At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to develop innovative enterprise software solutions.
- Company: Franchise Brands, a dynamic international franchisor with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, career progression, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Remote work with travel opportunities and a commitment to continuous learning.
- Why this job: Shape product strategy and make a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in product management and team leadership, with a focus on B2B software.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 95000 £ per year.
Franchise Brands is an international, multi‑brand franchisor focused on building market‑leading businesses primarily via a franchise model. The Group currently has a combined network of over 625 franchisees across seven brands in the UK, North America and Europe. We own several market‑leading brands with established trading histories: Metro Rod, Metro Plumb, Willow Pumps, Filta, and more recently Pirtek in Europe – all benefit from the Group’s central support services, in particular Franchise Support, National Sales / Account Management, Information Technology, Marketing, Finance, Recruitment and HR.
We are seeking an experienced and driven Product Development Manager to lead the evolution of our enterprise‑scale work management platform, used by multiple clients across a range of industries. This pivotal leadership role combines people management, product ownership, and delivery governance. You will develop high‑performing teams, shape product strategy, and ensure the successful delivery of scalable, commercially valuable solutions. Working closely with Product, Engineering, and Business stakeholders, you’ll balance customer requirements with long‑term platform sustainability while driving innovation and continuous improvement.
Key responsibilities and accountabilities:
- People Leadership
- Lead, develop, and inspire a team of Software Developers, Product Managers, and Business Analysts.
- Provide coaching, mentoring, and ongoing performance management.
- Set clear objectives and conduct regular one‑to‑one meetings and performance reviews.
- Foster a collaborative, high‑performing culture focused on continuous learning and improvement.
- Build capability, establish best practices, and support career development across the team.
- Product Strategy & Roadmap Ownership
- Own and drive the strategic roadmap for a multi‑client enterprise work management platform.
- Ensure product investments deliver measurable business value and ROI.
- Balance client‑specific requirements with the long‑term vision and sustainability of the core platform.
- Lead prioritisation decisions using customer, commercial, and technical considerations.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to define product direction and future opportunities.
- Delivery & Governance
- Ensure the creation and maintenance of high‑quality product artefacts, requirements, and backlogs.
- Partner with Engineering leaders to deliver predictable, high‑quality outcomes.
- Act as the escalation point for delivery risks, stakeholder issues, and priority conflicts.
- Oversee the delivery of core platform functionality and support automated regression testing practices.
- Drive continuous improvement across product development processes and governance.
About You
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience managing and developing teams within Product Management, Business Analysis, or related disciplines.
- Strong track record of delivering enterprise‑scale B2B software products.
- Excellent understanding of Agile product development and delivery methodologies.
- Experience working with work management, workflow, or process‑driven software platforms.
- Strong stakeholder management, communication, and decision‑making skills.
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery leadership.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Experience working within a multi‑tenant SaaS environment.
- Familiarity with Azure DevOps or similar product and delivery management tools.
- Experience managing products serving multiple clients or customer groups.
- Understanding of automated testing and quality assurance practices.
What You'll Bring
- A passion for developing people and building high‑performing teams.
- Strong commercial awareness and customer focus.
- A strategic mindset combined with a pragmatic approach to delivery.
- The ability to influence and collaborate effectively across technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
- A commitment to delivering products that create meaningful value for customers and the business.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave – plus bank holidays
- Royal London Company Pension
- Group Life Assurance
- Additional Paid Leave / Special Leave
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Company Events
- Laptop / Company Mobile
- Free Eye Tests / Subsidy for Glasses
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Occupational Health Support
- Employee Discounts
- Platform Commitment to Career Progression, Training, Learning and Development
We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Product Development Manager in Macclesfield employer: Franchise Brands plc
Franchise Brands is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, offering remote flexibility with opportunities for travel to Macclesfield. Employees benefit from a comprehensive package including generous annual leave, a commitment to career progression, and a supportive environment focused on continuous learning and development. With a strong emphasis on team leadership and innovation, this role provides a unique chance to shape the future of enterprise-scale products while working alongside a diverse group of talented professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Manager in Macclesfield
✨Join Product Management Meetups
Get involved in local product management meetups or workshops. These events are perfect for meeting industry folks, sharing ideas, and staying updated on trends. Plus, you never know who might be hiring—it's a fantastic way to make connections that could lead to a job at places like Franchise Brands plc!
✨Show Off Your Product Sense
Create case studies or mini-projects showcasing your product management skills, and share them on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn. This not only puts your skills on display but also boosts your visibility in the product community. Imagine how impressed the hiring team at Franchise Brands plc would be by your initiative!
✨Utilise Online Communities
Dive into online product management communities like Product Coalition or Mind the Product. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights. These platforms are goldmines for networking and finding hidden job opportunities—many companies often scout talent from within these circles.
✨Leverage Your University Network
If you’ve recently graduated or are still in uni, tap into your alumni network for connections in product management. Many universities have their own job boards and affinity resources to help graduates land roles. Don't forget to keep an eye out for job openings at Franchise Brands plc through your school's career services!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Manager in Macclesfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Product Passion:When applying for a product management role like Product Development Manager, let your passion for developing products shine through in your cover letter. Share specific examples of products you've managed, how you solved user needs, and any successful outcomes you've achieved. This is your chance to showcase your understanding of the product lifecycle!
Highlight Your Cross-Functional Skills:Product management isn't just about understanding the product; it’s about collaborating with different teams! Make sure to emphasise your experience working with developers, designers, and marketers. Use your CV to showcase your ability to bridge gaps between these areas, and include relevant experiences that demonstrate your communication and leadership skills!
Include Your Metrics and Achievements:In a full-time product management application, data speaks volumes! Quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you increase user retention by a certain percentage? Launch a product ahead of schedule? Include these metrics in your CV to paint a picture of your impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Make sure your CV is tailored for the Product Development Manager position at Franchise Brands plc. Use keywords from the job description and ensure your relevant experiences are front and centre. Highlight any certifications or relevant training you’ve completed that will make you stand out as a strong candidate for the role. And remember, we’re excited to see your application on our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Franchise Brands plc
✨Understand the Product Life Cycle
As a product management candidate, we need to get our head around the complete product life cycle. Be prepared to discuss real-world examples of how you’ve managed product development from ideation to launch. Bring specific insights on tools like JIRA or Trello that can help streamline these processes.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Skills
Product management is all about collaboration. We should be ready to highlight how we’ve worked across teams—think marketing, engineering, and design. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you had to mediate differing opinions and how you got everyone on board with a shared vision.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In a full-time role, we can expect to encounter case study questions during our interviews. Practise solving hypothetical product problems on the spot, such as prioritising features for a new app or improving user engagement metrics. This will show our analytical thinking and decision-making skills.
✨Know Your Metrics
Let’s face it, numbers are our best friends in product management. We should prepare to discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) and how we've used analytics to inform product decisions. Dive into examples where data has driven our strategy for improvements or justified product changes.
