At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead RF product management, identifying market needs and driving product strategy.
- Company: Plextek, a leader in engineering and strategic innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities and a friendly culture near Cambridge.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping innovative technologies for a sustainable future.
- Qualifications: 10 years of product management experience in the defence industry.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Your new career starts here with Plextek.
VISION
Plextek is a leading choice for employees and customers for exceptional engineering and strategic innovation to create better, safer, and more sustainable technologies and products.
OUR VALUES AND BELIEFS
Being a responsible business, we work with integrity and honesty. We share success with our people and our communities. We embrace diversity in outlook and work as a team with colleagues, customers, and suppliers to provide the best technical solution and professional service experience. We empower each other, we’re adaptable, show initiative, and deliver on our commitments together.
THE ROLE
We are seeking an experienced RF Product Manager to take responsibility for our range of products and potential products in the Modular EW / Counter UAS / Seekers domains. The primary purpose of the role is to own the commercial viability of RF products by identifying customer needs, market opportunities, and commercial positioning. Working closely with the relevant Sales Manager (closing deals) on one hand and the Delivery Manager (determining how to build and deliver the product) on the other, you will be responsible for producing:
- Landscape reviews: competitor analyses / product horizon scanning / regulatory landscape / IP landscape etc.
- Market requirements documents (MRD) or Customer use case documents
- Product vision and roadmap, with features / specifications prioritised based on commercial value and technical trade-offs
- Business cases for IRAD investment, product pricing strategy
- Product data sheets and specifications
Your role will encompass the following activities:
- Define target markets, customer segments, and priority accounts (in line with our broader GTM strategy)
- Define product positioning and differentiation versus competitors; balance bespoke or short-term customer demands against scalable or long-term product strategy
- Lead marketing and customer discovery activities (customer interviews, trade show engagement etc.), in order to gather market requirements and translate customer pain points into commercially meaningful product requirements
- Own customer-facing value proposition and messaging (working closely with sales and marketing); build and maintain relationships with strategic customers and partners
- Identify opportunities for externally funded or co-funded capability development that reduces the need for IRAD investment
- Negotiate scope / performance / cost trade-offs; resolve conflicts between commercial desirability and technical feasibility
- Engage with CTO and technical leadership to align product strategy with company technology roadmap, horizon scanning, and long-term capability investments; and provide structured feedback on emerging market needs, technology gaps, and opportunities observed through customer engagement
This is a new role as we expand our business from its consultancy origins into the world of product development, so in addition to the core responsibilities listed above, we will also be looking to you to support us in this transition and growth, providing us with guidance and advice on suitable product management frameworks, governance structures etc.
THE PERSON
The ideal candidate will have:
- A proven track record (~10 years) of successful and effective product management in the defence industry
- Good communication skills – equally able to interface with the engineering delivery team, the sales and marketing teams, and customers
- A solid understanding of the Modular EW / Counter UAS / Seekers markets as they relate to Plextek’s capabilities in low-SWAP RF sensing, comms and radar
- Enough technical understanding of the relevant concepts and technologies to be able to engage effectively with internal delivery teams and technically capable customers
THE REWARDS
We offer an excellent package, a stimulating environment, and a real interest in your development to encourage you to achieve your full potential. We are a versatile business, able to support career progression as appropriate. We are based just south of Cambridge with easy road and rail routes to the city centre. We provide a friendly and supportive working environment, including regular on-site and off-site social events.
Details
Location: CB10 1NY
Position: RF Product Manager
Placement: Permanent
RF Product Manager employer: Plextek
Plextek is an exceptional employer that prioritises integrity, diversity, and employee empowerment, making it a fantastic place for a Marketing Executive to thrive. Located in Great Chesterford, Essex, the company offers a hybrid working model, fostering a collaborative work culture that encourages personal growth and innovation. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on creating sustainable technologies, Plextek provides meaningful opportunities for employees to contribute to impactful projects while enjoying a supportive team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land RF Product Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like RF Product Manager at Plextek!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Plextek or be willing to refer you for that RF Product Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Plextek who’s on the lookout for their next RF Product Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time RF Product Manager role at Plextek!
We think you need these skills to ace RF Product Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Plextek. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Plextek
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Plextek. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
