Product Development Manager

Product Development Manager | St Helens | £55,000 – £60,000 + Bonus

We’re working with a leading global manufacturer in advanced materials who are looking to hire a Product Development Manager to join their growing R&D team in St Helens.

This is a fantastic opportunity to take on a high-impact, customer-facing role, driving innovation across specialised glass fibre and composite products used in the automotive and industrial sectors.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead the development and optimisation of existing and new products
• Work closely with customers to understand technical requirements and deliver tailored solutions
• Drive innovation through experimentation, trials, and material evaluation
• Support new business opportunities and expansion into new markets
• Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, quality, and commercial teams
• Progress into managing an R&D team

✅ What we’re looking for:

• 5+ years’ experience in R&D/product development
• Background in polymers, rubber, composites, or similar materials
• Experience within manufacturing/industrial environments
• Strong communication skills and confidence working with customers
• Comfortable balancing lab, plant, and commercial activities

What’s on offer:

• £55,000 – £60,000 basic salary
• Bonus up to 20%
• Private medical, pension, and additional benefits
• Long-term progression into leadership

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys combining technical expertise with customer interaction and commercial impact, rather than being purely lab-based.

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