Product Development Manager

Lime Talent; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a dynamic Product Development Manager to oversee innovative homeware ranges across UK retail channels. This mid-senior level role emphasizes driving new product opportunities while ensuring market trends are met. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in product development within homewares and a strong understanding of the UK retail landscape. The position offers a full-time employment opportunity with competitive engagement in cross-functional collaborations.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in product development or category management within homewares or seasonal goods.
• Strong understanding of the UK retail landscape.
• Excellent project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end product development process for homewares.
• Identify new product opportunities in existing and emerging categories.
• Collaborate with design and sourcing to develop product concepts.
• Ensure timelines, cost targets, and quality standards are met.

Skills

Product development

Category management

Project management

Communication skills

Creative vision

Job description

Direct message the job poster from Lime Talent

We are seeking a dynamic and commercially astute Product Development Manager to lead the creation and delivery of innovative homeware ranges across key UK retail channels. This role will drive new category development and ensure products remain at the forefront of market trends, delivering both creative and commercial excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end product development process across homewares, including year-round gift sets, seasonal ranges, Christmas trees, lighting, and tabletop (including dinnerware).
• Identify and design into new product opportunities that strengthen our client’s presence in existing and emerging categories.
• Collaborate with design, sourcing, and commercial teams to develop compelling product concepts aligned with brand and customer objectives.
• Ensure product development timelines, cost targets, and quality standards are consistently met.

Commercial & Market Insight

• Maintain a strong understanding of retail trends, consumer behaviours, and pricing structures across grocery, high street, and major UK retailers.
• Analyse competitor activity and category performance to inform product strategy and range development.
• Present new product ideas, trend boards, and range plans to internal stakeholders and retail buyers.
• Support account teams in building commercial proposals and line reviews for key accounts.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with the sourcing and supply chain teams to ensure materials, suppliers, and production schedules align with product and margin objectives.
• Partner with the sales team to tailor product ranges for specific customer requirements and retailer formats.
• Liaise with quality assurance teams to ensure all products comply with relevant safety and industry standards.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in product development or category management within homewares, gifting, or seasonal goods.
• A blend of creative product vision and commercial acumen, with the ability to balance innovation and profitability.
• Strong understanding of the UK retail landscape, particularly grocery and high street channels.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple categories and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in trend research, product specification development, and cost management.

Personal Attributes

• Trend-aware, creative, and detail-oriented.
• Commercially focused with a strong sense of market timing and opportunity.
• Collaborative and proactive, able to build effective relationships across teams and with customers.
• Resilient, adaptable, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Job Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Product Management, Project Management, and Marketing
• Industries: Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing, Retail Office Supplies and Gifts, and Retail Apparel and Fashion