Head of Product Innovation (UK)

Description of Role Focused on new product creation, the Head of Product Innovation will recruit and lead a team of several Product Design Engineers to pioneer new and better solutions for a range of new products. The role will require : Market Experience – you will have a strong knowledge of the consumer product market in the UK/EU in some of our key categories with a deep understanding of brand and product value propositions Consumer Insight – you will guide our design solutions by forming a complete picture of consumer needs and how new products will address these needs and create a delightful experience Technical leadership – you will be an authority on consumer product technologies, design methodology, solution selection, manufacturing techniques and material selection across multiple product categories. Process adherence – our global IPD process, whilst continuously improving, is well understood and utilized by our teams in China. An important part of the role will be bringing a structured approach to projects to ensure seamless, accurate collaboration. Inspirational leadership – you will bring passion, creativity and drive to build an exciting team committed to product innovation. Attention to detail – we don’t have time for a trial-and-error approach to design and development, we need to use intelligence and analysis to anticipate problems and get it right first time. Resolve – we need a calm, strong, determined leader with the maturity and knowledge to define the best technical paths forward. The ability to listen carefully, question thoroughly, then understand sometimes complex issues and make key decisions is critical for success in this role. Communication – you will be a strong and convincing communicator to your leaders and subordinates, capable of making presentations and leading meetings as well as individual coaching and encouragement. IoT – many of our products are connected by our Vesync app. A good understanding of the consumer experience this enables is critical to the role. Integration – close collaboration with our global teams is necessary for success. You will be an open and willing networker who understands the power of sharing ideas. Experience/Background The role requires a combination of skills likely to be found in a graduate in Product Design Engineering or similar. The candidate will have spent 15+ years in consumer product (NOT consumer electronics) design and development for international markets. This MUST include significant experience in motorized and heated products in categories such as power tools, blenders, vacuum cleaners, air purifiers, ovens, air fryers, etc. With this will come a strong working knowledge of electrical and electronic controls. Recent roles will have included significant leadership responsibilities for multi-disciplinary, technical teams. The candidate must be able to demonstrate hands-on experience designing and developing world-class, successful products. Qualifications At least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant Engineering discipline, a BSc/MSc in Industrial Design Engineering is strongly preferred. This is NOT an Industrial Design role. The candidate must be fluent in English and able to work in the UK.