Product Development Manager - Protective Workwear
hace 2 días
Worcester
Product Development Manager Location: Head Office, PULSAR®, Unit 2 Indurent Park Broomhill, Worcester, WR5 2QR Contract: Permanent, Full Time Hours: Monday–Friday, 37.5 hours per week Hybrid: 1 day per week working from home Benefits: • 25 days holiday (plus an additional 5 days after 10 years’ service), • Company pension scheme About the Role We are looking for an experienced Product Development Manager (7+ years in Product Development) to lead Pulsar’s product development function across our high-performance protective workwear ranges. This role combines people leadership, technical expertise, and hands-on product ownership, with specific responsibility for our Flame Resistant (FR) and Electric Arc ranges, and potential oversight of the Evolution range, which represents PULSAR®’s most highly specified and feature-led products. You will manage and support a team of Product Developers, ensuring products are developed to the highest standards of performance, compliance, quality, and commercial viability, while maintaining robust critical paths and on-time delivery. Key Responsibilities: Product Development Leadership • Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Product Developers, overseeing day-to-day workload, priorities, and performance., • Ensure Product Developers are effectively delivering their responsibilities across product research, development, testing, certification, and bulk production., • Supporting Head of PECS in best practice standards for product development processes, documentation, and technical accuracy., • Support the professional development of the Product Development team through coaching, feedback, and knowledge sharing. Range Ownership & Technical Expertise • Take direct ownership of PULSAR®’s FR and Electric Arc product ranges, acting as the technical authority throughout development and production., • Oversee the Evolution range, ensuring highly specified, feature-rich products meet performance, compliance, and commercial requirements., • Ensure all products are fit for purpose, meet relevant industry standards, and align with brand positioning and customer expectations., • Lead technical decision-making for complex products, materials, constructions, and performance requirements. Product Research & Innovation • Drive innovation across assigned ranges through market research, competitor analysis, and exploration of new materials, technologies, and garment features., • Work closely with fabric mills and suppliers to source and develop materials that improve performance, durability, sustainability, and cost efficiency., • Oversee fabric treatments and advanced garment technologies where required., • Ensure cost prices are reviewed and managed to achieve margin targets across all ranges., • Identify and mitigate technical risks early in the development process, ensuring compliance and on-time delivery. Critical Path & Delivery Management • Manage the product critical paths across all ranges, ensuring Product Developers maintain agreed timelines., • Monitor progress across sampling, testing, certification, and production, proactively addressing risks, delays, and bottlenecks., • Provide accurate weekly updates to the Head PECS on development status, risks, and mitigation plans. Implement changing prioritises as required by the Head of PECS., • Ensure cross-functional alignment with Operations, Sales, and Marketing to support successful product launches. Product Documentation & Specification • Oversee the creation and accuracy of all product documentation, including BOMs, technical files, test reports, and certification documentation., • Ensure consistency and accuracy of specifications, labelling, and compliance documentation across all ranges., • Support and review sampling, fit sessions, and pre-production approvals where required, particularly for complex or high-risk products., • Ensure robust version control and data accuracy across product documentation. Standards, Compliance & Ethics • Ensure all products comply with relevant standards including EN ISO 20471, RIS 3279 TOM, EN 343, ISO 13688, and applicable FR and Electric Arc standards., • Maintain strong working relationships with testing houses and certification bodies., • Monitor changes in standards and regulations, assessing impact and leading implementation across existing and future products., • Work closely with the Head of PECS to ensure products align with PULSAR®’s ethical, sustainability, and compliance commitments. Supply Chain & External Collaboration • Support the identification, onboarding, and qualification of new factory partners and suppliers., • Maintain strong technical relationships with global factories to ensure manufacturing accuracy and product consistency., • Work with external trim and component suppliers on new developments and innovations., • Support continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain. Cross-Functional Collaboration • Act as a key technical interface between Product Development and Sales, Marketing, and Operations., • Support Marketing with technical product information, ensuring accuracy and alignment with launch plans., • Participate in sales meetings, product sign-off sessions, and internal presentations as required. Skills & Experience • Proven experience in a senior Product Development role within protective workwear., • Demonstrable expertise in FR and Electric Arc protective garments (essential)., • Strong understanding of relevant EN standards, certification processes, and technical file submission., • Experience managing and developing Product Developers or similar technical teams., • In-depth knowledge of textile performance, fabric and trim testing, and garment construction for protective wear., • Commercially aware, with experience managing costs, margins, and product viability., • Experience working with global supply chains, including Asia, China, and Europe., • Strong organisational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple ranges and complex critical paths., • Confident communicator, able to work effectively with senior stakeholders, suppliers, and external partners., • High attention to detail and a proactive approach to risk management and continuous improvement., • Strong interest in sustainability, compliance, and ethical product development.