Job Description
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.