991 Product Manager jobs in the United Kingdom

Shape the future of heavy engineering innovation as the Product Development Manager – lead global product development from Gloucester with international travel and top-tier benefits.

This is your chance to join a globally recognised engineering innovator supplying complex mechanical products to a worldwide customer base. With cutting-edge design, hands-on manufacturing and deep-rooted industry partnerships, this business values agility, precision and international collaboration. You'll be part of a forward-thinking leadership team driving next-generation product innovation.

• Salary from £50,000 to £5,000 , depending on experience

• Bonus scheme of 5,000 to 0,000 based on clear performance milestones

• 23 days holiday (TBC) plus bank holidays

• Private healthcare

• Company pension scheme

• International travel to China and Europe

• Ongoing training and development opportunities

• Progression to senior leadership roles

• Autonomy to shape product strategy and innovation

As Product Development Manager , you will be pivotal in leading product lifecycle strategy for a market-leading portfolio. This cross-functional leadership role will see you liaise directly with engineering, operations, sales, marketing, and the CEO. You’ll ensure products are commercially viable, fit-for-market, and manufactured profitably, especially within international supply chains. Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing new product development and innovation (NPI)

• Conducting market research to identify product demand and customer pain points

• Collaborating with design and engineering teams to ensure product feasibility

• Working closely with suppliers—particularly in China—to ensure build quality, specification compliance and profitability

• Identifying and resolving issues around product quality, material performance (e.g. steel), and operational fit

• Championing the customer voice internally while aligning with commercial objectives

• Supporting the CEO and wider SLT with product strategy insights and implementation

To succeed as a Product Development Manager , you’ll bring a mix of engineering know-how, commercial acumen and leadership confidence. You could be a seasoned project or product manager—or a senior mechanical engineer ready to step up. We’re open to exceptional junior candidates with hands-on mechanical experience and a commercial mindset.

You will need:

• Experience in mechanical or product engineering (pneumatics/hydraulics)

• Previous exposure to project management and/or design environments

• Commercial awareness with ability to assess product profitability and customer needs

• Confidence liaising with international teams, particularly in Asia

• Full eligibility and flexibility to travel globally

• Experience in sectors such as construction plant, utilities, drilling, agricultural equipment, or heavy machinery is ideal

Product Development Manager, Mechanical Engineering Manager, Product development manager, Project Manager, Design Engineer, R&D Manager, NPI Manager, Manufacturing Engineer, Commercial Engineer, Senior Mechanical Engineer, Technical Product Manager

Apply today to learn more about this exciting international leadership opportunity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

The Company:

Our client is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance antifoaming agents. They are currently seeking a motivated and innovative individual to join their team as Product Development Manager. Offering a salary between £26,000 - £32,000pa, depending on qualifications and experience.

Location:

The Product Development Manager role will be based at the company's site in Lancashire, on a full-time, permanent basis.

Job Summary:

The Product Development Manager is responsible for leading the development and enhancement of chemical products, ensuring they meet customer demands, administering requirements, and company objectives.

Your main duties will be:

• Collaborate with in-house chemists to develop and trial innovative products.
• Research new raw materials and formulations; monitor industry trends.
• Conduct competitor analysis.
• Enhance existing products for performance and cost-efficiency.
• Lead multiple development projects, ensuring timely execution within set deadlines.
• Track product performance and completion by liaising with customers, our in-house customer service team, and sales.
• Coordinate with production and regulatory teams to ensure timely, consistent product launches.

Your Background:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
• Industrial experience preferred.
• Driving license.
• Detail-oriented with strong organisational skills.
• Experience in the pulp and paper industry would be advantageous.
• Strong relationship-building skills, internal and external.
• Proficient in IT and lab software.

