset • Perseverance to achieve results. • Driven to succeed. • Attentive active listener • Service orientated • Self-motivated • Self-awareness • Performance focused 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.