At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product innovation from concept to market in a fast-paced FMCG environment.
- Company: Join a purpose-driven organisation focused on sustainable, design-led products.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a values-driven brand while driving impactful product development.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in senior product roles with a focus on FMCG or CPG sectors.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are key; we welcome authentic applicants.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Salary: £60,000 to £75,000 Per annum + Bonus, Pension, Life Insurance and Holiday
Location: St Albans - Hybrid Working 3 to 4 Days office based
Our client is a high-growth, purpose-led organisation on a mission to reinvent everyday routines through sustainable, design-led innovation. With a rapidly expanding customer base, award-winning momentum, and bold plans for product expansion, they’re seeking a strategic Head of Product to lead end-to-end innovation — from concept and development through to commercialisation and go-to-market execution. This is a pivotal role shaping the future of a fast-scaling, values-driven brand.
Key Responsibilities:- Product Strategy & Portfolio Leadership
- Shape and refine the product roadmap to align with brand vision, customer needs, and commercial goals
- Prioritise NPD and EPD initiatives using data-driven insights and market trends
- Ensure cross-functional alignment across product, R&D, marketing, operations, and sales
- Innovation Leadership
- Drive the development of scalable, consumer-led products from concept to launch
- Establish a balanced development process that fosters creativity while meeting compliance and feasibility requirements
- Lead with a focus on sustainability and sensorial product excellence
- Commercialisation & Go-to-Market Execution
- Manage the full product lifecycle — from initial concept through to full-scale production
- Collaborate closely with supply chain and operations to ensure a seamless handover from development to manufacturing
- Ensure all products meet regulatory, safety, and environmental standards
- Project & Lifecycle Management
- Implement and oversee robust NPD/EPD frameworks (stage-gate or agile)
- Take ownership of timelines, budgets, KPIs, and delivery milestones
- Continuously optimise the product portfolio through rationalisation, relaunches, and strategic enhancements
- Senior Stakeholder Engagement
- Provide regular updates to executive leadership on roadmap progress, risks, and market opportunities
- Foster cross-functional collaboration and maintain clear, consistent communication with internal and external stakeholders
- 5+ years in senior product roles within FMCG, beauty, personal care, or CPG sectors
- Proven track record of launching innovative products, ideally in manufacturing or vertically integrated environments
- End-to-end expertise in product lifecycle management — from concept and compliance to packaging, commercialisation, and scale
- Strong commercial focus, with experience in pricing, margin optimisation, and portfolio strategy
- Skilled in stage-gate and agile NPD processes
- Effective cross-functional leader with a track record of managing, mentoring, and aligning high-performing teams
- Experience with natural ingredients and a passion for formulation-led innovation
- Success scaling product innovation in high-growth, fast-paced settings
- Deep commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious product development
People are at the heart of everything we do. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process that allows everyone to be their authentic self.
While we would love to reply to all applicants, due to high application volumes, if you do not hear back within 14 days, unfortunately, the role won’t be progressing. The position may be in the process of closing, so it could be a matter of timing. But no worries! There will be more opportunities. Follow us at Mackenzie Jones Recruitment to stay updated on new openings.
Contact Detail:
Mackenzie Jones Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Product Development ***Fast-growing, purpose-driven FMCG organisation***
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, especially those who have experience in product development. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in sustainable product innovation.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company’s current product offerings and their sustainability initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their products and values will help you demonstrate your alignment with their mission during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past successes in product development, particularly in high-growth environments. Highlight your experience with end-to-end product lifecycle management and how you've driven innovation in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with stage-gate and agile NPD processes, as these are crucial for the role. Consider how you can apply these methodologies to enhance product development and align with the company's goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product Development ***Fast-growing, purpose-driven FMCG organisation***
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in product development, particularly within FMCG or similar sectors. Emphasise your achievements in launching innovative products and managing the product lifecycle.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for sustainable product development and your strategic vision for product innovation. Mention specific examples of how you've driven successful projects in the past.
Highlight Leadership Skills: In your application, focus on your experience in leading cross-functional teams and mentoring others. Provide examples of how you've fostered collaboration and achieved results through effective leadership.
Showcase Data-Driven Decision Making: Demonstrate your ability to use data and market insights to inform product strategy. Include examples of how you've prioritised initiatives based on consumer trends and business goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mackenzie Jones
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a Head of Product Development, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to shape and refine product strategies. Prepare to discuss how you've aligned product roadmaps with brand vision and customer needs in your previous roles.
✨Highlight Your Innovation Leadership
Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven the development of consumer-led products from concept to launch. Discuss your approach to balancing creativity with compliance and feasibility requirements.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires effective collaboration across various teams. Prepare to talk about your experience in fostering communication between product, R&D, marketing, and operations, and how this has led to successful product launches.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Sustainability
Given the company's focus on eco-conscious product development, be sure to express your passion for sustainability. Share any relevant experiences where you've implemented sustainable practices in product development.