NPD / Product Development Manager role within a category leading healthy food brand

Location: Dorset (office based)

Salary: £45-50k plus package

Our client:

• Our client is a global branded food manufacturer with instantly recognisable leading brands
• A business with strong brand heritage producing sustainably sourced natural and healthy food
• This person will lead new and existing product development (NPD & EPD) bringing the product pipeline to life

The role:

• We are seeking an experienced product development manager to lead the development of NPD and improve the existing range
• Work closely with the marketing team to ensure innovation plans are delivered in line with business strategy
• Develop product concepts and manage the 5 year innovation pipeline

Ideal candidate:

• Food related degree qualification
• NPD experience within an FMCG environment
• Experience of developing a product pipeline
• Knowledge of the stage gate process
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Organised and time management
• Results driven
• Passionate about food!

Please send your CV using the form on this page, quoting reference 9/17428/7 Confidentiality assured.

Whilst we would like to respond to all our on-line applicants, regrettably we are unable to do so due to the high volumes we receive. If you do not hear back within 14 days unfortunately the relevant consultant has decided not to progress with your application. For alternative opportunities please search our vacancies on our website.

Seven Search & Selection Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary (interim) workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C’s, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found on our website.

Join a Science-Led Consumer Healthcare Pioneer on an Exciting Growth Journey

Are you ready to be part of something extraordinary? At Alliance, we're a dynamic, science-led consumer healthcare organisation specialising in advanced skincare solutions and vitamins, minerals & supplements (VMS). Backed by innovation and driven by purpose, we're on an exciting journey of transformation and growth — expanding our reach, enhancing our brands, and bringing cutting-edge products to more consumers across the globe.

As we continue to evolve, we’re looking for passionate, curious, and driven individuals to join us. If you’re excited by the opportunity to shape the future of health and wellness in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment — this is your moment.

The purpose of Product Development Manager is to

• Execute Alliance’s innovation strategy by building a robust pipeline of innovative products for all EMEA brands to unlock growth within the EMEA region.
• Manage the full concept-to-commercialization lifecycle, ensuring timely delivery of market-ready innovations.
• Be based in the UK within the Global Innovation and Scientific Affairs team , with close collaboration with the broader Innovation and Development teams based in China & US to ensure global alignment and leverage shared insights and capabilities.
• Work cross-functionally with Consumer Insights, Marketing, Commercial, Regulatory, Supply, Procurement and external contract R&D and manufacturing partners to identify new ingredients, technologies, and delivery systems, and to develop clinically supported, consumer-relevant products.

What you will be doing

Innovation Pipeline Development

• Lead the development of a forward-looking innovation pipeline for Alliance products, aligned with business goals, and advances in scientific development, and consumer needs to unlock growth in EMEA and support geo-expansion.
• Drive the execution of product development initiatives by transforming strategic concepts into differentiated, compliant, and commercially viable products, while mitigating risks, meeting timelines and budget.
• Troubleshoot formulation challenges (e.g., solubility, stability, bioavailability, compatibility) and implement risk-mitigation strategies
• Identify and evaluate emerging trends, technologies, and ingredients by attending industry trade shows, conferences, and webinars where relevant
• Support continued growth through due diligence of potential product / technology acquisitions, identifying & managing risks & opportunities
• Support international registrations by providing input to build high quality regulatory submissions

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Orchestrate both within and cross-functional input from Commercial, Regulatory, Translational Science and Procurement to ensure product concepts are feasible, competitive, compliant, and commercially viable.
• Collaborate closely with the US & China Innovation teams to align on global strategy, ways of working, share insights, and coordinate development efforts where appropriate.
• Partner with Translational Science to ensure product claims are substantiated by robust clinical data and evidence.

External Innovation Partner Development:

• Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with CMOs, identifying new partners based on their innovation capabilities and technical expertise.
• Collaborate with Procurement to maintain a comprehensive database of partner capabilities, innovation platforms and manufacturing technologies.

What we are looking for

Education and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in life sciences, chemistry, cosmetic science, or a related field
• Extensive experience in cosmetics, or medical devices, dermatology, or health-related CPG industries, with focus on innovation, product and or packaging development.

Technical Skills:

• Strong scientific writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate scientific concepts into compelling product narratives.
• Strong understanding of clinical research, ingredient science and regulatory frameworks relevant to cosmetics, supplements, or medical devices.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (medical devices, cosmetics, supplements preferred).

