Head of Product Development Fast-growing, purpose-driven FMCG organisation
Head of Product Development Fast-growing, purpose-driven FMCG organisation

Head of Product Development Fast-growing, purpose-driven FMCG organisation

Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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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 great perks.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of a values-driven brand while driving impactful change.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in senior product roles with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
  • Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; be your authentic self!

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
Key Requirements:
  • 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.

Head of Product Development Fast-growing, purpose-driven FMCG organisation employer: Mackenzie Jones

Join a fast-growing, purpose-driven FMCG organisation in St Albans, where innovation meets sustainability. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, we offer competitive salaries, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits including pension and life insurance. Embrace the opportunity to lead impactful product development while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working, all within a vibrant team dedicated to reinventing everyday routines.
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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

Showcase your leadership skills by discussing past experiences where you successfully led cross-functional teams. Highlight how you managed to align different departments towards a common goal, particularly in product launches or innovations.

✨Tip Number 3

Familiarise yourself with the company's values and mission. Be prepared to discuss how your personal commitment to sustainability aligns with their goals, and think of examples where you've implemented eco-friendly practices in product development.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your approach to managing the product lifecycle. Be ready to share specific frameworks you've used, such as stage-gate or agile processes, and how they contributed to successful product outcomes in your previous roles.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product Development Fast-growing, purpose-driven FMCG organisation

Product Strategy Development
Portfolio Management
Data-Driven Decision Making
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Innovation Leadership
Sustainable Product Development
Commercialisation Expertise
Regulatory Compliance Knowledge
Project Management
NPD/EPD Framework Implementation
Agile Methodologies
Stakeholder Engagement
Team Leadership and Mentoring
Market Trend Analysis
Pricing and Margin Optimisation

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 sustainability and innovation. Discuss how your values align with the company's mission and provide specific examples of your leadership in product strategy and development.

Highlight Key Achievements: In your application, focus on quantifiable achievements such as successful product launches, improvements in portfolio strategy, or any awards received. This will demonstrate your capability and impact in previous roles.

Showcase Cross-Functional Leadership: Illustrate your experience in leading cross-functional teams. Provide examples of how you've collaborated with R&D, marketing, and operations to drive product success, ensuring you highlight your communication skills and ability to foster collaboration.

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 examples of how you've aligned product roadmaps with brand vision and customer needs in previous roles.

✨Highlight Innovation Leadership

Be ready to discuss your experience in driving the development of consumer-led products. Share specific instances where you balanced creativity with compliance and feasibility, especially focusing on sustainability.

✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration

This role requires effective communication across various teams. Prepare to talk about how you've successfully engaged with R&D, marketing, and operations to ensure seamless product lifecycles and alignment on goals.

✨Prepare for Commercialisation Insights

Since managing the full product lifecycle is key, be prepared to discuss your experience with commercialisation strategies. Highlight your understanding of pricing, margin optimisation, and how you've navigated regulatory standards in past projects.

Head of Product Development Fast-growing, purpose-driven FMCG organisation
Mackenzie Jones
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  • Head of Product Development Fast-growing, purpose-driven FMCG organisation

    Full-Time
    60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-06-15

  • M

    Mackenzie Jones

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