Product Development Manager
4 days ago
Leeds
Are you an experienced project manager with a passion for NPD? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments where no two days are the same? Do you enjoy taking a project from concept through to launch, making sure deadlines are hit and costs are under control? Are you a problem-solver who knows when to adapt and pivot? If you’re looking for a role that will develop you, and give you the opportunity to progress, this could be your next move. We’re working with a well-known personal care brand, recognised for delivering high-quality products and exceptional customer experiences. With a turnover of £1 million and ambitious plans for international expansion over the next five years, they are a true powerhouse in their sector. What really sets them apart is their people. The team is collaborative, close-knit and genuinely enjoy working together. You’ll be joining under a manager who is highly respected, having been promoted multiple times within the business. They have a proven track record of building successful teams, championing progression, and giving people the opportunity to shine. If you’re looking for a company where you’ll be supported, developed and able to build a long-term career, this is the place. The Role As Product Development Manager, you’ll be the driving force behind bringing new products to market. This isn’t a lab-based role, it’s about steering the entire process, coordinating with global partners, and ensuring projects move forward smoothly and efficiently. You’ll be involved from concept to launch: shaping ideas, managing timelines, keeping costs on track, and making sure products meet both regulatory standards and customer expectations. Key responsibilities include: • Taking ownership of projects from initial concept through to launch, ensuring delivery on time, within budget and to specification., • Working closely with international manufacturers and suppliers (Turkey, US, China) to keep projects moving., • Acting as the central point of communication, ensuring stakeholders are kept updated on progress, risks and changes., • Developing and maintaining project plans, budgets, and timelines., • Supporting product validation, compliance, and approval processes., • Building business cases for new products using consumer, market, and business insights., • Negotiating with suppliers on costs and specifications to ensure commercial viability., • Partnering cross-functionally with Commercial, Finance, Regulatory, Quality, Operations, and Packaging teams. What We’re Looking For We’re looking for someone who combines strong organisational skills with commercial awareness, and who can bring people along with them. You’ll be confident making decisions, spotting risks early, and ensuring projects don’t lose momentum. Skills and experience: • Proven track record of managing projects end-to-end, ideally in regulated sectors (cosmetics, medical devices, FMCG, or similar)., • Excellent organisational skills, able to keep multiple moving parts under control., • Strong communication skills, with the ability to adapt across different teams, cultures, and seniority levels., • Analytical mindset, confident interpreting data and using insights to guide decisions., • Ability to spot when changes are needed and drive them forward., • Commercial awareness, understanding of P&L, COGs, GP and how they influence decision-making., • A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with genuine enthusiasm for developing new products., • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint). Why Join? • A business with ambitious international growth plans., • A manager who invests in their team and is committed to developing people., • A collaborative, supportive culture where people enjoy what they do., • The chance to take real ownership of projects and be involved in every step of the process., • Clear opportunities for progression and career development. If this sounds like the right fit for you, don’t wait – apply today and take the next step in your career!