R & D Product Developer

Main purpose of the role:

As a highly skilled and creative R&D developer, with a Product Design background, you will play a vital role within the commercial team. Collaborating closely with the Commercial Director and team members, you will interpret customer and business-driven briefs into compelling product designs. Leveraging your experience, you will deliver innovative and market-leading product and packaging solutions that add significant commercial value.

You will also proactively research the market, complete market visits, looking for innovative solutions to customer needs or alternatives to the status quo. You will give direction to the commercial function on NPD ideation, based on research and insights. You will see insights, research as an integral part of the product solution

Your expertise in technology, materials, and manufacturing processes will enable you to enhance both design and usability, whether by developing new products or refining existing ones. When tasked with creating a brand-new product, you will manage the entire process from initial concept to final execution, ensuring that designs are not only innovative and commercially viable but also cost-effective and aligned with the latest consumer trends.

Specific Role Responsibilities

• Customer NPD Support: Provide customer NPD support, gathering feedback and insights to enhance product designs and customer experience, facilitated by customer visits
• Collaborate with Teams: Work closely with the Commercial Director and cross-functional teams to translate customer and business briefs into innovative product designs
• Develop Product Concepts: Create and present original design concepts for new products and packaging that align with market trends and consumer needs
• Enhance Usability: Improve the design and usability of existing products, ensuring they meet or exceed user expectations and functionality
• Conduct Market Research: Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and sustainability practices and legislations to inform design processes and decision-making
• Prototype Development: Create prototypes and conduct user testing to gather feedback and refine designs before final production
• Manage Design Process: Oversee the entire product development lifecycle, from initial concept through to final execution, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards
• Cost Analysis: Evaluate design options for cost-effectiveness while maintaining innovation and quality standards
• Sustainability Integration: Incorporate sustainable design practices and materials into product development to minimise environmental impact
• Stakeholder Communication: Present design concepts and progress updates to stakeholders, incorporating feedback effectively into the design process
• Continuous Improvement: Seek opportunities for process improvements and efficiencies in product design and development practices
• Collaboration: Work with various teams, including Graphic Designers, to coordinate photography, artwork, and sales/marketing support as needed, while also conducting market and competitor reviews to inform design decisions and strategies

Key Relationships:

Commercial Director, Commercial Team, Graphic Designer, Head of Business Development

Skills & Experience

• Proven track record in designing and developing innovative packaging from concept to production
• Ability to analyse and interpret market and industry trends, identifying opportunities for new product development and enhancements
• Familiarity with the latest technologies in design, manufacturing, and materials that can influence product development
• Knowledge of sustainable design practices, including the use of eco-friendly materials and processes that minimise environmental impact
• Skilled in monitoring and evaluating emerging consumer preferences and lifestyle trends to inform product design
• Experience working in cross-functional teams, including marketing, engineering, and production, to bring products to market
• Proficient in creating prototypes and conducting usability testing to refine product designs based on user feedback
• Expertise in design software such as CAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and other relevant tools for product visualisation and development
• Understanding of cost-effective design principles, ensuring that products are not only innovative but also financially viable
• Experience in gathering and utilising consumer insights to drive design decisions and enhance product appeal
• Knowledge of industry regulations and standards related to product safety, sustainability, and materials
• Ability to effectively communicate design concepts and rationale to stakeholders, including presentations and reports
• Good IT Proficiency (Outlook, Excel, Word) with the ability to learn and use business specific applications