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- Tasks: Lead a creative team to develop innovative licensed products for global retailers.
- Company: Fast-growing consumer products business with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Career development opportunities and exposure to global markets.
- Why this job: Shape the future of licensed products and inspire creativity in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in product development and strong commercial awareness.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team that values innovation and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A well-established and fast-growing consumer products business is seeking a Head of Product Development – Licensing to lead and inspire a high performing team delivering licensed product ranges across multiple categories for global retailers. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on product ownership, managing key licensed ranges while overseeing the wider product development function. You will work closely with design, quality, compliance and commercial teams to ensure products deliver creativity, commercial value and design excellence at every stage.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Collaboration
- Lead, coach and develop the licensed product development team, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Encourage strong collaboration between product development, design, commercial teams and global suppliers.
- Ensure alignment between creative vision and commercial objectives across all projects.
- Product Development & Ownership
- Manage the development of selected licensed product ranges from concept through to production approval.
- Work closely with licensors, design teams and commercial teams to develop standout products for global markets.
- Set the standard for excellence in product development, execution and innovation.
- Range Development & Execution
- Oversee the full product development lifecycle across multiple licensed categories.
- Ensure products meet quality, creative and price point expectations while remaining commercially viable.
- Drive improvements in product and packaging design, encouraging innovation in materials, structure and presentation.
- Ensure product ranges meet the needs of a wide range of retailers, from value to grocery and specialist channels.
- Market Awareness & Innovation
- Monitor trends, competitor activity and category developments to maintain market leadership.
- Identify opportunities within existing and emerging licensed categories.
- Promote a forward-thinking, consumer-driven approach to product development.
- Process & Delivery
- Maintain strong processes and critical path management across development projects.
- Work closely with merchandising and licensing teams to ensure project timelines are met.
- Collaborate with quality assurance teams to ensure compliance, product safety and ethical standards.
- Oversee product presentation and storytelling within the showroom environment.
Skills & Experience
- Proven leadership experience within product development, ideally across licensed consumer goods.
- Strong hands-on product development background with the ability to manage ranges directly.
- In-depth knowledge of the full product lifecycle, from concept to retail shelf.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance creativity with cost and margin requirements.
- Excellent understanding of trends, consumer behaviour and market innovation.
- Highly organised with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience managing multiple projects across global teams and time zones.
What’s on Offer
- Opportunity to lead and shape a growing licensed product portfolio.
- A collaborative culture that values innovation, creativity and teamwork.
- Exposure to global retailers and licensing partners.
- Career development within a dynamic and forward-thinking business.
Head Of Product Development - Licensing employer: JSM Recruitment
Contact Detail:
JSM Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Product Development - Licensing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. We want you to show off your knowledge about their licensed ranges and how you can contribute to their success. Be ready to discuss trends and innovations in the market!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! We suggest you rehearse how you’d present your experience and ideas. Make sure you can clearly articulate how your leadership style and product development expertise align with their goals.
✨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 and engaged with our brand.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Product Development - Licensing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for product development and licensing shine through. We want to see how your creativity aligns with our mission to deliver standout products that excite consumers.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in product development, especially within licensed consumer goods. We’re looking for someone who can manage ranges directly, so share specific examples of your past successes!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that communicate your skills and experiences effectively. Remember, we’re busy too, so make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead our product development team.
How to prepare for a job interview at JSM Recruitment
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the licensed products the company offers. Research their current ranges and think about how you can contribute to their development. This will show your passion and readiness to lead the product development team.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership experience and how you've fostered creativity and accountability in previous roles. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team through challenges, as this will demonstrate your ability to inspire and develop others.
✨Demonstrate Market Awareness
Stay updated on market trends and competitor activities relevant to the consumer products industry. Bring insights to the interview about emerging categories or innovative materials that could enhance product development. This will highlight your proactive approach and strategic thinking.
✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
Since collaboration is key in this role, be ready to discuss how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Share examples of how you’ve aligned creative visions with commercial objectives, ensuring everyone is on the same page throughout the product lifecycle.