Interim Head of Product Development

Interim Head of Product Development - Electromechanical Products

You can get further details about the nature of this opening, and what is expected from applicants, by reading the below.

I’m working with my client to appoint a Interim Head of Product Development in Leeds, who will lead a significant product improvement and engineering programme.

This is not a maintenance or factory engineering role. We need someone who can take ownership of an existing electromechanical product, understand where and why components are failing, and engineer more reliable, robust and installer-friendly solutions.

The role will involve:

• Reverse engineering mechanical and electrical components

• Improving the reliability of motors, receivers, controls and associated components

• Reviewing and optimising bills of materials

• Designing more robust, mistake-proof products for installation in the field

• Producing and reviewing CAD drawings and technical specifications

• Developing prototypes and managing product testing and validation

• Investigating product failures and completing root-cause analysis

• Working with suppliers and external design or engineering partners

• Managing product development projects from concept through to implementation

• Improving design for manufacture, assembly, installation and serviceability

We’re interested in speaking with product engineering, design engineering or R&D leaders from electromechanical product environments.

Experience with motors, control systems, domestic products, access systems, automation, appliances or high-volume assembled products would be particularly relevant. xwzovoh

Qualifications and technical background

• Degree, HND or HNC in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics, Product Design Engineering or a related discipline
• Alternatively, a recognised engineering apprenticeship supported by substantial product development experience
• Strong knowledge of electromechanical systems, including motors, drives, controls, receivers, sensors and mechanical assemblies
• Competence in 3D CAD and producing or approving manufacturing drawings, tolerances and technical specifications
• Practical experience of design verification, validation testing and structured product introduction
• Working knowledge of DFMEA, root-cause analysis, 8D, fault-tree analysis or similar problem-solving methods
• Understanding of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA), mistake-proofing and value engineering
• Knowledge of relevant UKCA/CE, machinery, electrical safety and product compliance requirements
• Ideally, Chartered Engineer status or membership of the IMechE, IET or another relevant professional body, although this should be desirable rather than essential
• Project management training such as PRINCE2, APM or Agile would be advantageous but is not necessary

This is an opportunity to take genuine ownership of product engineering and make a visible difference to quality, reliability, installation and customer experience.

£Competitive Day Rate - call to discuss

Please contact Carl Walker