Technical Product Development Manager

Role overview

A growing environmental solutions business in Stafford is hiring a Technical Product Development Manager to lead and shape a newly created technical product function. The organisation supports customers across the UK with solutions for dust suppression, odour control and wastewater treatment, helping them reduce pollution and meet environmental obligations.

This position is ideal for a mechanically or electrically minded engineering professional who enjoys turning customer and operational challenges into practical products that can be launched successfully and scaled over time. Reporting to the Business Operations Director, you will build the systems, standards and governance needed to manage product development in a structured and commercially effective way.

The role combines leadership with hands-on technical involvement. You will guide a small team while still being active in design, prototyping, testing, technical problem-solving and setting standards for product quality and consistency.

Compensation and benefits

The salary on offer is £70,000 to £80,000 per year, along with a car allowance and a profit share bonus scheme. The package also includes free daily lunches, 25 days of annual leave plus Bank Holidays, Bupa wellbeing and mental health support, ongoing professional development, leadership training, a modern workplace, and additional employee wellbeing benefits.

Key responsibilities

• Create and roll out a clear product development roadmap and working methodology.
• Take ownership of the full product lifecycle, from early concept through launch, including long-term serviceability and overall product performance.
• Convert customer needs, operational issues and technical expertise into commercially workable product definitions and specifications.
• Grow and improve a product range built around scalable, standardised and modular solutions.
• Manage, coach and develop a small product development team.
• Stay closely involved in product design, prototyping, testing and technical troubleshooting.
• Put in place structured development processes, stage-gate controls and project governance.
• Produce and maintain detailed product records and technical standards such as specifications, bills of materials, build guides, installation guides, technical files, test evidence, manuals and compliance documents.
• Ensure product data is accurate, controlled, accessible and supported by clear ownership and version control.
• Lead validation, testing and structured risk assessment activity, including FMEA, to support quality, reliability, compliance and effectiveness.
• Work with Operations, Procurement, Sales and Technical teams so products can be manufactured, delivered, installed and supported efficiently.
• Support successful product launches by making sure operational, technical and commercial readiness is in place.
• Help simplify and improve the current product range to increase scalability, efficiency and customer experience.
• Capture and apply technical know-how from across the business to improve repeatability, performance and design quality.

Candidate profile

The employer is seeking a credible engineer who can balance strategic thinking with a practical, hands-on style. You should be comfortable leading technical work while also building structure, documentation and repeatable processes.

Why this role stands out

This is a rare chance to define a new function in a business that is still growing. You will have the freedom to introduce best practice, strengthen product governance, improve technical knowledge management and help bring innovative environmental solutions to market.

Working alongside senior leaders, you will contribute to products that support cleaner air, cleaner water and a more sustainable future.

Location

Stafford, Staffordshire, United Kingdom.

Additional information

IND25

Eligibility

This opportunity is best suited to an engineering professional with experience in technical product development, product management or engineering project management, particularly someone who enjoys leading people, improving processes and taking products to market.

Experience note

Experience gained in wastewater, environmental, utilities, process engineering, industrial equipment or similar sectors would be highly beneficial.