Technical Product Manager

Technical Product Manager - Automotive

Location: Mid-Kent (Hybrid Working Available)
Salary: Competitive + excellent benefits

Contact: Emily or Sammy at Pearson Whiffin Recruitment

A well-established, internationally operating business within the technical automotive supply sector is seeking a Product / Category Manager to take ownership of a defined European-focused portfolio.

This is a commercially important and technically involved position. You will sit at the centre of procurement, quality, supply chain and sales shaping product decisions, driving improvements and ensuring the range remains competitive, compliant and commercially successful.

This role would suit someone with genuine technical understanding whether gained through a relevant degree (e.g. Motorsport Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or similar) or through hands-on experience within the automotive or technical manufacturing sector.

The Role

You will take full ownership of a specialist technical product range, managing it through its entire lifecycle from introduction and validation through to optimisation and phase-out.

This is not an administrative product role. You will be expected to understand the technical fundamentals behind the products you manage, ask the right questions, challenge where necessary and confidently liaise with internal quality and procurement teams.

You will work cross-functionally across the business and help translate market demand into structured product decisions that protect margin, supply continuity and brand reputation.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Ownership

• Manage a defined European product range across its full lifecycle
• Identify range extensions, improvements and rationalisation opportunities
• Ensure alignment with commercial strategy and market demand

Technical Product Introduction

• Support new product launches from concept to release
• Coordinate technical validation, samples and documentation
• Work closely with quality teams to ensure products meet required standards

Supplier & Change Management

• Oversee product changes alongside procurement and quality

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Working collaboratively between procurement, quality, supply chain, operations and sales
• Support technical product queries from internal stakeholders
• Convert market feedback into actionable product plans

Data & Commercial Performance

• Maintain accurate technical and product data
• Support structured planning within a competitive, high-volume environment

About You

We are looking for someone who combines technical capability with commercial awareness.

You will have:

• Experience in Product Management, Category Management or Product Development
• A technical background within automotive, engineering or industrial sectors OR a relevant technical/engineering degree (Motorsport, Automotive, Mechanical etc.)
• Strong understanding of technical products and the confidence to discuss specifications and applications
• Experience managing products across the lifecycle
• The ability to work with both technical detail and commercial data
• Strong stakeholder management skills and a proactive approach
• Flexibility to travel including internationally

Aftermarket exposure would be advantageous but is not essential.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Genuine ownership of a defined product portfolio
• A stable, established business with international reach
• Strong internal collaboration and structured processes
• Excellent benefits package
• A company that invests in its people and supports long-term development
• Clear scope to grow and build expertise within your category
• Opportunities to travel!

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically minded product professional who wants more responsibility, greater influence and the chance to build a long-term career within a supportive and forward-thinking organisation.

If you would like to explore this opportunity confidentially, please get in touch.