At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative product development from concept to manufacture and drive continuous improvement.
- Company: Dynamic engineering-led manufacturer with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, and benefits package.
- Other info: Join a growing team where your ideas can be implemented quickly.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by designing high-performance products for demanding environments.
- Qualifications: Experience in product-focused engineering and strong 3D CAD skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
We're working with a growing, engineering-led manufacturer delivering high-performance physical products into demanding, real-world environments. This is not theoretical design - these are products that must perform, comply, and last.
They are now looking for a hands-on Product Development leader to take ownership of R&D, design engineering, and continuous product improvement.
The Role
This is a design and development-led engineering role at its core. You'll be responsible for:
- Leading new product development (NPD) from concept through to manufacture
- Owning design decisions, materials selection, and product performance
- Driving product improvement and value engineering across existing ranges
- Translating real customer and site requirements into practical, manufacturable designs
- Embedding structured R&D and innovation processes into the business
- Working closely with production to ensure design for manufacture (DFM) and assembly (DFA)
This is a role for someone who still enjoys being close to the detail - CAD, problem-solving, testing, refining - not just managing from a distance.
What They're Looking For
You'll likely come from a product-focused engineering background, where you've designed and developed physical, manufactured products. Typical backgrounds could include:
- Building products / construction systems
- Fabricated metal or structural products
- Automotive or mechanical equipment
- Rail, infrastructure, utilities or similar regulated environments
You'll bring:
- Proven experience delivering NPD projects end-to-end (concept production)
- Strong 3D CAD capability (SolidWorks, Inventor or similar)
- A deep understanding of materials, manufacturing processes and product performance
- Experience with DFM / DFA and engineering optimisation
- Exposure to testing, validation, FEA or simulation tools
- A mindset focused on improving, evolving and challenging designs
Leadership experience is important - but this is not a "sit back" role. You'll still be hands-on in design and development work.
The Environment
Growing SME with strong technical ambition. Loyal, long-standing team and collaborative culture. Opportunity to shape how products are designed and developed. Fast-moving, where ideas can actually be implemented.
The business is particularly suited to someone who:
- Enjoys building and improving products, not maintaining legacy designs
- Is naturally curious, forward-thinking and commercially aware
- Wants to make a visible impact on a product range and engineering function
Why Join?
Genuine ownership of product development and R&D direction. A role where your designs will be built, used and seen. Strong influence across engineering, operations and commercial teams. Clear opportunity to modernise and elevate the engineering function.
This is an urgent hire and interviews will move quickly for the right profile. For a confidential discussion, contact Emily or Sammy at PWR.
Head of Product Development (Engineering) in Tonbridge employer: Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd
Join a dynamic and innovative engineering-led manufacturer in West Kent, where you will have the opportunity to lead product development from concept to reality. With a collaborative culture and a loyal team, this role offers genuine ownership of R&D and design, allowing you to make a tangible impact on high-performance products that thrive in demanding environments. Enjoy competitive salary packages, bonuses, and a clear path for professional growth in a fast-paced setting that values creativity and hands-on involvement.
Contact Detail:
Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Product Development (Engineering) in Tonbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company, understand their products, and be ready to discuss how your hands-on experience aligns with their needs. We want you to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for product development! Bring examples of your previous work, especially any innovative designs or improvements you've made. We believe that demonstrating your enthusiasm can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We’re here to help you land that dream role in product development!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product Development (Engineering) in Tonbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Product Development:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for product development shine through. We want to see how your hands-on experience and innovative mindset can drive our projects forward. Make sure to highlight specific examples of your past work that align with the role.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic CV! We’re looking for someone who understands our industry and the specifics of the role. Customise your application to reflect your relevant experience in engineering and product design, especially in areas like DFM and materials selection.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills. Remember, we want to quickly understand how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised as we move quickly to fill this position!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the company's product range and their applications. Be ready to discuss how your previous experience aligns with their products and how you can contribute to their development and improvement.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your 3D CAD capabilities and any relevant engineering tools you've used. Bring examples of past projects where you’ve successfully led NPD from concept to manufacture, highlighting your hands-on approach and problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Style
While leadership experience is crucial, they want someone who is still hands-on. Be prepared to discuss how you balance leading a team while being actively involved in design and development work. Share specific examples of how you've motivated teams and driven innovation.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in their processes and culture. Inquire about their current challenges in product development or how they envision the future of their product lines. This demonstrates your curiosity and forward-thinking mindset.
