At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product strategy and development, identifying market trends and sourcing new fabrics.
- Company: Established UK B2B textile wholesaler with over 140 years of heritage.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence product direction and make a visible commercial impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant growth potential and collaboration with senior leadership.
- Why this job: Join a transformative business and shape the future of product offerings.
- Qualifications: Experience in product development, sourcing, and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
We are working on behalf of an established and growing UK B2B textile and fabric wholesaler to recruit a commercially driven and highly proactive Head of Product.
Our client has over 140 years of heritage and is a well‑established supplier to fabric retailers and manufacturers across the fashion, hobby and craft sectors.
The business is now entering an exciting period of growth and transformation, with investment in its product ranges, digital capabilities, sales structure and overall customer experience.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced product, buying or sourcing professional to take genuine ownership of the product strategy and play a key role in shaping the future direction of the business.
About the Role
As Head of Product, you will lead the product and purchasing strategy across the business.
This is not a traditional purchasing role focused primarily on administration and purchase orders.
You will be responsible for identifying what the business should be developing, sourcing and buying, and turning those opportunities into commercially successful product ranges.
You will work closely with the CEO, Sales and Merchandising teams and will have responsibility for the wider Product & Purchasing function.
From identifying market trends and sourcing new suppliers through to range development, negotiation and production, you will have ownership of the complete product journey.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and drive the overall product and range strategy across existing and new categories.
- Identify market gaps, trends, customer requirements and new commercial opportunities.
- Develop seasonal and ongoing range plans based on customer demand, sales performance and market insight.
- Identify, source and develop new fabrics, qualities, constructions, finishes, colours and designs.
- Source new suppliers both in the UK and internationally.
- Manage the full product development process from initial concept through to sampling, costing, selection and production.
- Lead the product and range-development programme, working with suppliers and external designers where required.
- Negotiate with suppliers on pricing, quantities, quality, lead times and commercial terms.
- Build and manage strong, commercially effective supplier relationships.
- Work closely with the CEO on significant supplier negotiations and strategic buying decisions.
- Make commercially informed buying decisions, balancing demand, margin, stock investment, availability and lead times.
- Work closely with Sales to identify customer-led product opportunities.
- Use customer and market insight to influence future product strategy.
- Lead and manage the wider Product & Purchasing function, including the Merchandiser.
- Ensure clear processes, priorities and accountability across the department.
- Monitor supplier performance and resolve product, quality and commercial issues.
About You
We are looking for someone with strong commercial experience within product development, buying, sourcing, merchandising or purchasing.
You will ideally have
- Experience working with physical products.
- Experience within textiles, fabrics, fashion, interiors, homeware or wholesale would be highly advantageous.
- Strong commercial instinct and an ability to identify product opportunities.
- Proven experience sourcing and developing products with suppliers.
- Strong negotiation skills across pricing, quantities, lead times and commercial terms.
- Experience managing product or range-development programmes.
- A strong understanding of customer demand, market trends and range planning.
- The ability to use sales and stock data to support commercial decisions.
- Excellent supplier relationship and stakeholder-management skills.
- An understanding of design and trends, without necessarily being a hands‑on designer.
- A proactive and entrepreneurial mindset.
- The confidence to take ownership, make decisions and drive projects forward.
Why Join?
This is an opportunity to join an established business at a genuine point of transformation and growth.
You will have significant influence over what the business develops, sources and sells, working closely with senior leadership and having the opportunity to make a visible commercial impact.
If you're someone who enjoys spotting opportunities, developing products, negotiating with suppliers and taking ideas from concept through to reality, this could be an excellent next step.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Product in Enfield employer: Accountancy Action - Your Specialist Finance Recruitment Partner
Join a dynamic and innovative team in North London as a Watch Designer, where creativity meets commercial insight. Our collaborative work culture fosters personal growth and mentorship, providing you with the opportunity to develop your skills while working on exciting projects across multiple brands. With a competitive salary and the potential for hybrid working arrangements, we offer a rewarding environment for those passionate about design and product development.
Contact Details:
Accountancy Action - Your Specialist Finance Recruitment Partner Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Product in Enfield
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Accountancy Action - Your Specialist Finance Recruitment Partner, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product in Enfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Accountancy Action - Your Specialist Finance Recruitment Partner specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Accountancy Action - Your Specialist Finance Recruitment Partner
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Accountancy Action - Your Specialist Finance Recruitment Partner, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Accountancy Action - Your Specialist Finance Recruitment Partner value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
