At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product design projects from concept to launch, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.
- Company: Dynamic consumer products company focused on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, private healthcare, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Office-based role with some flexibility for hybrid working in Southampton.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by designing products that meet customer needs and brand standards.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and 4+ years of experience in product design.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
A growing consumer products company is seeking a Lead Product Designer to take ownership of a portfolio of products within its New Product Development function. This is a senior, hands-on role responsible for leading projects from early concept through to production launch, coordinating internal specialists and external manufacturing partners. You will act as the technical and commercial lead for your product category, balancing design quality, cost, and delivery timelines.
Key Responsibilities
- Own end-to-end delivery of multiple product development projects within a defined category
- Lead CAD development of complex assemblies from concept through to production release
- Build and test physical prototypes to validate mechanisms and concepts early
- Coordinate input from product designers, industrial designers, and pattern makers as required
- Manage product cost targets and development budgets
- Work directly with overseas manufacturing partners through sampling and production ramp-up
- Ensure products meet customer expectations, brand standards, and commercial objectives
Requirements
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, Industrial Design, or similar
- 4+ years’ experience delivering complex consumer or physical products to market
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and supplier engagement
- Proficiency in CAD and visualisation tools (e.g. SolidWorks/Rhino, Keyshot, Adobe Suite)
- Confident communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders
- Comfortable leading projects without direct line management responsibility
What’s Offered
- Competitive salary (£40k–£50k depending on experience)
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Private healthcare and pension
- Staff discount
- Office-based role with some flexibility for hybrid working (Southampton area)
Product Design Manager in Southampton employer: Platform Recruitment
As a leading consumer products company, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to take ownership of their projects. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional growth, we ensure that our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the vibrant Southampton area, our office offers a collaborative environment where creativity meets practicality, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to contribute to exciting product developments.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Design Manager in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend design meetups, and connect with fellow designers on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss your projects and the impact they had on previous companies.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their design philosophy and be ready to share how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you’re genuinely interested and invested in their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Design Manager in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Product Design Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading product development projects and your proficiency in CAD tools. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about product design and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role. Be sure to mention any relevant projects you've led.
Showcase Your Portfolio:If you have a portfolio of your work, make sure to include it! We love seeing real examples of your design process and finished products. It helps us understand your style and capabilities better.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing talent out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Platform Recruitment
✨Know Your Portfolio
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of your past projects. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you led product design from concept to launch, highlighting your role in managing budgets and timelines.
✨Master the Technical Details
Brush up on your CAD skills and be prepared to talk about the tools you’ve used, like SolidWorks or Rhino. You might even be asked to demonstrate your knowledge of manufacturing processes, so having a few examples of how you've engaged with suppliers can really set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Even if you haven’t had direct line management experience, think of times when you’ve influenced stakeholders or coordinated teams. Prepare anecdotes that illustrate your ability to lead projects and drive results, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Align with Company Values
Research the company’s products and values before the interview. Be ready to discuss how your design philosophy aligns with their brand standards and customer expectations, showing that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