Leadership and Collaboration:

• Experience managing external R&D and manufacturing partners.
• Effective collaborator with the ability to build relationships across geographical, cultural, and functional boundaries.
• Comfortable working in a hybrid, fast-paced, matrixed environment across global time zones.
• Strong communicator and natural problem solver.
• Passion for innovation and a keen eye for emerging trends and technologies.
• Willingness to travel (1-2 per quarter).
• Proficient in written and spoken English.

We offer great benefits which include.

• Competitive salary and discretionary bonus.
• 25 days holiday per annum + one celebration day + one volunteering day + plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata)
• Option to buy an additional 10-days holiday per annum (subject to start date).
• Pension – doubled up to a maximum of 10% (EG – If you as an employee contribute 5% and above, Alliance will contribute 10%, or if you contribute 4% Alliance will contribute 8%)
• Life assurance – 4 x basic salary
• Health cash plan and Private medical cover free for the employee, with the option to add a partner, and children to up to the age of 24 in full time education.
• Eye care assistance (every 2 years)
• Free annual flu vaccine
• Employee assistance programme which incorporates “Perks at Work” (retailer and gym membership discounts),
• Cycle scheme for electric and push bikes
• Electric vehicle scheme with Tusker (terms apply)
• Agile working, and family friendly policies.
• Global employee recognition scheme.
• Employee referral scheme - £1,000 for a successful hire

If you are looking to make a difference and be part of something exciting, we’d love to hear from you

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a New Product Development (NPD) Manager to join a fast-growing and award-winning food manufacturer based in South Wales. With a strong track record of innovation and a dynamic pipeline of new product launches planned over the coming years, the business is currently investing in a brand-new, purpose-built test kitchen to support future growth.

This role is ideal for a passionate foodie who enjoys working with ingredients and wants to be hands-on in developing both branded and own-label products from concept to launch.

Reporting directly to the Head of Commercial, you'll lead the end-to-end NPD process and manage a small, skilled team including a Packaging Technologist and an NPD Process Technician. Working cross-functionally with Commercial, Technical, Operations, and Marketing teams, you'll play a pivotal role in delivering innovation that meets both customer and commercial needs.

• Lead and manage the full NPD lifecycle, from initial concept through to market launch.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and successful project delivery.
• Oversee and support the development of direct reports in packaging and process development roles.
• Partner with National Account Managers and Brand teams to translate market insights into winning products.
• Conduct market trend and competitor analysis to drive innovation and identify opportunities.
• Manage critical paths, resources, and budgets to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery.
• Maximise use of the new test kitchen facility for creative development, trials, and presentations.
• Support product trials, shelf-life testing, and internal/external product showcases.

• Strong background in food NPD, ideally within dairy, spreads, or similar chilled categories.
• Passion for food, ingredients, and innovation.
• Proven experience managing the concept-to-launch process.
• Skilled in leading and developing teams.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple functions and levels.

• 45,000 salary
• 33 days holiday
• Full benefits to be discussed

Bennett & Game Recruitment are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.

We are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy, and in accordance with GDPR by applying you are granting us consent to process your data, contact you about the services we offer, and submit your CV for the role you have applied for.

Your new company
Hays are delighted to be working closely with this exceptional manufacturing success story. One, that, over the last 15 years, has continued to go from strength to strength. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic and collaborative team, where you'll play a key role in the day-to-day leadership of the NPD (New Product Development) department.
Your new role

