Head of Product Development

Force; Old Connaught; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunity for autonomy

Impact on company growth

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Force is seeking a Head of Product Development to lead the innovation of new products in the Life Sciences sector. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the industry, a solid track record of bringing products to market, and proven skills in securing funding and managing cross-functional teams. This role offers the chance for high autonomy and significant impact on the company's growth while working in a collaborative and ambitious team environment in Dublin, Ireland.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in Life Sciences manufacturing sector.
• Proven track record of bringing products from concept to market.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance in Life Sciences.
• Ability to secure government and industry funding.

Responsibilities

• Lead product development lifecycle from concept to launch.
• Conduct market research to identify strategic opportunities.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver development projects.
• Monitor industry trends and competitor activity.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder management

Project management

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Problem-solving

Job description

Job Title: Head of Product Development

Location: Dublin 12

Details: Full time, permanent

Product Development Manager / Senior Product Innovation Manager / Head of Product Development (Title flexible depending on experience)

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Product Development professional to lead the end-to-end development of new products within the Life Science manufacturing sector. This role will be responsible for identifying market opportunities, researching markets, securing funding (including grants), and driving product concepts through to launch and commercialisation.

The successful candidate will have a strong background working with large, global Life Sciences manufacturers and a deep understanding of their requirements, procurement processes, and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full product development lifecycle, from initial concept through to commercial launch
• Conduct in-depth market research to identify opportunities aligned with strategic growth objectives
• Translate customer and market insights into viable product concepts and business cases
• Take ownership of selected projects, ensuring timely and cost-effective execution
• Identify and secure funding opportunities, including government and industry grants
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders (R&D, operations, suppliers, regulatory, etc.) to deliver product development projects
• Define product positioning, value proposition, and go-to-market strategy
• Work closely with marketing to develop launch plans, materials, and campaigns
• Identify and manage participation in key industry trade shows and exhibitions
• Build relationships with key stakeholders within large Life Sciences organisations
• Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and regulatory developments

Key Requirements

• Extensive experience in the Life Sciences manufacturing sector, with a strong network and understanding of major global manufacturers
• Proven track record of successfully bringing products from concept to market
• Experience working with or selling into large Life Sciences companies (e.g., pharma, biotech, medical devices)
• Demonstrated ability to secure grants or alternative funding for product development initiatives
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to build compelling business cases
• Experience managing cross-functional projects and stakeholders
• Solid understanding of regulatory and compliance considerations in Life Sciences
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Highly self-driven, with the ability to operate independently and take ownership of initiatives

Desirable Experience

• Experience in vision, packaging, labelling, consumables, or related product categories within Life Sciences
• Exposure to international markets
• Familiarity with trade shows and industry events relevant to Life Sciences
• Project management qualification or equivalent experience

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with a hands-on, execution-focused mindset
• Entrepreneurial and proactive approach to identifying opportunities
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders internally and externally
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment

Note

The successful candidate must hold full working status for Ireland, ensuring eligibility for employment in the country.

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to shape and lead product innovation in a growing business
• High level of autonomy and ownership
• Direct impact on company growth and strategic direction
• Collaborative and ambitious team environment

Additional Note

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace environment and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.