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.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and benefits with genuine ownership of projects.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-performance products that are 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.
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
This is a design and development-led engineering role at its core. You’ll be responsible for:
- 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 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.
The business is particularly suited to someone who:
- 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 employer: Energy Jobline ZR
Join a dynamic and innovative engineering-led manufacturer in Tonbridge, 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 design processes, allowing you to see your work make a tangible impact in real-world applications. Enjoy competitive salary packages, bonuses, and a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and creativity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Product Development (Engineering) in Tonbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! When you’re in the interview, don’t just talk about your experience—bring it to life. Share specific examples of how you’ve led product development projects from concept to manufacture. Show them you’re not just a manager but someone who loves being involved in the nitty-gritty of design and engineering.
✨Tip Number 2
Do your homework on the company! Understand their products and the environments they operate in. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate that you’re genuinely interested in making an impact. Plus, it’ll give you a chance to ask insightful questions that show you’re forward-thinking.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn to get the inside scoop on the company culture and what they value in a Head of Product Development. This can give you an edge in interviews and help you align your skills with their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and ready to take ownership of your career journey with us at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product Development (Engineering) in Tonbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Product Development:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for product development shine through! Share specific examples of projects you've led or been involved in that demonstrate your hands-on approach and innovative mindset.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience with NPD, CAD tools, and any relevant engineering backgrounds. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Use it to explain how your background in engineering and product design can help us drive innovation and improve our products. Keep it engaging and personal!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Energy Jobline ZR
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the products the company develops. Familiarise yourself with their features, materials used, and any recent innovations. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their product development goals.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Since this role requires a hands-on approach, be prepared to share specific examples of your past projects. Discuss your involvement in the entire product development cycle, from concept to manufacture, and highlight any challenges you overcame. This will demonstrate your capability and passion for being involved in the nitty-gritty of design and engineering.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to CAD software, materials selection, and DFM/DFA principles. Brush up on your knowledge of SolidWorks or similar tools, and be ready to explain how you've applied these in previous roles. This will help you convey your expertise and reassure them of your technical skills.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Style
While the role is hands-on, leadership experience is crucial. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you foster collaboration within teams. Share examples of how you've led product development initiatives and encouraged innovation among team members, as this will highlight your ability to drive results while remaining engaged in the details.
