At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting product development projects from concept to launch in a dynamic consumer goods environment.
- Company: Join a growing consumer goods business with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, annual bonus, hybrid working, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced, innovative setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by managing NPD projects for major retail customers and international suppliers.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management or product development, with strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
12-month fixed-term contract
Location: Christchurch
Working pattern: Hybrid - 1-2 days per week in the office after settling in
Travel: London 1-2 times per month, plus occasional supplier and manufacturer visits
About the Company
Join a growing consumer goods business supplying bespoke and own-label products to major UK and international retailers. The business operates across fast-moving product categories, with a strong focus on product development, New Product Development (NPD) and innovation. You’ll work with teams across product, buying, technical, design and supply chain, alongside international suppliers and manufacturers.
About the Role
We’re looking for a Project Manager - Product Development to manage NPD projects from concept through to finished product. You’ll take ownership of critical paths, timelines, milestones and deliverables, ensuring projects stay on track and risks or issues are identified and resolved quickly. This is a hands-on role combining project management, product development, supplier management and cross-functional coordination, with regular interaction with internal teams, suppliers, manufacturers and retail customers.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage NPD and product development projects from concept through to finished goods
- Own critical paths, timelines, milestones, deadlines and deliverables
- Manage multiple projects, SKUs and product categories simultaneously
- Monitor progress and provide clear updates to internal teams and senior stakeholders
- Identify project risks, issues and dependencies and drive practical solutions
- Coordinate suppliers and manufacturers throughout the product development process
- Build and maintain effective supplier and manufacturer relationships
- Work closely with product, buying, technical, design and supply chain teams
- Manage retailer-facing projects and respond to customer requirements
- Support category plans, product calendars and development timelines
- Prepare customer presentations and project updates, and chair meetings or supplier calls
- Maintain accurate project information, actions and deadlines
About You
You’ll be an organised, commercially minded and solutions-focused Project Manager, Product Manager or Product Development professional with experience managing projects through to completion. Relevant experience could include consumer goods, FMCG, retail, product development, manufacturing, buying, sourcing or supplier management.
We’re looking for someone who can:
- Manage critical paths and product development timelines
- Demonstrate experience of New Product Development (NPD) and product lifecycle management
- Work confidently with suppliers and manufacturers
- Manage multiple projects and changing priorities
- Coordinate cross-functional teams and stakeholders
- Identify risks, resolve issues and communicate confidently with customers and suppliers
- Take ownership, use initiative and find practical solutions in a fast-paced environment
You’ll be detail-focused, proactive and commercially minded, with a genuine interest in products, innovation and product development.
Why Join?
- Manage NPD and product development projects for major retail customers
- See products develop from concept through to finished product and work with international suppliers
- Develop your project management and product development experience within a growing consumer goods business
Benefits
- Annual bonus, pension and enhanced sick pay
- 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays, increasing with service, with the option to buy additional holiday
- Medical cash plan, mental health support and enhanced parental leave
- Hybrid working, free parking at Christchurch Quay and Cycle to Work scheme
- Social events and team activities
Product Manager employer: Dovetail Recruitment Ltd
Join an established international packaging and design business in Purley, South London, where you will receive full training and support to kickstart your career as a German Speaking Project Executive. With a collaborative work culture, clear career progression opportunities, and the chance to work with major FMCG and retail brands, this role offers a meaningful pathway for growth while utilising your language skills in a dynamic environment. Embrace the opportunity to develop professionally in a supportive setting that values your contributions and fosters long-term career development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Manager
✨Connect with Product Management Communities
Dive into online communities like Product School or Mind the Product. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and ask questions. This can help you build relationships and visibility in the product management scene, plus you might hear about temp roles before they even get posted!
✨Attend Industry Meetups and Workshops
Check out local meetups or workshops specifically targeted at product management. These gatherings are prime spots to meet hiring managers and fellow practitioners. Plus, they often lead to connections that can help you land temporary roles.
✨Showcase Your Work with a Portfolio
Even if you're after a temporary gig, having a solid portfolio is key! Include case studies of past projects, highlighting your role and how you drove product success. Use platforms like Behance to display your work visually.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you spot a temp role like Product Manager at Dovetail Recruitment Ltd, go straight to their website to apply. Direct applications often have a better chance of standing out since they show commitment. It's worth the extra effort, trust us!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Product Sense:In product management, we want to see your understanding of user needs and business value. When you're crafting your CV and cover letter, highlight specific products you've worked on, the methodologies you used, and how those experiences shaped your product sense. If you have insights into user journey mapping, competitive analysis, or product lifecycle, make sure to feature them!
Highlight Relevant Experience:For a temporary role, employers often look for candidates who can hit the ground running. Make sure your written application showcases not just your past roles, but also specific outcomes you've driven. Don't shy away from using metrics—how did your contributions impact the product or team? We love when you quantify your achievements!
Be Ready to Adapt:Temporary positions can often lead to quick changes in direction. In your cover letter, convey your adaptability and eagerness to learn. Mention any experiences where you’ve had to pivot or adjust your approach to meet project goals. Talk about how you thrive in dynamic environments—it'll really resonate with us at Dovetail Recruitment Ltd!
Link to Your Portfolio:If you've worked on product roadmaps, user stories, or any visualisations, link to your portfolio in your application. Even a personal project that demonstrates your skills as a product manager can show your proactive approach. It's a great way for us to see your work in action and understand your style. And remember, apply through our website to make it easier for us to find you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dovetail Recruitment Ltd
✨Show Off Your Product Knowledge
Make sure we can discuss the product lifecycle with confidence! Be ready to showcase your understanding of key concepts in product management, such as roadmap planning and user research. We want to hear about any tools you're familiar with, like JIRA or Trello, as they’re popular in this space!
✨Agile Mindset is Key
As a temporary role, they'll want us to hit the ground running. Brush up on Agile methodologies and be prepared for scenario-based questions where you might need to demonstrate how you'd handle shifting priorities or tight deadlines. Show that you can think on your feet and adapt quickly!
✨Bring Your Portfolio of Projects
If you've got any product projects up your sleeve—be it case studies or live examples—bring them along! For a temporary position, they’re going to want to see tangible results from your previous work, so don't hold back on demonstrating how you've made an impact in past roles.
✨Communicate Clearly and Concisely
They’ll be looking to see how you articulate your ideas, so practice your pitch! Make sure we can summarise complex product requirements into clear, understandable language. Being able to express yourself well is vital in product management, especially in a temporary role where quick collaboration is essential!
