At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development from concept to launch while driving continuous improvement.
- Company: Established engineering business focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and a chance to shape future products.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a specialist engineering environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on leadership role within a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical or precision-engineered products and team management.
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 in Wolverhampton employer: Helm Recruit Limited
Contact Detail:
Helm Recruit Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Lead in Wolverhampton
✨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 their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to companies you admire. Express your interest in their product development efforts and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to showcase your talents and connect with us. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our innovative team.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Lead in Wolverhampton
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 a team 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 to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our innovative team 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. Brush up on your knowledge of taking products from concept to market launch, and be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your hands-on engineering capabilities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a small team, prepare to talk about your leadership style. Think of instances where you've successfully mentored or supported team members, and how you’ve driven continuous improvement in your previous projects.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into your technical expertise, especially around CAD, materials, and tolerances. Brush up on relevant technical concepts and be prepared to troubleshoot hypothetical scenarios they might throw at you.
✨Understand the Market and Competitors
Research the company’s current product range and their competitors. Be prepared to discuss how you would shape the future product strategy and what improvements you could suggest based on market trends and customer feedback.