• Manage, mentor, and support the development of the NPD Team.
• Deputise for the Head of NPD as required, supporting leadership continuity across the department.
• Develop new recipes in collaboration with the Head of NPD, both internally and with flavour houses, in response to customer briefs.
• Translate market trends into commercially viable concepts, both for branded projects and proactive customer proposals.
• Adapt recipes to meet factory requirements and support the scale-up and optimisation of manufacturing processes.
• Manage multiple product development projects from concept through to launch, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to specification.
• Create and maintain detailed project timelines (critical paths) to drive accountability and transparency across departments.
• Coordinate and manage all product trials and first productions, ensuring successful handover to operations.
• Liaise effectively with internal teams, including operations, technical, supply chain, and commercial, throughout the development process.
• Lead and facilitate cross-functional meetings (e.g. Liquid Meetings) to align project stakeholders and track progress.
• Attend and contribute to customer and supplier meetings, responding to queries and supporting ongoing development projects.
• Present new product concepts and final developments to customers.
• Write and approve finished product specifications in accordance with customer and legal requirements.
• Review and approve product artworks, ensuring they are accurate and compliant.
• Support the supplier and raw material approval process where necessary.
• Conduct regular benchmarking and research into market trends, emerging ingredients, and evolving consumer preferences.
• Use insight to inform NPD pipeline planning and inspire new concept creation.

What you'll need to succeed

• 5+ years' experience in a development role
• Level 4 HACCP and Level 4 Food Safety within Manufacturing qualifications
• Strong attention to detail
• Experience of working with retailers and/or brands.
• Be able to prioritise where applicable and work to deadlines.

What you'll get in return

• 31 days annual leave including bank holidays.
• Additional leave with service milestones (up to 4 extra days).
• Healthcare cash plan.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Financial wellbeing app with access to professional coaching.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
• Up to 10 days company sick pay annually.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)

Your new company
Hays are delighted to be working closely with this exceptional manufacturing success story. One, that, over the last 15 years, has continued to go from strength to strength. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic and collaborative team, where you'll play a key role in the day-to-day leadership of the NPD (New Product Development) department.
Your new role

• Manage, mentor, and support the development of the NPD Team.
• Deputise for the Head of NPD as required, supporting leadership continuity across the department.
• Develop new recipes in collaboration with the Head of NPD, both internally and with flavour houses, in response to customer briefs.
• Translate market trends into commercially viable concepts, both for branded projects and proactive customer proposals.
• Adapt recipes to meet factory requirements and support the scale-up and optimisation of manufacturing processes.
• Manage multiple product development projects from concept through to launch, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to specification.
• Create and maintain detailed project timelines (critical paths) to drive accountability and transparency across departments.
• Coordinate and manage all product trials and first productions, ensuring successful handover to operations.
• Liaise effectively with internal teams, including operations, technical, supply chain, and commercial, throughout the development process.
• Lead and facilitate cross-functional meetings (e.g. Liquid Meetings) to align project stakeholders and track progress.
• Attend and contribute to customer and supplier meetings, responding to queries and supporting ongoing development projects.
• Present new product concepts and final developments to customers.
• Write and approve finished product specifications in accordance with customer and legal requirements.
• Review and approve product artworks, ensuring they are accurate and compliant.
• Support the supplier and raw material approval process where necessary.
• Conduct regular benchmarking and research into market trends, emerging ingredients, and evolving consumer preferences.
• Use insight to inform NPD pipeline planning and inspire new concept creation.

What you'll need to succeed

• 5+ years' experience in a development role
• Level 4 HACCP and Level 4 Food Safety within Manufacturing qualifications
• Strong attention to detail
• Experience of working with retailers and/or brands.
• Be able to prioritise where applicable and work to deadlines.

What you'll get in return

• 31 days annual leave including bank holidays.
• Additional leave with service milestones (up to 4 extra days).
• Healthcare cash plan.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Financial wellbeing app with access to professional coaching.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
• Up to 10 days company sick pay annually.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a New Product Development (NPD) Manager to join a fast-growing and award-winning food manufacturer based in South Wales. With a strong track record of innovation and a dynamic pipeline of new product launches planned over the coming years, the business is currently investing in a brand-new, purpose-built test kitchen to support future growth.

This role is ideal for a passionate foodie who enjoys working with ingredients and wants to be hands-on in developing both branded and own-label products from concept to launch.

Reporting directly to the Head of Commercial, you'll lead the end-to-end NPD process and manage a small, skilled team including a Packaging Technologist and an NPD Process Technician. Working cross-functionally with Commercial, Technical, Operations, and Marketing teams, you'll play a pivotal role in delivering innovation that meets both customer and commercial needs.

