At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development from concept to launch while managing a skilled team.
- Company: Established manufacturer in a specialised sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to shape future products.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading exciting projects in a hands-on role.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in launching complex products and leading small teams.
Involve Recruitment (Midlands) Ltd have partnered with a well-established manufacturer to appoint a Product Development Lead. This is a critical hire, replacing a long-standing technical leader and offering the chance to shape the next generation of products within a highly specialised sector. This role is ideal for a hands-on senior product engineer who still enjoys solving technical problems, but is ready to take ownership of the product function and lead a small, capable team.
The Role
This is a 70% hands-on / 30% leadership position, combining technical depth with strategic responsibility. You’ll take full ownership of the product development lifecycle from concept through to launch while leading and developing a small internal team.
Key responsibilities include:
- Owning the product roadmap, lifecycle, and range strategy
- Leading all new product development projects end-to-end
- Driving continuous improvement across existing products (tolerances, materials, modular systems)
- Managing supplier engineering and component cost optimisation
- Leading the patent process and innovation strategy (with external attorneys)
- Line managing a team including engineers and a product development specialist
- Acting as the senior technical representative in key external discussions (OEMs, B2B partners, industry bodies)
We’re looking for a technically strong, commercially aware product developer who can both deliver and lead. You’ll likely bring:
- A proven track record of launching complex mechanical or precision-engineered products
- Strong hands-on engineering capability (CAD review, tolerances, materials, prototyping issues)
- Experience leading small technical teams (2–5 people)
- Exposure to regulated or certified product environments
- Experience working with patents (named inventor or closely involved)
- A strategic mindset, with the ability to own and evolve a product portfolio
- A decisive, structured, and data-driven approach
Experience in sectors such as Precision engineering, Safety-critical hardware, Automotive component, Medical devices, Hydraulics / fasteners or similar.
Product Manager in Oldbury employer: Involve Recruitment
Join a well-established manufacturer that values innovation and technical excellence, offering a dynamic work environment where you can lead product development while still engaging in hands-on engineering. With a strong focus on employee growth, this company provides opportunities for professional development and encourages a collaborative culture that fosters creativity and problem-solving. Located in the Midlands, you'll benefit from a supportive team atmosphere and the chance to make a significant impact in a specialised sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Manager in Oldbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Product Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and product management knowledge. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with product development and how you've led teams in the past. We want to see that you can not only talk the talk but walk the walk!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight specific projects where you’ve successfully launched products or improved processes. Numbers and results speak volumes, so bring those stats along!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Manager in Oldbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Product Manager role. Highlight your hands-on engineering capabilities and any leadership experience you have, especially in product development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've successfully launched products or led teams in the past, and don’t forget to show your passion for the industry!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires strong technical depth, be sure to include any relevant technical skills or tools you’ve used, like CAD software or experience with materials and tolerances. We want to see your problem-solving abilities shine through!
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 this exciting opportunity. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone!
How to prepare for a job interview at Involve Recruitment
✨Know Your Product Development Lifecycle
Make sure you understand the entire product development lifecycle, from concept to launch. Be ready to discuss how you've managed similar processes in the past and how you can apply that experience to this role.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your hands-on engineering capabilities. Bring examples of CAD work or projects where you tackled tolerances and materials issues. This will show that you’re not just a leader but also someone who can dive into the technical details.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
Be ready to talk about your experience leading small teams. Share specific examples of how you’ve motivated your team, resolved conflicts, and driven projects to completion. This will help illustrate your leadership style and effectiveness.
✨Discuss Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare to discuss how you approach product strategy and portfolio management. Think about how you’ve evolved product lines in the past and be ready to share your vision for future products. This will show that you can think beyond the immediate tasks and contribute to long-term success.
