Vacancy: Product Development Manager
Location: Bury St Edmunds/Hybrid
Employment Type: Full-time Mon – Fri, 37.5 – 08:30 – 17:00
Reporting Line: Head of Brand & Commercial Partnerships
Salary: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
About the Company
Robinson Young is a UK dedicated, large-scale distributor of non-food FMCG products. We provide a cost-effective sales, marketing and distribution service for FMCG manufacturers from around the world of both branded and private label products for supply to multiple retailers, convenience stores, discount retailers, online retailers, pharmacies, wholesalers and foodservice operators across all key channels.
Role Overview
We are seeking a dynamic Product Development Manager to strategically manage and grow our product portfolio, driving sustainable sales, margin, and contribution in line with company objectives. This role requires a commercially astute and creative professional with strong analytical and relationship management skills.
This is a strategic, hands-on role suited to a results-driven professional who can balance commercial insight with creative brand development.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain an up-to-date understanding of the brand portfolio, market dynamics, emerging trends, and competitor activity.
- Conduct regular range reviews and benchmarking exercises with brand owners to identify growth opportunities and rationalise underperforming products.
- Negotiate with suppliers, agencies, and service providers to secure competitive terms, pricing, and where possible, marketing investment.
- Ensure principals and suppliers deliver the service levels and support required to meet customer expectations and drive business growth.
- Collaborate closely with marketing agencies to develop and execute brand marketing plans within agreed budgets, aimed at driving sales and brand awareness.
- Work with brand owners to plan and implement promotional and trade marketing initiatives, ensuring alignment with consumer marketing activities.
- Research and evaluate potential new principals to expand the company’s portfolio and support growth objectives.
- Manage discontinued and clearance product lines efficiently to create space for new product development.
- Plan, coordinate, and oversee the new product launch process, including packaging design (where applicable), ensuring effective communication across all internal departments and accurate forecasting for Sales, Supply Chain, Logistics, and Customer Service teams.
- Provide comprehensive support to the Sales team through accurate product data, presentations, and timely responses to information and pricing requests.
- Foster open, effective, and collaborative communication across cross-functional departments.
- Achieve sales and profit growth targets as set by your line manager.
- Prepare and deliver high-quality professional presentations for both internal and external audiences.
- Lead, engage, and develop direct reports by setting clear direction, expectations, and fostering a culture of performance and accountability.
Skills & Experience
Required:
- Excellent numeracy and literacy skills, with strong attention to detail.
- High proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, to a professional and analytical standard.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with the capacity to evaluate and compare alternative commercial options.
- Effective multitasker, able to manage a wide range of products and prioritise workload efficiently.
- Commercially astute, with a clear understanding of how decisions and actions impact sales, profit, and overall business performance.
What We Offer
- Annual bonus eligible position
- Hybrid office/home working model (following successful completion of probation).
- Growth and learning opportunities
- Collaborative work environment
- 5 weeks annual leave plus bank holidays
- Auto-enrolment Pension
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- DSE Contribution
- Onsite Parking
- Complimentary refreshments provided during working hours.
Values
Passion – We inspire others through our commitment and drive
Respect – We value diverse perspectives and treat everybody with dignity
Integrity – We act with honesty, fairness and consistency
Diversity – We are creating a culture where everyone feels safe and empowered to bring their genuine selves to work
Excellence – We seek continuous improvement in everything we do!
Diversity & Inclusion Statement:
At Robinson Young, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know—we’re here to support you.
How to Apply:
Please submit your CV to hr@ry.tm . We look forward to hearing from you.