Product Development Manager

Product Development Manager

Position: Product Development Manager

Location: North West

Salary: Depending on Experience

Job Reference No: B006

Recruiting Consultant: Olivia

Consultant Tel:  0161 511 0655

Email:  olivia@dwrecruitment.co.uk

Details

Product Development Manager

As our brand continues to grow, we are seeking a confident, proactive, and highly organised Product Development Manager to join our dynamic team.

You will be responsible for sourcing, developing, and delivering innovative, balanced product ranges across the UW Home portfolio and our customers’ Own Label lines. This role covers the full development process — from concept and design through to approval and performance review — ensuring alignment with company objectives and key performance indicators. You’ll also act as a role model for your team, consistently demonstrating the core values of UW Home.

Key Responsibilities

Trend & Market Research

• Stay informed on current and emerging market trends.
• Research and identify new product opportunities to strengthen our portfolio.
• Conduct comprehensive competitor and market analysis.
• Analyse customer data to uncover insights, needs, and gaps in the market.
• Prepare detailed market intelligence reports, such as benchmarking studies, new product overviews, and category analyses.
• Keep up to date with sustainability initiatives, innovations, and advancements in manufacturing and materials.

Strategic Planning

• Partner with the Merchandising and Commercial teams to review product performance and sales data.
• Use analytical insights to inform decisions, adapt strategies, and optimise product ranges.
• Produce analytical documents, including range reviews, SWOT analyses, and product performance grids.
• Work closely with commercial teams to shape customer strategies.
• Lead the product development vision with an emphasis on creativity and innovation.
• Identify products that align with brand values, customer expectations, and pricing strategies.
• Explore cross-costing and sourcing efficiencies for FOB customers.
• Integrate sustainability into every sourcing decision and look for innovative ways to expand our eco-friendly range.
• Respond quickly to market shifts, emerging trends, and competitor activity by adjusting plans accordingly.

Product Development, Range Build & Sign-Off

• Oversee the entire product lifecycle — from initial concept through to launch and post-launch evaluation.
• Build and manage a balanced range framework, ensuring a strong product mix and clear price architecture.
• Ensure all products are commercially viable and meet targets for cost, margin, MOQ, and lead times.
• Collaborate with the design team to produce detailed briefs and CAD concepts.
• Work with Supply Chain and Quality teams to develop accurate product specifications that meet compliance, quality, and performance standards.
• Source and develop products globally, with a primary focus on suppliers in China and Pakistan.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term supplier partnerships.
• Maintain an accurate and up-to-date range plan for both existing and upcoming lines.
• Ensure all new ranges have approved samples, confirmed costs, and finalised MOQs.
• Present product sign-offs to the Executive Team, including strategy, data analysis, and rationale behind the proposed range.
• Deliver engaging presentations of market insights and new product concepts to customers.
• Clearly communicate new developments and launches across internal teams.
• Be available for international supplier visits as required.

Documentation & Process Management

• Produce detailed market intelligence reports.
• Manage critical paths to ensure timely product development and accurate information capture.
• Oversee sample tracking and administration for all product developments.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date range plans.
• Prepare and issue customer quotations.
• Verify supplier quotes for accuracy and maintain orderly documentation.