Product Development Manager

Purpose of the role:

● Leads the early design of new innovative solutions for the Hygiene & Wellbeing business, working as part of a multi-functional

team.

● Collaborating with our voice of customer, category marketing and regions to identify opportunities and gaps in the hygiene

and wellbeing space

● Work independently and with 3rd party design consultancies to develop and prove design concepts

● Deliver innovative design solutions, through a series of developmental gates from concept to product delivery, working

alongside the project manager, principal engineer & other internal teams.

Key Accountabilities:

● Roadmap generation: Identify opportunities, gaps & problem spaces with a commercial lens, ensuring projects with the

biggest impact are prioritised

● Prototyping/concept generation

● Understanding and defining what good looks like, including test method definition

● Lead a team (Currently one person) to meet company goals and support their development

● Work to develop and maintain requirements and collaborate with others to ensure those requirements are met within the

specification

● Support and communicate project plans, to ensure timely delivery.

● Provide technical recommendations and solutions to problems.

● Responsible for maintaining technical relationships with suppliers.

● Capture technical learning and test data in comprehensive reports.

● Provide technical assessments on readiness for launch and risk mitigation plans, based on evaluation against pre-defined

project success criteria and an understanding of commercial requirements.

Requirements:

Skills & Experience:

● A minimum of a good honours degree in an applicable field of design/engineering or demonstrable experience working in

product delivery in an applicable field

● A good communicator, both written and verbal; Able to present to a room and sell an idea at different levels of seniority

● Prototyping/concept generation and fail-fast innovation

● Calm under pressure and capable of managing multiple priorities

● Able to manage and deliver a complex project portfolio whilst also identifying opportunities for further simplification,

standardisation and cost optimisation.

● Good analytical problem-solving skills with the ability to generate and interpret technical data, provide conclusions and

recommendations

● Commercially aware - an understanding of business needs and implications of a solution on a project’s business case.

● Able to collaborate within multi-functional teams, working beyond the direct sphere of influence to deliver results. Effective

partnering with peers to deliver against common goals (both face to face and within ‘virtual’ teams).

● 3D CAD experience needed - ideally Solidworks

● Experience in process design in the fields of fluid and air handling is desirable.

● Experience in FEA and analysis software is desirable.

● Working knowledge and use of common IT applications, including Microsoft / G-suite, Adobe.

Characteristics:

● A creative & determined problem solver, capable of solving technical product-related challenges

● Excellent communication and relationship-building skills capable of working effectively with suppliers, customers and

operational functions around the globe.

● Drive and ability to provide strong leadership and deliver effectively within a multinational environment.

● Able to manage timelines and stakeholder expectations. Uses creative and strong technical skills to solve complex problems,

providing timely solutions.

● Willing to travel and work remotely to support product development activity.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and bonus scheme
• Hybrid working
• Rentokil Initial Reward Scheme
• 23 days holiday, plus 8 bank holidays
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Death in service benefit
• Healthcare
• Free parking

At Rentokil Initial, our customers and colleagues represent diverse backgrounds and experiences. We take pride in being an equal opportunity employer, actively encouraging applications from individuals from all walks of life. Our belief is that everyone irrespective of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs, has the potential to thrive and contribute.

We embrace the differences that make each of our colleagues unique, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can be their authentic selves and feel a sense of belonging. To ensure that your journey with us is accessible if you have any individual requirements we invite you to communicate any specific needs or preferences you may have during any stage of the recruitment process. Our team is available to support you; feel free to reach out to ([email protected]) if you need anything

Be Yourself in Your Application! At Rentokil Initial, we value innovation, but we want to see the real you! While AI can help with structure and grammar, make sure your application shows your true passion and understanding of the role. A personal touch will help you stand out.