Our client has been making a difference to horses' lives for over 25 years by developing and producing innovative textile-based wellbeing products. The company is the force behind many scientifically proven and award-winning products and is now looking for a Product Technologist to join their product team.
Job brief
Project managing the portfolio of existing products as well as managing the new product development process for the Brand ensuring products fit with our client’s ethos and DNA of ‘making a difference’.
Responsibilities
• Creating and managing all product documentation.
• Carry out QC checks on all product deliveries, including completion of detailed QC reports.
• Work close with quality control in-country agents.
• Liaising with suppliers on product complaints and quality issues with existing products as well as new products.
• Work with suppliers and manufacturers to source components, materials and production processes that meet quality standards and cost targets.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, regulations and safety requirements throughout the product development process.
• Ensuring suppliers and manufacturers follow the appropriate quality standards, carrying out risk assessments.
• Collaborate with the team to deliver business cases to the senior management team, to include commercial analysis as well as product development.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define product specifications, including design, features, materials and performance criteria.
• Create and manage project timelines, ensuring critical milestones are met throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Managing supplier delivery dates to ensure launch dates are met.
• Coordinate prototype development, testing and validation, collecting and analysing data to inform product refinements.
• Coordinate product analysis, user testing and gather feedback to evaluate product usability, functionality and overall customer experience.
• Working with sales and marketing teams to develop product launch timetables.
• Monitor post-launch product performance, gathering customer feedback and implementing improvements based on market insights.
• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies and advancements in product development methodologies to enhance product offerings
Essential skills and qualifications
• A degree in product design, engineering, industrial design or a related field OR extensive experience in a similar role
• Strong understanding of product development processes, from ideation to commercialisation.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, soft materials, textiles and cost optimisation techniques.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with attention to detail and a focus on delivering high-quality products.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks, manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• A creative mindset and a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams including with international manufacturers.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficient in quality control procedures.
• Proficiency in using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software for production documents.
• Familiarity with intellectual property rights and patent processes.
Preferred skills and qualifications
• Equestrian industry knowledge and experience desired but not essential.
• Familiarity with design thinking methodologies and end user design principles.
• Experience in collaborating with international suppliers/partners/working in a global context.