Product Development Manager

PATH Recruitment; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Gloucester is seeking a Product Development Manager to drive global product development with a focus on innovation and collaboration across departments. This role offers a salary range from £50,000 to £65,000, with additional benefits including a bonus scheme and opportunities for international travel. Ideal candidates will have mechanical engineering experience and a strong commercial mindset.

Benefits

Bonus scheme of £15,000 to £20,000 based on performance

Company pension scheme

Ongoing training and development opportunities

Progression to senior leadership roles

Autonomy to shape product strategy

Qualifications

• Experience in mechanical or product engineering (pneumatics/hydraulics).
• Previous exposure to project management and/or design environments.
• Commercial awareness with ability to assess product profitability and customer needs.
• Confidence liaising with international teams, particularly in Asia.
• Full eligibility and flexibility to travel globally.
• Experience in sectors such as construction plant, utilities, drilling, agricultural equipment, or heavy machinery is ideal.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing new product development and innovation (NPI).
• Conducting market research to identify product demand and customer pain points.
• Collaborating with design and engineering teams to ensure product feasibility.
• Working closely with suppliers—particularly in China—to ensure build quality, specification compliance and profitability.
• Identifying and resolving issues around product quality, material performance, and operational fit.
• Championing the customer voice internally while aligning with commercial objectives.
• Supporting the CEO and wider SLT with product strategy insights and implementation.

Job description

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Shape the future of heavy engineering innovation as the Product Development Manager – lead global product development from Gloucester with international travel and top-tier benefits.

About Us

This is your chance to join a globally recognised engineering innovator supplying complex mechanical products to a worldwide customer base. With cutting-edge design, hands-on manufacturing and deep-rooted industry partnerships, this business values agility, precision and international collaboration. You'll be part of a forward-thinking leadership team driving next-generation product innovation.

Salary from £50,000 to £65,000, depending on experience

Bonus scheme of £15,000 to £20,000 based on clear performance milestones

Company pension scheme

International travel to China and Europe

Ongoing training and development opportunities

Progression to senior leadership roles

Autonomy to shape product strategy and innovation

About the Role

As Product Development Manager, you will be pivotal in leading product lifecycle strategy for a market-leading portfolio. This cross-functional leadership role will see you liaise directly with engineering, operations, sales, marketing, and the CEO. You’ll ensure products are commercially viable, fit-for-market, and manufactured profitably, especially within international supply chains. Key responsibilities include:

Overseeing new product development and innovation (NPI)

Conducting market research to identify product demand and customer pain points

Collaborating with design and engineering teams to ensure product feasibility

Working closely with suppliers—particularly in China—to ensure build quality, specification compliance and profitability

Identifying and resolving issues around product quality, material performance (e.g. steel), and operational fit

Championing the customer voice internally while aligning with commercial objectives

Supporting the CEO and wider SLT with product strategy insights and implementation

About You

To succeed as a Product Development Manager, you’ll bring a mix of engineering know-how, commercial acumen and leadership confidence. You could be a seasoned project or product manager—or a senior mechanical engineer ready to step up. We’re open to exceptional junior candidates with hands-on mechanical experience and a commercial mindset.

You will need:

Experience in mechanical or product engineering (pneumatics/hydraulics)

Previous exposure to project management and/or design environments

Commercial awareness with ability to assess product profitability and customer needs

Confidence liaising with international teams, particularly in Asia

Full eligibility and flexibility to travel globally

Experience in sectors such as construction plant, utilities, drilling, agricultural equipment, or heavy machinery is ideal

To be successful as the Product Development Manager, you may have worked as a:

Product Development Manager, Mechanical Engineering Manager, Product development manager, Project Manager, Design Engineer, R&D Manager, NPI Manager, Manufacturing Engineer, Commercial Engineer, Senior Mechanical Engineer, Technical Product Manager

Next Steps

Apply today to learn more about this exciting international leadership opportunity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.