At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development from concept to launch while managing a talented team.
- Company: Established engineering business focused on innovation and product excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team making a real impact in the industry.
- Why this job: Shape the future of products in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical engineering and team leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
Wolverhampton (Office-based) £50,000 - £65,000 + benefits
About the Role
We are working with an established, innovation-driven engineering business looking to appoint a Product Development Lead to head up its product development function. This is a hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who enjoys both building products and leading a small, capable team. You will take ownership of the product pipeline, from concept through to launch, while shaping the future product strategy and driving continuous improvement across an evolving range.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the product development roadmap and lifecycle, from concept to market launch
- Lead all active development projects end-to-end
- Drive continuous product improvement (design iterations, tolerances, modular systems, etc.)
- Manage and support a small team of engineers and product specialists
- Oversee supplier engineering and component cost optimisation
- Lead involvement in patent development in partnership with external advisors
- Act as a senior technical representative in key external discussions
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience delivering complex mechanical or precision-engineered products end-to-end
- Strong hands-on engineering capability (CAD review, materials, tolerances, troubleshooting prototypes)
- Background in sectors such as precision engineering, safety critical hardware, automotive, hydraulics or medical devices
- Experience managing or mentoring a small technical team
- Exposure to regulated products or certification processes
- Familiarity with patents (named inventor or working with patent attorneys is advantageous)
- Strategic thinker with the ability to own and evolve a product range
- Highly organised, decisive, and data-driven
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to shape the next generation of products in a specialist engineering environment
- Balance of hands-on technical work and leadership responsibility
- A visible role with real impact on product direction and business success
- Collaborative, technically strong team environment
Product Development Lead employer: Helm Recruit Limited
Join an established, innovation-driven engineering business in Wolverhampton as a Product Development Lead, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of product development while leading a talented team. With a strong focus on collaboration and continuous improvement, this role offers a balance of hands-on technical work and leadership responsibilities, ensuring that your contributions have a real impact on the company's success. Enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, alongside a competitive salary and benefits package.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who work in product development. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your hands-on engineering projects and leadership experiences. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Ace the interview! Research the company’s products and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Bring your strategic thinking to the forefront and demonstrate how you can drive continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Product Development Lead role. Highlight your hands-on engineering capabilities and any leadership experience you have, as we want to see how you can drive our product development forward.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about product development and how your background in precision engineering or similar sectors makes you the perfect fit for our team. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Relevant Projects:If you've worked on complex mechanical products or led teams before, make sure to include specific examples in your application. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills, so don’t hold back on sharing your successes and learnings!
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 the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Helm Recruit Limited
✨Know Your Product Development Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the product development lifecycle. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with taking products from concept to market launch, and how you’ve driven continuous improvement in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed or mentored a team. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you’ve supported your team in overcoming challenges, as this role requires both technical expertise and leadership.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Brush up on your engineering knowledge, especially around CAD, materials, and tolerances. Expect questions that test your problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot prototypes, so have some real-life scenarios ready to share.
✨Understand the Market and Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the industry standards and regulations relevant to the products you’ll be working on. Being able to discuss your experience with regulated products or certification processes will show you’re prepared for the challenges ahead.
