At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product innovation from concept to market in a fast-paced FMCG environment.
- Company: Join a purpose-driven organisation focused on sustainable, design-led products.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, pension, life insurance, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a values-driven brand while driving impactful product development.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in senior product roles with a focus on FMCG or CPG sectors required.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome authentic applicants.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Salary: £60,000 to £75,000 Per annum + Bonus, Pension, Life Insurance and Holiday
Location: St Albans - Hybrid Working 3 to 4 Days office based
Our client is a high-growth, purpose-led organisation on a mission to reinvent everyday routines through sustainable, design-led innovation. With a rapidly expanding customer base, award-winning momentum, and bold plans for product expansion, they’re seeking a strategic Head of Product to lead end-to-end innovation — from concept and development through to commercialisation and go-to-market execution. This is a pivotal role shaping the future of a fast-scaling, values-driven brand.
Key Responsibilities:- Product Strategy & Portfolio Leadership
- Shape and refine the product roadmap to align with brand vision, customer needs, and commercial goals
- Prioritise NPD and EPD initiatives using data-driven insights and market trends
- Ensure cross-functional alignment across product, R&D, marketing, operations, and sales
- Innovation Leadership
- Drive the development of scalable, consumer-led products from concept to launch
- Establish a balanced development process that fosters creativity while meeting compliance and feasibility requirements
- Lead with a focus on sustainability and sensorial product excellence
- Commercialisation & Go-to-Market Execution
- Manage the full product lifecycle — from initial concept through to full-scale production
- Collaborate closely with supply chain and operations to ensure a seamless handover from development to manufacturing
- Ensure all products meet regulatory, safety, and environmental standards
- Project & Lifecycle Management
- Implement and oversee robust NPD/EPD frameworks (stage-gate or agile)
- Take ownership of timelines, budgets, KPIs, and delivery milestones
- Continuously optimise the product portfolio through rationalisation, relaunches, and strategic enhancements
- Senior Stakeholder Engagement
- Provide regular updates to executive leadership on roadmap progress, risks, and market opportunities
- Foster cross-functional collaboration and maintain clear, consistent communication with internal and external stakeholders
- 5+ years in senior product roles within FMCG, beauty, personal care, or CPG sectors
- Proven track record of launching innovative products, ideally in manufacturing or vertically integrated environments
- End-to-end expertise in product lifecycle management — from concept and compliance to packaging, commercialisation, and scale
- Strong commercial focus, with experience in pricing, margin optimisation, and portfolio strategy
- Skilled in stage-gate and agile NPD processes
- Effective cross-functional leader with a track record of managing, mentoring, and aligning high-performing teams
- Experience with natural ingredients and a passion for formulation-led innovation
- Success scaling product innovation in high-growth, fast-paced settings
- Deep commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious product development
People are at the heart of everything we do. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process that allows everyone to be their authentic self.
While we would love to reply to all applicants, due to high application volumes, if you do not hear back within 14 days, unfortunately, the role won’t be progressing. The position may be in the process of closing, so it could be a matter of timing. But no worries! There will be more opportunities. Follow us at Mackenzie Jones Recruitment to stay updated on new openings.
Contact Detail:
Mackenzie Jones Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Product Development Fast-growing, purpose-driven FMCG organisation
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, especially those who have experience in product development. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in sustainable product innovation.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the company's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and design-led innovation will help you align your discussions during interviews and demonstrate your passion for their purpose-driven approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past successes in product lifecycle management. Highlight your experience with both stage-gate and agile processes, as well as any innovative products you've launched that align with the company's focus on consumer-led solutions.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing how you've managed cross-functional teams in previous roles. Emphasise your ability to foster collaboration and communication among diverse groups, which is crucial for the Head of Product Development position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product Development Fast-growing, purpose-driven FMCG organisation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in product development, particularly within FMCG or similar sectors. Emphasise your achievements in launching innovative products and managing the product lifecycle.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for sustainability and innovation. Discuss how your values align with the company's mission and provide specific examples of your leadership in product strategy and development.
Highlight Key Achievements: In your application, focus on quantifiable achievements such as successful product launches, improvements in portfolio strategy, or any awards received. This will demonstrate your capability and impact in previous roles.
Showcase Cross-Functional Leadership: Illustrate your experience in leading cross-functional teams. Provide examples of how you've collaborated with R&D, marketing, and operations to drive product success, ensuring you highlight your communication skills and ability to align diverse teams.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mackenzie Jones
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Before your interview, make sure you grasp the company's purpose-driven approach and their commitment to sustainability. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of reinventing everyday routines.
✨Showcase Your Product Development Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your expertise in product lifecycle management. Highlight successful product launches and how you navigated challenges, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires effective communication across various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully led cross-functional projects in the past, ensuring alignment between product, R&D, marketing, and operations.
✨Demonstrate a Passion for Innovation
Share your thoughts on current trends in FMCG and how you envision driving innovation within the company. Discuss your experience with sustainable practices and how you can lead the development of consumer-led products that meet market demands.