Job Title: Product Manager REF 194613
Location: Northamptonshire
Working Pattern - 3 days in office
Salary: £55k - £65k + Package
Contact: callum.bell@forsythbarnes.com
About the Role
We are seeking a hands-on Product Manager to own and develop our product portfolio across a pan-European group. This role combines product lifecycle management, new product development, and cross-functional coordination to ensure products are brought to market efficiently, commercially, and at pace.
The scope and seniority of the role are flexible and can be shaped around the right candidate. While management experience is valued, the priority is finding someone who can take ownership of the product range, drive execution, and work effectively within a small, collaborative team.
Key Responsibilities
* Own and manage the full product lifecycle across the portfolio, from concept and launch through optimisation and end-of-life.
* Lead new product development and onboarding, coordinating suppliers, internal teams, and group stakeholders to ensure speed to market.
* Evaluate product performance and competitiveness, making recommendations on improvements, re-engineering, or range rationalisation.
* Work closely with international sourcing partners, including overseas manufacturers (notably China or similar markets), to ensure quality, cost efficiency, and supplier capability.
* Act as the central coordinator for the end-to-end product process across the group, aligning Product, Design, Sales, Operations, and Administration.
* Drive continuous improvement in product processes, documentation, and product data (including PIM systems).
* Collaborate with and support junior team members, including a Junior Designer and a France-based administrator.
* Present product plans, progress, and recommendations to senior stakeholders as required.
* Travel occasionally to UK group sites and overseas suppliers (typically once or twice per year).
About You
* Proven experience in product management, product development, or a related role within a B2B or manufactured products environment.
* Demonstrated success managing full product lifecycles and bringing products to market end to end.
* Hands-on, pragmatic approach suited to a small business environment.
* Experience working with international suppliers; direct onboarding experience from China or similar sourcing regions is highly desirable.
* Industry experience is advantageous but not essential for candidates with strong transferable product and sourcing expertise.
* Commercially aware, with the ability to balance cost, quality, margin, and speed to market.
* Comfortable coordinating across functions, geographies, and cultures within a pan-European group.
* Management experience is beneficial but not essential; the role can be structured for a strong individual contributor.
* Strong character, attitude, and cultural fit, with a collaborative, adaptable mindset.