At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative product development from concept to manufacture and drive continuous improvement.
- Company: Dynamic engineering-led manufacturer with a collaborative culture in Tonbridge.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and benefits with genuine ownership of product design.
- Other info: Join a growing SME with opportunities for career advancement and influence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by seeing your designs built and used in the real world.
- Qualifications: Experience in product-focused engineering and strong 3D CAD skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Drive Innovation. Own Product Design. See Your Work in the Real World. We’re working with a growing, engineering-led manufacturer delivering high-performance physical products into demanding, real-world environments. This is not theoretical design — these are products that must perform, comply, and last. They are now looking for a hands‑on Product Development leader to take ownership of R&D, design engineering, and continuous product improvement.
The Role
- Leading new product development (NPD) from concept through to manufacture
- Owning design decisions, materials selection, and product performance
- Driving product improvement and value engineering across existing ranges
- Translating real customer and site requirements into practical, manufacturable designs
- Embedding structured R&D and innovation processes into the business
- Working closely with production to ensure design for manufacture (DFM) and assembly (DFA)
This is a role for someone who still enjoys being close to the detail— CAD, problem-solving, testing, refining — not just managing from a distance.
What They’re Looking For
You’ll likely come from a product-focused engineering background, where you’ve designed and developed physical, manufactured products. Typical backgrounds could include:
- Building products / construction systems
- Fabricated metal or structural products
- Automotive or mechanical equipment
- Rail, infrastructure, utilities or similar regulated environments
You’ll bring:
- Proven experience delivering NPD projects end-to-end (concept to production)
- Strong 3D CAD capability (SolidWorks, Inventor or similar)
- A deep understanding of materials, manufacturing processes and product performance
- Experience with DFM / DFA and engineering optimisation
- Exposure to testing, validation, FEA or simulation tools
- A mindset focused on improving, evolving and challenging designs
- Leadership experience is important — but this is not a "sit back" role. You’ll still be hands‑on in design and development work.
The Environment
- Growing SME with strong technical ambition
- Loyal, long‑standing team and collaborative culture
- Opportunity to shape how products are designed and developed
- Fast‑moving, where ideas can actually be implemented
Our ideal candidate
- Enjoys building and improving products, not maintaining legacy designs
- Is naturally curious, forward‑thinking and commercially aware
- Wants to make a visible impact on a product range and engineering function
Why Join?
- Genuine ownership of product development and R&D direction
- A role where your designs will be built, used and seen
- Strong influence across engineering, operations and commercial teams
- Clear opportunity to modernise and elevate the engineering function
This is an urgent hire and interviews will move quickly for the right profile. For a confidential discussion, contact Emily or Sammy at PWR.
Head of Product Development (Engineering) in Tonbridge, Kent employer: Energy Jobline CVL
Join a dynamic and innovative engineering-led manufacturer in Tonbridge, Kent, where you will have the opportunity to lead product development from concept to production. With a collaborative culture and a focus on continuous improvement, this role offers genuine ownership of R&D and the chance to see your designs come to life in real-world applications. Enjoy competitive salary packages, bonuses, and a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and encourages forward-thinking ideas.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Product Development (Engineering) in Tonbridge, Kent
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Head of Product Development (Engineering) in Tonbridge, Kent role you’re after at Energy Jobline CVL.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Energy Jobline CVL a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Energy Jobline CVL.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Head of Product Development (Engineering) in Tonbridge, Kent at Energy Jobline CVL, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product Development (Engineering) in Tonbridge, Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Head of Product Development (Engineering) in Tonbridge, Kent, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Energy Jobline CVL a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Energy Jobline CVL specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Energy Jobline CVL
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Energy Jobline CVL, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Energy Jobline CVL want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