• Lead and manage the full NPD lifecycle, from initial concept through to market launch.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and successful project delivery.
• Oversee and support the development of direct reports in packaging and process development roles.
• Partner with National Account Managers and Brand teams to translate market insights into winning products.
• Conduct market trend and competitor analysis to drive innovation and identify opportunities.
• Manage critical paths, resources, and budgets to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery.
• Maximise use of the new test kitchen facility for creative development, trials, and presentations.
• Support product trials, shelf-life testing, and internal/external product showcases.

• Strong background in food NPD, ideally within dairy, spreads, or similar chilled categories.
• Passion for food, ingredients, and innovation.
• Proven experience managing the concept-to-launch process.
• Skilled in leading and developing teams.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple functions and levels.

• 45,000 salary
• 33 days holiday
• Full benefits to be discussed

Bennett & Game Recruitment are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.

We are acting as a Recruitment Agency in relation to this vacancy, and in accordance with GDPR by applying you are granting us consent to process your data, contact you about the services we offer, and submit your CV for the role you have applied for.

NPD Manager

London - 4 days/week in the office 1 day from home

Role Overview

Reporting directly to the Head of Creative, you will be responsible for managing the end-to-end delivery of products—ensuring timely, cost-effective execution from project initiation through to market launch. This includes securing stakeholder buy-in and approvals at key stages, while maintaining the highest quality standards throughout.

Leveraging strong project management expertise and a deep understanding of the drinks industry, you’ll work across all business sites to proactively identify and manage the impacts and interdependencies of new product development (NPD). Your scope will include overseeing development within categories such as whisky, rum, and cognac.

You will also be tasked with identifying and developing opportunities to collaborate with local artisans for the creation of branded merchandise—both for retail and online platforms—as well as POS materials. This may extend to the development of food products and packaging innovations.

Working closely with the in-house creative team, you’ll take ownership of sourcing dry goods including labels, bottles, cartons, and corks, ensuring alignment with brand standards and timelines.

This is a unique opportunity for a driven and detail-oriented professional to join a dynamic organisation undergoing rapid growth and operational transformation.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Execution

• Develop and manage comprehensive project plans for NPD initiatives, outlining key milestones, timelines, resource allocations, and decision points to ensure timely delivery.

Project Briefs

• Create and communicate clear project timelines and briefs, covering design and packaging scope, pricing structures, value and volume metrics, cost of goods, and distribution strategies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with in-house project managers to execute NPD projects across creative, marketing, production, sales, and external agencies.
• Coordinate with resources at both head office and production sites to meet stakeholder expectations, ensuring accountability and seamless execution of line extensions and new brand concepts.

Stakeholder Communication & Management

• Maintain consistent communication with all internal and external stakeholders throughout the NPD lifecycle.
• Lead and facilitate internal/external NPD meetings, in partnership with project managers, ensuring agendas, minutes, actions, and updates are documented and shared.
• Monitor and manage risks, issues, and deliverables to ensure alignment with project priorities and deadlines.

Relationship Management

• Build strong, collaborative relationships across suppliers and internal teams.
• Ensure packaging reflects company's commitment to sustainability while maintaining premium quality, by selecting environmentally responsible materials and solutions.

Budget Management

• Oversee project budgets, ensuring resources are used efficiently and financial goals are met.

Product Testing & Quality Assurance

• Manage pre-launch testing and quality checks to ensure all products meet defined standards and specifications.
• Conduct site visits to bottling halls as needed to verify that packaging and design meet production standards.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Mitigation

• Ensure all new products adhere to applicable regulations and industry standards.
• Proactively identify potential risks and implement mitigation strategies to safeguard project outcomes.

Post-Launch Evaluation

• Conduct evaluations following product launches to measure performance and gather insights for future improvements.

Requirements

• Deep knowledge of supply chain and operations, ideally within the drinks or FMCG sectors
• Proven experience with logistics planning, label compliance and international goods movement
• Strong track record in category innovation, including packaging and POS development
• In-depth understanding of the drinks industry
• Demonstrated project management expertise with the ability to drive complex initiatives to successful completion