About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced and driven Product Development Manager to lead the product development function across a portfolio of high-performance protective workwear.
With 7+ years’ experience in product development, this role blends people leadership, deep technical expertise, and hands-on product ownership. You will take full responsibility for Flame Resistant (FR) and Electric Arc ranges, with potential oversight of a highly specified, feature-led premium range.
Leading a team of Product Developers, you will ensure products are delivered to the highest standards of performance, compliance, quality, and commercial viability, while maintaining robust critical paths and on-time delivery. This is a senior role with significant influence over product strategy and execution.
Key ResponsibilitiesProduct Development Leadership*Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Product Developers, overseeing workload, priorities, and performance.
*Ensure effective delivery across product research, development, testing, certification, and bulk production.
*Support the Head of Product / Technical function in maintaining best practice development processes, documentation, and technical accuracy.
*Develop team capability through coaching, feedback, and structured knowledge sharing.
Range Ownership & Technical Expertise*Take direct ownership of FR and Electric Arc product ranges, acting as the technical authority throughout development and production.
*Oversee a premium, feature-rich range, ensuring products meet performance, compliance, and commercial requirements.
*Lead technical decision-making on complex materials, constructions, and performance specifications.
*Ensure all products are fit for purpose and aligned with brand positioning and customer expectations.
Product Research & Innovation*Drive innovation through market research, competitor analysis, and evaluation of new materials, technologies, and garment features.
*Work closely with fabric mills and suppliers to develop materials that enhance performance, durability, sustainability, and cost efficiency.
*Oversee fabric treatments and advanced garment technologies where required.
*Manage cost prices to achieve margin targets across all ranges.
*Identify and mitigate technical risks early to protect compliance and delivery timelines.
Critical Path & Delivery Management*Own and manage product critical paths across all ranges.
*Monitor progress across sampling, testing, certification, and production, proactively resolving risks and delays.
*Provide regular status updates to senior leadership, adapting priorities as required.
*Ensure strong cross-functional alignment with Operations, Sales, and Marketing to support successful product launches.
Product Documentation & Specification*Oversee the creation and accuracy of all product documentation, including BOMs, technical files, test reports, and certification records.
*Ensure consistency, accuracy, and version control across all specifications and compliance documentation.
*Support sampling, fit sessions, and pre-production approvals, particularly for complex or high-risk products.
Standards, Compliance & Ethics*Ensure compliance with relevant standards including EN ISO 20471, RIS 3279 TOM, EN 343, ISO 13688, and applicable FR and Electric Arc standards.
*Maintain strong relationships with testing houses and certification bodies.
*Monitor changes in regulations and standards, leading implementation across existing and future products.
*Support organisational commitments to ethical, sustainable, and compliant product development.
Supply Chain & External Collaboration*Support the identification, onboarding, and qualification of factories and suppliers.
*Build strong technical relationships with global manufacturing partners to ensure product consistency and quality.
*Collaborate with trim and component suppliers on new developments and innovations.
*Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain.
Cross-Functional Collaboration*Act as a key technical interface between Product Development and Sales, Marketing, and Operations.
*Support Marketing with accurate technical product information for launches and campaigns.
*Participate in product sign-off meetings, sales meetings, and internal presentations as required.
Skills & Experience*Proven experience in a senior Product Development role within protective workwear.
*Essential expertise in FR and Electric Arc protective garments.
*Strong knowledge of EN standards, certification processes, and technical file submission.
*Experience leading and developing Product Developers or technical teams.
*In-depth understanding of textile performance, garment construction, and testing for protective wear.
*Commercial awareness, with experience managing costs, margins, and product viability.
*Experience working with global supply chains across Asia, China, and Europe.
*Strong organisational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple ranges and complex critical paths.
*Confident communicator, comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders and external partners.
*High attention to detail and a proactive, solutions-focused mindset.
*Strong interest in sustainability, compliance, and ethical product development.