Head of Product Development *Fast-growing, purpose-driven FMCG organisation*

JR United Kingdom; St Albans; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing FMCG organisation in St Albans is seeking a Head of Product Development to lead innovation from concept to market. This pivotal role involves shaping product strategy, managing the product lifecycle, and ensuring sustainability in product development. Join a values-driven team committed to creating impactful consumer products.

Benefits

Bonus

Pension

Life Insurance

Holiday

Qualifications

• 5+ years in senior product roles within FMCG, beauty, personal care, or CPG sectors.
• Proven track record of launching innovative products.

Responsibilities

• Shape and refine the product roadmap to align with brand vision.
• Drive the development of scalable, consumer-led products from concept to launch.
• Manage the full product lifecycle from initial concept through to full-scale production.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial Focus

Innovation

Sustainability

Cross-functional Collaboration

Job description

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Head of Product Development ***Fast-growing, purpose-driven FMCG organisation***, st albans

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Client:

Location:

st albans, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

5

Posted:

12.05.2025

Expiry Date:

26.06.2025

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Job Description:

Head of Product Development ***Fast-growing, purpose-driven FMCG organisation***

Salary: £60,000 to £75,000 Per annum + Bonus, Pension, Life Insurance and Holiday

Location: St Albans - Hybrid Working 3 to 4 Days office based

Our client is a high-growth, purpose-led organisation on a mission to reinvent everyday routines through sustainable, design-led innovation. With a rapidly expanding customer base, award-winning momentum, and bold plans for product expansion, they’re seeking a strategic Head of Product to lead end-to-end innovation — from concept and development through to commercialisation and go-to-market execution. This is a pivotal role shaping the future of a fast-scaling, values-driven brand.

Key Responsibilities:

• Shape and refine the product roadmap to align with brand vision, customer needs, and commercial goals
• Prioritise NPD and EPD initiatives using data-driven insights and market trends
• Ensure cross-functional alignment across product, R&D, marketing, operations, and sales

Innovation Leadership

• Drive the development of scalable, consumer-led products from concept to launch
• Establish a balanced development process that fosters creativity while meeting compliance and feasibility requirements
• Lead with a focus on sustainability and sensorial product excellence

Commercialisation & Go-to-Market Execution

• Manage the full product lifecycle — from initial concept through to full-scale production
• Collaborate closely with supply chain and operations to ensure a seamless handover from development to manufacturing
• Ensure all products meet regulatory, safety, and environmental standards

Project & Lifecycle Management

• Implement and oversee robust NPD/EPD frameworks (stage-gate or agile)
• Take ownership of timelines, budgets, KPIs, and delivery milestones
• Continuously optimise the product portfolio through rationalisation, relaunches, and strategic enhancements

Senior Stakeholder Engagement

• Provide regular updates to executive leadership on roadmap progress, risks, and market opportunities
• Foster cross-functional collaboration and maintain clear, consistent communication with internal and external stakeholders

Key Requirements:

• 5+ years in senior product roles within FMCG, beauty, personal care, or CPG sectors
• Proven track record of launching innovative products, ideally in manufacturing or vertically integrated environments
• End-to-end expertise in product lifecycle management — from concept and compliance to packaging, commercialisation, and scale
• Strong commercial focus, with experience in pricing, margin optimisation, and portfolio strategy
• Skilled in stage-gate and agile NPD processes
• Effective cross-functional leader with a track record of managing, mentoring, and aligning high-performing teams
• Experience with natural ingredients and a passion for formulation-led innovation
• Success scaling product innovation in high-growth, fast-paced settings
• Deep commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious product development

? People are at the heart of everything we do. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process that allows everyone to be their authentic self. ️

While we would love to reply to all applicants, due to high application volumes, if you do not hear back within 14 days, unfortunately, the role won’t be progressing. The position may be in the process of closing, so it could be a matter of timing. But no worries! There will be more opportunities. Follow us at Mackenzie Jones Recruitment to stay updated on new openings. ?