Product Development Manager

The Opportunity Are you a proactive leader with a hands-on approach? If you’re an accomplished professional with expertise in product development and a passion for design, we have an exciting proposition for you. This is a rare opportunity to join a prestigious British artisan design studio and manufacturing business that values and utilises your wealth of experience. If you are passionate about contributing to a high-end, premium brand, this opportunity might be the perfect fit for you. Our Client Our Client is a global business within the Luxury Goods sector, offering a range of innovative design products, including bespoke and customisable pieces, to both public and business retail. The Role As Product Development Manager, you’ll take full ownership of the product development cycle, working closely with the Creative Director, skilled artisans, and internal teams. This role offers variety and responsibility across several areas: * Product Development: Oversee the entire process from concept to market launch, ensuring all products meet quality standards. * Create detailed project plans for new collections based on sales and marketing briefs. * Translate creative concepts into actionable plans, managing prototyping, costing, and iterative reviews. * Collaborate with purchasing, assembly, and operations teams to ensure technical accuracy and build strong supplier relationships. * Continuous Improvement & Sustainability: Drive initiatives to improve processes and products while championing sustainability. * Lead change control processes and identify areas for product improvement. * Expand the supplier base, exploring innovative materials, techniques, and opportunities for better pricing or quality. * Implement strategies to reduce carbon emissions associated with production. * Bespoke Projects & Design Collaborations: Support the development of custom pieces and high-profile collaborations. * Manage bespoke and hospitality requests, providing timely and cost-effective solutions. * Oversee the delivery of design collaborations, from scope definition to execution. * Team Leadership: Mentor and lead the product development team, fostering innovation and collaboration. * Manage budgets and provide regular updates to the Directors. * Collaborate across departments to align product strategy with company goals. You will also contribute to special projects, such as trade shows and marketing initiatives, ensuring a cohesive vision and execution. About You We are looking for a motivated and energetic leader who combines technical expertise with creativity and strong interpersonal skills. The ideal candidate will have: * 3-4 years of experience developing designs from concept to manufacture. * A solid understanding of materials and their properties. * Proficiency in AutoCAD, Solidworks (including Visualize), and Adobe Creative Suite. * Knowledge of 3D printing software. * Strong project management skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities. * Excellent communication and negotiation abilities. A passion for innovation and sustainability in design is essential. You’ll thrive in a collaborative, high-performing environment. Why Join? Our client is at the forefront of bespoke and handcrafted design, offering a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact. You’ll be part of a close-knit team where every member plays a vital role in creating extraordinary products. From driving sustainability to leading collaborations with top designers, this role offers a rewarding and varied career path. If you’re looking for an exciting position that blends leadership, creativity, and technical expertise, we’d love to hear from you