Head of Product & Innovation

Our client is a growing premium consumer brand operating within the beauty-tech space. The business is focused on developing innovative, design-led products that combine technology, functionality and customer-centric thinking. Working in an entrepreneurial environment, the team is passionate about bringing new ideas to market and delivering exceptional consumer experiences through innovation and product excellence.

Reporting directly to the Founder, the Head of Product & Innovation will take ownership of the product innovation strategy and end-to-end development process. This is a hands-on role for a commercially minded and technically curious individual who enjoys turning ideas into reality. You will work closely with suppliers, manufacturers, engineers and external partners to develop innovative physical products, overseeing every stage from consumer insight and concept creation through to production and launch.

Responsibilities

• Identify new product opportunities through consumer, market and technology insights
• Develop and manage the product innovation roadmap
• Transform concepts and customer needs into detailed product specifications and development briefs
• Research new technologies, materials, components and manufacturing methods
• Evaluate technical and commercial feasibility for new product opportunities
• Source, assess and manage OEMs, manufacturers, suppliers and development partners
• Oversee engineering, prototyping, testing and product refinement activities
• Manage supplier relationships to optimise quality, performance and commercial outcomes
• Take ownership of product costing, BOMs, target margins and manufacturing efficiencies
• Coordinate product testing, compliance, regulatory approvals and quality standards
• Manage the critical path from concept through to production and launch
• Work with intellectual property and patent specialists where required
• Support manufacturing scale-up and resolve technical or production challenges
• Ensure final products deliver against customer needs, commercial objectives and quality expectations
• Continuously identify innovation opportunities to support future product development

Requirements

• Experience leading physical product development from concept through to manufacturing and launch
• Background within beauty-tech, consumer electronics, personal care, wellness or premium consumer products
• Strong understanding of product innovation, new product development and commercialisation
• Experience creating product specifications and development briefs
• Knowledge of engineering, prototyping and product testing processes
• Experience managing OEMs, suppliers, manufacturers and external development partners
• Understanding of materials, components, tooling and manufacturing processes
• Commercial awareness across costing, BOMs, MOQs and margin management
• Knowledge of quality, compliance and regulatory requirements
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to challenge suppliers and identify improved technical and commercial solutions
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple development projects simultaneously
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a hands-on and solution-focused approach
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Naturally curious with a passion for innovation and new product development