Product Manager

Dovetail Recruitment Ltd; Christchurch; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Pension and enhanced sick pay

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Medical cash plan

Hybrid working

Free parking at Christchurch Quay

Cycle to Work scheme

Social events

Job summary

Project Manager - Product Development in Christchurch, UK, is a 12-month fixed-term contract with hybrid working (1-2 days in the office) and monthly travel to London, plus supplier visits. The role will oversee New Product Development from concept to finished goods and coordinate with product, buying, technical, design and supply chain teams to keep milestones on track and resolve risks quickly.

You will lead cross-functional collaboration with suppliers, manufacturers and retail customers,

Responsibilities

• Manage NPD and product development projects from concept through to finished goods
• Own critical paths, timelines, milestones, deadlines and deliverables
• Manage multiple projects, SKUs and product categories simultaneously
• Monitor progress and provide clear updates to internal teams and senior stakeholders
• Identify project risks, issues and dependencies and drive practical solutions
• Coordinate suppliers and manufacturers throughout the product development process
• Build and maintain effective supplier and manufacturer relationships
• Work closely with product, buying, technical, design and supply chain teams
• Manage retailer-facing projects and respond to customer requirements
• Support category plans, product calendars and development timelines
• Prepare customer presentations and project updates, and chair meetings or supplier calls
• Maintain accurate project information, actions and deadlines

Job description

Project Manager - Product Development | Consumer Goods | NPD

12-month fixed-term contract

Location: Christchurch

Working pattern: Hybrid - 1-2 days per week in the office after settling in

Travel: London 1-2 times per month, plus occasional supplier and manufacturer visits

About the Company

Join a growing consumer goods business supplying bespoke and own-label products to major UK and international retailers.

The business operates across fast-moving product categories, with a strong focus on product development, New Product Development (NPD) and innovation. You'll work with teams across product, buying, technical, design and supply chain, alongside international suppliers and manufacturers.

About the Role

We're looking for a Project Manager - Product Development to manage NPD projects from concept through to finished product.

You’ll take ownership of critical paths, timelines, milestones and deliverables, ensuring projects stay on track and risks or issues are identified and resolved quickly.

This is a hands-on role combining project management, product development, supplier management and cross-functional coordination, with regular interaction with internal teams, suppliers, manufacturers and retail customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage NPD and product development projects from concept through to finished goods
• Own critical paths, timelines, milestones, deadlines and deliverables
• Manage multiple projects, SKUs and product categories simultaneously
• Monitor progress and provide clear updates to internal teams and senior stakeholders
• Identify project risks, issues and dependencies and drive practical solutions
• Coordinate suppliers and manufacturers throughout the product development process
• Build and maintain effective supplier and manufacturer relationships
• Work closely with product, buying, technical, design and supply chain teams
• Manage retailer-facing projects and respond to customer requirements
• Support category plans, product calendars and development timelines
• Prepare customer presentations and project updates, and chair meetings or supplier calls
• Maintain accurate project information, actions and deadlines

About You

You’ll be an organised, commercially minded and solutions-focused Project Manager, Product Manager or Product Development professional with experience managing projects through to completion.

Relevant experience could include consumer goods, FMCG, retail, product development, manufacturing, buying, sourcing or supplier management.

We're looking for someone who can:

• Manage critical paths and product development timelines
• Demonstrate experience of New Product Development (NPD) and product lifecycle management
• Work confidently with suppliers and manufacturers
• Manage multiple projects and changing priorities
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and stakeholders
• Identify risks, resolve issues and communicate confidently with customers and suppliers
• Take ownership, use initiative and find practical solutions in a fast-paced environment

Why Join?

• Manage NPD and product development projects for major retail customers
• See products develop from concept through to finished product and work with international suppliers
• Develop your project management and product development experience within a growing consumer goods business

Benefits

• Annual bonus, pension and enhanced sick pay
• 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays, increasing with service, with the option to buy additional holiday
• Medical cash plan, mental health support and enhanced parental leave
• Hybrid working, free parking at Christchurch Quay and Cycle to Work scheme
• Social events and team activities