Head of Product Development – Heritage, Gift & Licensed Products

About the role

The company is a well‑established giftware business transitioning into a culturally curated lifestyle brand. Reporting to the Sales & Marketing Director and sitting on the Senior Leadership Team, the Head of Product Development will own the commercial success of the heritage, gift and licensed product portfolio.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute a product strategy that aligns with brand direction and revenue targets.
• Own portfolio performance, driving sales growth, gross margin improvement and ROI.
• Lead end‑to‑end product development from concept through launch, ensuring commercial discipline.
• Rationalise SKUs, reduce under‑performing lines and simplify product architecture.
• Maximise value from licensing partnerships while strengthening owned brands.
• Oversee product briefs, packaging and merchandising to boost retail performance.
• Lead value‑engineering and cost optimisation with overseas manufacturers.
• Build and mentor a high‑performing product development team.
• Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to align product supply with market demand.
• Champion AI tools to accelerate development cycles.

Required profile

• Senior leadership experience in product development within the giftware or related consumer goods sector.
• Proven track record of delivering profitable product launches and margin improvement.
• Strong commercial acumen with ability to balance creativity and financial discipline.
• Experience managing licensed product ranges and proprietary brands.
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Required skills

• Product lifecycle management.
• SKU rationalisation.
• Cost engineering and value‑engineering.
• Licensing partnership management.
• Use of AI tools for product development.

What we offer

• Competitive salary package.
• Hybrid working model based in Melksham, Wiltshire.
• Opportunity to shape a growing lifestyle brand.
• Leadership role within a senior executive team.