Product Development Manager

Product Development Manager 

Monday - Friday 08:30 – 17:00 (2 Days Hybrid working Tue - Fri post 3 month probation) 

Recruiting for a Product Development Manager with experience in the health, beauty, skincare, cosmetics, personal care, or wellness sector. This role will lead the development, launch, and lifecycle management of innovative products that meet consumer trends, retailer expectations, and business growth targets.

• Budget Management 
• Account Manager 
• Relationship Building and Management 
• Health and Beauty FMCG Experience 
• Project Management 

Key Responsibilities

Drive product innovation and portfolio growth

Monitor consumer trends, ingredient innovations, competitor activity, and market dynamics within the health and beauty sector.

Identify new product opportunities and gaps in the portfolio, with a focus on skincare, cosmetics, personal care, wellness, and beauty accessories.

Conduct range reviews and performance analysis to optimise the product mix and discontinue underperforming lines.

Manage the end-to-end product development process from concept through launch, including formulation coordination, packaging design, claims, compliance, and artwork approval.

Ensure all new products align with brand positioning, consumer insights, regulatory requirements, and commercial objectives.

Coordinate launch timelines and communicate effectively with Sales, Supply Chain, Logistics, Customer Service, and Marketing teams.

Manage supplier and brand relationships

Build strong relationships with manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, packaging vendors, agencies, and brand principals.

Negotiate pricing, terms, lead times, and marketing support to maximise profitability and value.

Ensure suppliers deliver high standards of quality, service, compliance, and on-time delivery.

Collaborate on marketing and commercial plans

Work closely with internal marketing teams and external agencies to develop and execute brand and product launch plans.

Support trade marketing, promotional activity, and retailer presentations to drive sales and brand awareness.

Provide accurate product information, pricing, forecasts, and presentation materials to the Sales team.

Deliver commercial performance

Manage forecasting, margin analysis, and inventory planning for new and existing products.

Support achievement of sales, profit, and growth targets through data-driven product decisions.

Oversee clearance and discontinued stock strategies to maintain a healthy product portfolio.

Lead and develop the team

Set clear objectives and expectations for direct reports.

Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team culture.

Provide coaching, development, and regular performance feedback.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience in product development within the health and beauty industry, ideally in skincare, cosmetics, personal care, or wellness products.

• Strong understanding of consumer trends, ingredient innovation, packaging, and product lifecycle management.

• Experience managing new product launches from concept to market.

• Commercially astute, with experience in pricing, margin management, and supplier negotiation.

• Excellent project management and multitasking skills, able to manage multiple product launches simultaneously.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills.

• Confident communicator and presenter, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and external partners.

• People management experience, including leading and developing team members.