Head of Product Development

Head of Product DevelopmentSalary: £70,000 (Negotiable) + Excellent BenefitsLocation: Yorkshire (Hybrid/Flexible working options available)

A leading UK fabric and soft furnishing manufacturer is looking to appoint a Head of Product Development to lead their product innovation, technical compliance, and process development functions.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced Head of Product Development to play a central role in driving new product initiatives and technical excellence across a forward-thinking organisation with a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and sustainability.

Product Development & Innovation

• Full ownership and management of the New Product Development (NPD) process.

• Engage directly with customers to understand and adapt to their needs.

• Write detailed product specifications and lead testing/evaluation phases.

• Conduct customer visits and guide the transition of products from concept to scalable production.

• Oversee all costing activity and pre-production processes.

• Write specific procedures to ensure clarity and consistency across teams.

Process Development

• Enhance existing plant capabilities and adapt machinery to support new developments.

• Take responsibility for capital expenditure procurement and machinery specification.

• Lead supplier visits and evaluate supplier capabilities.

• Manage installation and commissioning projects end-to-end.

• Develop SOPs, conduct risk assessments, and deliver training programmes.

Technical Compliance & Quality

• Maintain ISO 14001 and SMETA accreditations, and write processes to support ISO 9001 certification.

• Ensure Fire Retardant certification for all upholstery componentry.

• Uphold internal quality systems and engage with customers on technical issues and feedback.

• Verify external development projects and support product evolution based on insights.

Procurement & Supply Chain Oversight

• Manage fibre contracts and take specific responsibility for spunbond materials.

• Oversee procurement of consumables, packaging, and spares.

• Make key decisions regarding repairs and machinery investments.

Group-Level Responsibilities

• Act as a key liaison for insurance and group-wide health & safety systems.

• Support training across other business units within the group.

• Oversee product development in BF/carding facilities.

• Provide technical leadership across multiple entities within the group.

We are looking for a driven and hands-on Head of Product Development with a passion for continuous improvement and innovation. You will have extensive experience in technical leadership within manufacturing or materials-based sectors and the ability to lead cross-functional projects from concept through to commercialisation.

You’ll be confident working with internal and external stakeholders, possess strong commercial acumen, and bring a detailed understanding of compliance frameworks including ISO standards and product safety regulations.

This role offers the successful Head of Product Development the chance to influence the strategic direction of a growing business and be part of a wider group with exciting plans for expansion and investment.

This vacancy is being advertised by POST- Recruitment Ltd, an Employment Agency. Visit our website for more details.