Lead Product Designer
A growing consumer products company is seeking a Lead Product Designer to take ownership of a portfolio of products within its New Product Development function. This is a senior, hands-on role responsible for leading projects from early concept through to production launch, coordinating internal specialists and external manufacturing partners.
You will act as the technical and commercial lead for your product category, balancing design quality, cost, and delivery timelines.
Key Responsibilities
Own end-to-end delivery of multiple product development projects within a defined category
Lead CAD development of complex assemblies from concept through to production release
Build and test physical prototypes to validate mechanisms and concepts early
Coordinate input from product designers, industrial designers, and pattern makers as required
Manage product cost targets and development budgets
Work directly with overseas manufacturing partners through sampling and production ramp-up
Ensure products meet customer expectations, brand standards, and commercial objectives
Requirements
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, Industrial Design, or similar
4+ years’ experience delivering complex consumer or physical products to market
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and supplier engagement
Proficiency in CAD and visualisation tools (e.g. SolidWorks/Rhino, Keyshot, Adobe Suite)
Confident communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders
Comfortable leading projects without direct line management responsibility
What’s Offered
Competitive salary (£40k–£50k depending on experience)
25 days holiday + bank holidays
Private healthcare and pension
Staff discount
Office-based role with some flexibility for hybrid working (Southampton area)