Head of Product Development

We're recruiting on behalf of a confidential client – a fast-growing international manufacturing business with an established consumer brand and ambitious plans for significant global growth. Following a period of exceptional success, the business is investing in its leadership team to support the next stage of expansion and is seeking an experienced Head of Product Development to shape its future product portfolio.

The Role Reporting into the senior leadership team, the Head of Product Development will take ownership of the product development strategy, managing multiple concurrent projects whilst balancing innovation, commercial priorities and operational delivery.
Working closely alongside a newly established PMO function, this role will ensure new product initiatives remain aligned to wider business priorities, whilst collaborating with manufacturing, sourcing, engineering, operations, marketing and commercial teams to bring products successfully to market.
This is a highly visible leadership role within a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment where priorities can change quickly. Success will require strong organisation, commercial awareness and the ability to manage multiple competing initiatives simultaneously.
Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute the company's product development roadmap.
Lead the end-to-end product lifecycle from concept through design, development, testing and launch.
Manage multiple product development projects simultaneously, ensuring delivery against agreed timelines.
Work collaboratively with the PMO to prioritise projects and manage interdependencies across the wider business.
Partner with suppliers and manufacturing teams to develop innovative, commercially viable products.
Identify market trends, customer insights and competitor activity to shape future product strategy.
Ensure products meet quality, compliance and regulatory requirements across international markets.
Work closely with Sales and Marketing to support successful product launches.
Build effective relationships across Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement and Manufacturing.
Introduce robust product development processes, governance and stage-gate reviews.
Manage budgets, project risks and resource planning.
About You We're looking for an experienced Product Development leader who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment.
You'll combine strategic thinking with a hands-on approach and be comfortable managing several high-profile projects whilst influencing senior stakeholders across the organisation.
Ideally you'll have:

Proven experience leading Product Development within a manufacturing or consumer products business.
Experience delivering physical products from concept through to commercial launch.
Strong project management capability with the ability to balance competing priorities.
Experience working cross-functionally across engineering, operations, sourcing and commercial teams.
Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
Strong commercial awareness with a customer-first mindset.
Experience operating within a fast-growth or entrepreneurial business would be advantageous.
Degree qualified in Engineering, Product Design, Manufacturing or a related discipline (preferred).
Why Join? This is a rare opportunity to join an ambitious international business at a pivotal point in its growth journey.
You'll have genuine influence over the future product portfolio whilst working alongside an entrepreneurial leadership team committed to innovation, investment and international expansion.
For an experienced Product Development professional who enjoys driving innovation, leading cross-functional teams and making a visible commercial impact, this role offers exceptional scope to shape both products and the future direction of the business.

INDBSO