Head of Product Development
Salary: £70,000 (Negotiable) + Excellent Benefits
Location: West Yorkshire
A leading UK fabric and soft furnishing manufacturer is looking to appoint a Head of Product Development to lead their product innovation, technical compliance, and process development functions.
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced Head of Product Development to play a central role in driving new product initiatives and technical excellence across a forward-thinking organisation with a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and sustainability.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Product Development & Innovation
* Full ownership and management of the New Product Development (NPD) process.
* Engage directly with customers to understand and adapt to their needs.
* Write detailed product specifications and lead testing/evaluation phases.
* Conduct customer visits and guide the transition of products from concept to scalable production.
* Oversee all costing activity and pre-production processes.
* Write specific procedures to ensure clarity and consistency across teams.
1. Process Development
* Enhance existing plant capabilities and adapt machinery to support new developments.
* Take responsibility for capital expenditure procurement and machinery specification.
* Lead supplier visits and evaluate supplier capabilities.
* Manage installation and commissioning projects end-to-end.
* Develop SOPs, conduct risk assessments, and deliver training programmes.
1. Technical Compliance & Quality
* Maintain ISO 14001 and SMETA accreditations, and write processes to support ISO 9001 certification.
* Ensure FR certification for all upholstery componentry.
* Uphold internal quality systems and engage with customers on technical issues and feedback.
* Verify external development projects and support product evolution based on insights.
1. Procurement & Supply Chain Oversight
* Manage fibre contracts and take specific responsibility for spunbond materials.
* Oversee procurement of consumables, packaging, and spares.
* Make key decisions regarding repairs and machinery investments.
1. Group-Level Responsibilities
* Act as a key liaison for insurance and group-wide health & safety systems.
* Support training across other business units within the group.
* Oversee product development in BF/carding facilities.
* Provide technical leadership across multiple entities within the group.
About You:
We are looking for a driven and hands-on Head of Product Development with a passion for continuous improvement and innovation. You will have extensive experience in technical leadership within manufacturing or materials-based sectors and the ability to lead cross-functional projects from concept through to commercialisation.
You'll be confident working with internal and external stakeholders, possess strong commercial acumen, and bring a detailed understanding of compliance frameworks including ISO standards and product safety regulations.
This role offers the successful Head of Product Development the chance to influence the strategic direction of a growing business and be part of a wider group with exciting plans for expansion and investment.
This vacancy is being advertised by POST- Recruitment Ltd, an Employment Agency. Visit our website for more details.
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