Product Development Manager in Chipping Sodbury

Heidelberg Materials UK (formerly Hanson UK) is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of construction materials, employing over 4,000 people and operating around 300 manufacturing sites in the UK. We are committed to building a more sustainable future and recognise that a diverse workforce is vital to our growth and advancement. We aim to promote a culture that values openness, transparency and individual achievement. At the centre of our actions lies the responsibility for the environment. As the front runner on the path to carbon neutrality and circular economy in the building materials industry, we are working on sustainable building materials and solutions for the future. We enable new opportunities for our customers through digitalisation.

Are you a collaborative, hands‑on technical leader who enjoys innovating, solving problems, and shaping the future of sustainable construction products? We’re looking for a Product Development Manager to lead our Concrete Innovation Laboratory and drive the development of high‑performance, value‑adding concrete solutions for our customers. In this role, you’ll combine technical expertise with team leadership, overseeing laboratory operations, ensuring compliance, and actively contributing to mix design, testing, and new product development. If you’re passionate about technical quality, innovation, and creating a safe and supportive team culture, this could be the perfect next step.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Health & Safety
  • Champion a positive, proactive safety culture within the laboratory.
  • Ensure full compliance with company Health & Safety policies and all legislative requirements.
  • Assist in creating and reviewing Risk Assessments, Safe Working Practices and other safety documentation.
  • Carry out regular lab safety inspections and support the Regional Technical Manager in continuous improvement.
• Quality & Standards
  • Manage and deliver high‑quality test results to support QC, cost optimisation, and product development projects.
  • Keep mix design data accurate, comprehensive, and technically robust.
  • Maintain UKAS accreditation standards within the laboratory.
  • Enhance customer satisfaction through reliable, high‑quality outputs.
  • Identify capital investment needs to support innovation and laboratory improvements.
  • Oversee data management and test reporting systems to ensure clarity and accuracy.
• Product Development
  • Lead optimisation of constituent materials and mix designs to drive profit improvement.
  • Ensure products are cost‑effective while balancing supplier, customer, and operational needs.
  • Maintain consistent product quality aligned with commercial goals and customer requirements.
  • Lead new product development, from concept through to market launch.
  • Provide expert, multi‑product technical support to commercial teams, production sites, and external customers.
  • Maintain robust quality control and assurance systems in line with regulatory expectations.

What You’ll Bring

• Ideally graduate calibre (e.g., Derby University ICT Diploma).
• Experience in a supervisory role within a concrete laboratory.
• Strong knowledge of cement, admixtures, aggregates, and readymix concrete technology.
• Experience designing mixes from standard to specialist concretes.
• A collaborative, supportive leadership style—comfortable guiding others while being hands‑on in technical work.

Why Join us?

At Heidelberg Materials, we don’t just offer jobs—we build careers. As a global leader in construction materials, we’re committed to innovation, sustainability, and, above all, our people.

Rewards & Benefits

• Competitive Package: Salary, bonus incentives, generous pension, and life assurance.
• Work-Life Balance: 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays), agile/flexible working, holiday purchase, and sabbatical options, Season and travel ticket loans.
• Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced support for maternity, paternity, adoption, IVF, neonatal care, and menopause.
• Inclusive Culture: Paid volunteering day and active employee communities (LGBTQ+, Women in STEM, Armed Forces, and more).
• Wellbeing & Development: Employee Assistance Programme, retail discounts, and continuous learning opportunities.