Product Development Manager

Rentokil Initial Careers; Waterlooville; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the hygiene and wellbeing sector is seeking a skilled design and engineering professional to lead innovative projects. The successful candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful solutions and manage project timelines effectively. This role offers a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a supportive work environment focused on diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Competitive salary and bonus scheme

Hybrid working

Rentokil Initial Reward Scheme

23 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Death in service benefit

Healthcare

Free parking

Qualifications

• Experience in prototyping and concept generation.
• Strong leadership abilities in a multinational environment.
• Ability to manage complex project portfolios.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of innovative solutions for Hygiene & Wellbeing.
• Generate roadmaps and create prototypes.
• Develop and maintain requirements while ensuring specifications are met.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Project Management

Collaboration

Analytical Skills

Education

Good honours degree in design/engineering

Tools

3D CAD software

Microsoft Office

G-suite

Adobe

Job description

Purpose of the role:

• Leads the early design of new innovative solutions for the Hygiene & Wellbeing business, working as part of a multi-functional team.
• Collaborates with voice of customer, category marketing, and regions to identify opportunities and gaps in the hygiene and wellbeing space.
• Works independently and with third-party design consultancies to develop and validate design concepts.
• Delivers innovative design solutions through developmental gates from concept to product delivery, working alongside project managers, principal engineers, and other internal teams.

Key Accountabilities:

1. Generate roadmaps by identifying opportunities, gaps, and problem spaces with a commercial perspective, prioritizing projects with the greatest impact.
2. Create prototypes and generate concepts.
3. Define standards of excellence, including test method definitions.
4. Lead a team (currently one person) to meet company goals and support their development.
5. Develop and maintain requirements, collaborating to ensure these are met within specifications.
6. Support and communicate project plans to ensure timely delivery.
7. Provide technical recommendations and solutions to problems.
8. Maintain technical relationships with suppliers.
9. Capture technical learning and test data in comprehensive reports.
10. Assess readiness for launch and develop risk mitigation plans based on project success criteria and commercial requirements.

Requirements

Skills & Experience:

• Good honours degree in an applicable design/engineering field or demonstrable experience in product delivery in a relevant field.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, capable of presenting and selling ideas at various seniority levels.
• Experience in prototyping, concept generation, and fail-fast innovation.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience managing complex project portfolios, with a focus on simplification, standardization, and cost optimization.
• Good analytical problem-solving skills, interpreting technical data to draw conclusions and recommendations.
• Commercial awareness of business needs and implications of solutions.
• Ability to collaborate within multi-functional teams, including remote and virtual teams.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software, ideally SolidWorks.
• Desirable: experience in process design for fluid and air handling, FEA, and analysis software.
• Working knowledge of IT applications such as Microsoft Office, G-suite, and Adobe.

Characteristics:

• Creative and determined problem solver with technical expertise.
• Excellent communicator and relationship builder, capable of working effectively with suppliers, customers, and operational teams globally.
• Strong leadership abilities in a multinational environment.
• Effective at managing timelines and stakeholder expectations, providing timely solutions.
• Willing to travel and work remotely to support product development activities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonus scheme
• Hybrid working
• Rentokil Initial Reward Scheme
• 23 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Death in service benefit
• Healthcare
• Free parking

At Rentokil Initial, we embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and are dedicated to supporting accessibility and individual needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact ([e-mail]) if you require assistance. Be yourself in your application and show your passion and understanding of the role to stand out!