Head of Product Design

Job Title: Head of Product Design
Location: Norwich
Salary: 65-80k

I am proud to be representing my client who aim to exceed expectations with the design and manufacture of their product and have had global success doing so due to their commitment to innovate. They are looking for an expert in their field who has the passion to drive product development.

Job Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Head of Product Design to join our clients dynamic team.
The ideal candidate will have full responsibility for our full Product Design department, leading the design strategy, development, and innovation of water dispensers, OEM projects and related products.
This position requires a strong background in product engineering, product development and project management, along with excellent leadership abilities. The role also focuses on driving sustainability, user experience, and cost efficiency.

Position Objectives
Responsibility for ensuring that all designs meet both functional and aesthetic requirements, align with market trends, and adhere to regulatory standards.
Manage product portfolio, with deep product understanding, to enable further commercialisation and modularity and ensure the maintenance of us as a premium brand, driving business growth.
Manage and respond to new and existing product technical queries, new product development and OEM proposals, working with internal and external stakeholders to deliver timely, commercial resolutions.
Provide clear product roadmaps and project plans, fostering a culture of accountability for quality and deadlines, delivering projects which contribute commercially to the company goals.
Manage and mentor the product design team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Manage the full breadth of product design skills internally and externally, to include electronic engineering, software, CAD and product engineering.

Duties
Design and Development
Lead the product design team in conceptualizing, designing, and developing innovative product solutions.
Oversee all stages of design from research, prototyping, and testing to working with suppliers and manufacture for production.
Establish and maintain design guidelines, design processes and principles that reflect the company’s brand, vision, and technical capabilities.
Oversee Engineering Change Requests, product manuals and SOPs, communicating these to both customers and colleagues up to date with the latest product specifications.
To oversee, manage and resolve any quality issues, taking learnings and improvements across the range to ensure continuous improvement and reduce out of box failures.
Ensure all product designs comply with UK/EU safety, environmental, and quality regulations, including WRAS/NSF and CE certifications.
Maintain, review and manage accreditations to ensure products have the required certification and compliance for key markets including Europe and North America.
Implement and oversee quality control measures during the design and manufacturing process to ensure all products are fully tested and quality checked to the highest standard.

Key Skills & Competencies:
Strong expertise in industrial/product design, with experience in project management and development across a team and multiple products.
Understanding of electronic consumer goods, electronics and design for manufacture
Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.) and rapid prototyping tools.
Experience with sustainable design practices and materials selection.
Familiarity with user-centred design and ergonomic principles.
Strong project management and leadership skills, with a track record of delivering projects on time and within budget.
Knowledge of regulatory standards (e.g., WRAS, CE) and quality assurance processes.
Proven experience in mechanical, electronic or refrigeration research within a relevant field.
Strong understanding of compliance management practices in Product Design environments.
Proficient in laboratory techniques and methodologies, with a focus on safety and quality assurance.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, enabling effective collaboration across teams.

Qualifications:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Product Design, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
Extensive experience in product design within a leadership role.
Experience in the water appliance or consumer electronics industry is beneficial but not required.

Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Up to £80,000.00 per year (+ car allowance, dependant on experience)

Benefits:
• Additional leave
• Free parking
• On-site free parking
• Birthday as holiday
• Sick pay

Technique-Recruitment Solutions Ltd is a proud equal opportunities employer, dedicated and specialist to the hospitality industry. We work and support some of the most well-known companies in Norfolk and Suffolk. These temporary vacancies are being advertised on behalf of Technique-Recruitment Solutions Ltd who are operating as an employment business and employment agency