Product Development Manager

Position: Product Development Manager – Homewares

Location: London Hybrid

We are seeking a dynamic and commercially astute Product Development Manager to lead the creation and delivery of innovative homeware ranges across key UK retail channels. This role will drive new category development and ensure products remain at the forefront of market trends, delivering both creative and commercial excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Innovation

• Lead the end-to-end product development process across homewares, including year-round gift sets, seasonal ranges, Christmas trees, lighting, and tabletop (including dinnerware).
• Identify and design into new product opportunities that strengthen our client’s presence in existing and emerging categories.
• Collaborate with design, sourcing, and commercial teams to develop compelling product concepts aligned with brand and customer objectives.
• Ensure product development timelines, cost targets, and quality standards are consistently met.

Commercial & Market Insight

• Maintain a strong understanding of retail trends, consumer behaviours, and pricing structures across grocery, high street, and major UK retailers.
• Analyse competitor activity and category performance to inform product strategy and range development.
• Present new product ideas, trend boards, and range plans to internal stakeholders and retail buyers.
• Support account teams in building commercial proposals and line reviews for key accounts.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with the sourcing and supply chain teams to ensure materials, suppliers, and production schedules align with product and margin objectives.
• Partner with the sales team to tailor product ranges for specific customer requirements and retailer formats.
• Liaise with quality assurance teams to ensure all products comply with relevant safety and industry standards.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in product development or category management within homewares, gifting, or seasonal goods.
• A blend of creative product vision and commercial acumen, with the ability to balance innovation and profitability.
• Strong understanding of the UK retail landscape, particularly grocery and high street channels.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple categories and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in trend research, product specification development, and cost management.

Personal Attributes

• Trend-aware, creative, and detail-oriented.
• Commercially focused with a strong sense of market timing and opportunity.
• Collaborative and proactive, able to build effective relationships across teams and with customers.
• Resilient, adaptable, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.