Director, Product Management ADS (RTT)

Rapiscan Systems; Salfords; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Rapiscan Systems is seeking an experienced Director of Product Management to shape the Aviation Detection Security portfolio. This leadership role will define the future direction of products serving demanding aviation security customers, balancing technology, market needs, regulatory requirements, and commercial objectives.

You will lead cross‑functional teams to develop long-term roadmaps, manage lifecycle decisions, and ensure products meet schedule, cost, quality, and performance targets

Qualifications

• Significant product management leadership experience in a technical/engineering-driven environment.
• Proven track record owning end-to-end lifecycle of complex products.
• Experience developing product strategies, roadmaps, and business cases that drive growth.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute long-term product vision, strategy, and roadmap for Aviation Detection Security portfolio.
• Own complete product lifecycle from concept through development, launch, growth, sustainment and end-of-life.
• Translate customer needs into clear product requirements and development priorities.
• Lead new product development through IPDP and collaborate with Engineering and Technology teams.
• Support commercial growth through product positioning, pricing strategies, and portfolio optimization.
• Engage cross-functional teams and stakeholders to drive product success and governance.

Skills

Product leadership

Lifecycle management

Strategic planning

Cross-functional leadership

Market research

Stakeholder engagement

Commercial acumen

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, marketing, product management, or related field

Job description

Overview

Rapiscan Systems is a global leader in detection technology, delivering advanced cargo and vehicle inspection systems for ports, borders, military installations, high‑threat facilities, and checkpoints. Our cutting‑edge X‑ray solutions—ranging from low to high energy—help combat terrorism, drug smuggling, illegal immigration, and trade fraud. With a commitment to innovation, quality, and imaging excellence, we empower our customers to detect threats and contraband with confidence.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Product Management to lead the strategy, development, and lifecycle management of our Aviation Detection Security (ADS) portfolio. This highly influential leadership position is responsible for defining the future direction of a portfolio that serves some of the world’s most demanding aviation security customers. Working at the intersection of technology, customer needs, regulatory requirements, and commercial objectives, you will ensure our products continue to lead the market in performance, compliance, innovation, and profitability.

Responsibilities

Strategic Product Leadership

• Develop and execute the long‑term product vision, strategy, and roadmap for the Aviation Detection Security portfolio.
• Define market‑driven product strategies that support business growth, customer satisfaction, and profitability objectives.

Product Lifecycle Management

• Own the complete product lifecycle from concept through development, launch, growth, sustainment, and end‑of‑life management.
• Develop and maintain product roadmaps that balance customer requirements, technological innovation, and business priorities.
• Manage lifecycle decisions relating to product rationalisation, enhancements, upgrades, and discontinuation strategies.

Product Requirements & Voice Of Customer

• Serve as the voice of the customer throughout the product development process.
• Translate complex technical and operational needs into clear product requirements and development priorities.
• Work closely with customers, sales teams, service organisations, and industry stakeholders to understand emerging market demands.

New Product Development & Innovation

• Lead the introduction of new products through the Integrated Product Development Process (IPDP).
• Collaborate with Engineering and Technology teams to define product requirements and development priorities.
• Ensure development programmes meet schedule, cost, quality, and performance objectives.

Commercial Leadership

• Support strategic business growth through product positioning, pricing strategies, and portfolio optimisation.
• Provide subject matter expertise for major bids, proposals, customer presentations, and commercial negotiations.
• Partner with regional sales teams across EMEA, APAC, and North America to support forecasting, business planning, and investment prioritisation activities.

Market & Competitive Intelligence

• Conduct detailed market research and competitor analysis.
• Identify emerging technologies, market trends, adjacent growth opportunities, and potential partnerships.

Regulatory Compliance & Certification

• Ensure all products meet applicable aviation security regulations and international certification standards.
• Work closely with Certification, Regulatory Affairs, and Quality teams on certification strategy and ongoing compliance.
• Anticipate regulatory changes and ensure product roadmaps reflect future certification requirements.

Manufacturing, Operations & Service Support

• Partner with Operations and Manufacturing teams to ensure successful product introduction and sustainment.
• Support product transfers, production readiness activities, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Provide escalation support for critical product issues affecting customers or operational performance.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead cross‑functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.
• Foster collaboration across Product Management, Engineering, Operations, Marketing, Sales, Service, Regulatory, and Executive Leadership teams.

Qualifications

• Significant product management leadership experience within a technical, engineering‑led, or technology‑driven environment.
• Proven track record owning the end‑to‑end lifecycle of complex products.
• Experience developing product strategies, roadmaps, and business cases that drive measurable business growth.

Preferred Experience

• Aviation security, X‑ray inspection, security screening, defence, aerospace, transportation technology, or other regulated industries.
• Experience managing hardware, software, and integrated technology solutions.
• Familiarity with certification and compliance frameworks such as ECAC, STAC, ACSTL, TSA, or related aviation security standards.
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems and change control processes.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, Marketing, Product Management, or a related field.