At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative bicycle parts and accessories from concept to market.
- Company: Join Madison, the UK's top distributor for premium cycling products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to work with leading brands.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration in a passionate team.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the cycling industry while working on exciting new products.
- Qualifications: Experience in product development and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Product Development Manager - Bicycle Parts and Accessories.
Reports to: Head of Product Development.
Madison is the UK’s leading distributor for premium bicycles, clothing, parts and accessories. Based in Milton Keynes, home to the biggest brands in cycling.
Vacancy Overview
We are looking to recruit an experienced Product Development Manager to source and develop commercially successful bicycle parts and accessories for Madison Signature Brands.
The role will manage product development from initial opportunity and supplier sourcing through sampling, testing, approval and launch.
It will primarily focus on new products and ranges, alongside some day-to-day management and improvement of existing products and suppliers.
Key Responsibilities
- Identify gaps and commercial opportunities across Madison Signature Brands product categories.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, new technologies and emerging product categories.
- Attend trade shows, visit retailers and undertake competitor and market research.
- Support category growth plans, product roadmaps and balanced good, better and best ranges.
- Create clear product briefs covering specifications, features, target customers, pricing and positioning.
- Manage development projects from initial concept through sourcing, sampling, testing, refinement and production approval.
- Identify and evaluate suitable UK and international suppliers, factories and manufacturing partners.
- Compare supplier capabilities, quotations, minimum order quantities, tooling requirements and lead times.
- Benchmark costs and negotiate with suppliers to achieve agreed costs, margins and commercial terms.
- Manage improvements, specification changes and re-sourcing projects for existing products.
- Work closely with Product Managers, Brand Managers, Design, Marketing, Sales, Compliance, Operations and Supply Chain.
- Coordinate product testing and ensure applicable safety, quality and regulatory requirements are met.
- Maintain accurate development plans, specifications, costings, project trackers and critical-path timelines.
- Identify commercial risks such as excessive minimum order quantities, tooling costs, indemnities and long lead times.
- Ensure products are approved and delivered within agreed launch windows.
- Provide accurate product information for packaging, instructions, sales and marketing materials.
- Help improve and standardise Madison’s product development and sourcing processes.
Experience and Skills
Applicants should have experience in product development, sourcing, product management, buying or a closely related role.
The ideal candidate will have
- Experience managing physical products from initial brief through sampling and production.
- Experience working with suppliers, factories or manufacturing partners.
- Strong commercial awareness, including product costs, margins, pricing and range architecture.
- The ability to understand product specifications, materials and manufacturing processes.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage several projects concurrently.
- A structured, accurate and detail-focused approach.
- Strong communication, negotiation and problem solving skills.
- Confidence using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- A proactive and collaborative approach with a genuine interest in cycling and products.
Personal Attributes
The ideal candidate will combine product creativity with strong commercial judgement and a structured approach to project management.
You will understand how products progress from an initial idea through sourcing, sampling, testing and approval to a successful market launch.
Experience within cycling, sporting goods, outdoor products, hardware or consumer accessories would be particularly valuable, together with a genuine interest in products, manufacturing and innovation.
You will be comfortable taking ownership of projects and balancing innovation, product quality, commercial viability and delivery deadlines.
Applicants selected for interview will be asked to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK.
Closing date
- Friday 18th of September although we may appoint sooner if we find the right candidate
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Product Development Manager employer: Madison
The Evolv Collection is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of London that prioritises employee wellbeing and growth. With industry-leading benefits, including generous discounts, wellness support, and extensive training opportunities, we empower our Events Coordinators to thrive in a dynamic environment while delivering unforgettable experiences. Join us to be part of a diverse team that values your contributions and fosters a sense of community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Manager
✨Join Product Management Meetups
Get involved in local product management meetups or workshops. These events are perfect for meeting industry folks, sharing ideas, and staying updated on trends. Plus, you never know who might be hiring—it's a fantastic way to make connections that could lead to a job at places like Madison!
✨Show Off Your Product Sense
Create case studies or mini-projects showcasing your product management skills, and share them on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn. This not only puts your skills on display but also boosts your visibility in the product community. Imagine how impressed the hiring team at Madison would be by your initiative!
✨Utilise Online Communities
Dive into online product management communities like Product Coalition or Mind the Product. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights. These platforms are goldmines for networking and finding hidden job opportunities—many companies often scout talent from within these circles.
✨Leverage Your University Network
If you’ve recently graduated or are still in uni, tap into your alumni network for connections in product management. Many universities have their own job boards and affinity resources to help graduates land roles. Don't forget to keep an eye out for job openings at Madison through your school's career services!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Product Passion:When applying for a product management role like Product Development Manager, let your passion for developing products shine through in your cover letter. Share specific examples of products you've managed, how you solved user needs, and any successful outcomes you've achieved. This is your chance to showcase your understanding of the product lifecycle!
Highlight Your Cross-Functional Skills:Product management isn't just about understanding the product; it’s about collaborating with different teams! Make sure to emphasise your experience working with developers, designers, and marketers. Use your CV to showcase your ability to bridge gaps between these areas, and include relevant experiences that demonstrate your communication and leadership skills!
Include Your Metrics and Achievements:In a full-time product management application, data speaks volumes! Quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you increase user retention by a certain percentage? Launch a product ahead of schedule? Include these metrics in your CV to paint a picture of your impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Make sure your CV is tailored for the Product Development Manager position at Madison. Use keywords from the job description and ensure your relevant experiences are front and centre. Highlight any certifications or relevant training you’ve completed that will make you stand out as a strong candidate for the role. And remember, we’re excited to see your application on our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Madison
✨Understand the Product Life Cycle
As a product management candidate, we need to get our head around the complete product life cycle. Be prepared to discuss real-world examples of how you’ve managed product development from ideation to launch. Bring specific insights on tools like JIRA or Trello that can help streamline these processes.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Skills
Product management is all about collaboration. We should be ready to highlight how we’ve worked across teams—think marketing, engineering, and design. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you had to mediate differing opinions and how you got everyone on board with a shared vision.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In a full-time role, we can expect to encounter case study questions during our interviews. Practise solving hypothetical product problems on the spot, such as prioritising features for a new app or improving user engagement metrics. This will show our analytical thinking and decision-making skills.
✨Know Your Metrics
Let’s face it, numbers are our best friends in product management. We should prepare to discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) and how we've used analytics to inform product decisions. Dive into examples where data has driven our strategy for improvements or justified product changes.
