We are looking for a highly capable, proactive Project Manager to lead end-to-end product development across our manufacturing and supplier network in China. Acting as the key on-ground representative for our UK-based business, you will play a critical role in driving project timelines, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring clear, consistent communication between our HQ and partners in Asia.
This is not an assistant-level role. We need someone confident in taking ownership, influencing suppliers, solving problems in real time, and acting as the bridge between commercial, technical, and manufacturing teams. You’ll be our eyes, ears, and decision-maker on the ground—ensuring projects are delivered on time, to spec, and to the highest quality.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage new product development (NPD) projects from concept to final production.
* Act as the primary liaison between UK teams and Chinese manufacturers/suppliers, ensuring aligned expectations and on-time delivery.
* Monitor production, tooling, component development, and testing milestones, escalating risks early and proposing solutions.
* Coordinate and attend factory visits, production line trials, and quality control checkpoints.
* Ensure strong cross-functional communication between commercial, R&D, quality, and operations teams.
* Provide regular progress updates, project tracking reports, and in-person insights to the UK HQ.
* Identify and implement process improvements to optimise timelines and reduce risks or costs.
Ideal Candidate
* A seasoned project or product manager with experience in consumer goods, beauty tech, electronics, or similar industries.
* Candidates with prior UK work experience are preferred.
* Open to being based in China (Shenzhen) for extended periods (or full-time), with flexibility to travel across the region.
* Ideally, the role would begin with a placement at our UK office in Alderley Edge to gain a strong understanding of requirements and workflows.
* Fluent in English (spoken and written); Mandarin is a strong advantage but not mandatory.
* Comfortable working independently, managing senior stakeholders, and navigating complex supplier relationships.
* Hands-on, solutions-focused, and unafraid to get into the details when needed.
* Prior experience in beauty tech and cosmetics is highly desirable.