Head of Product Development

Location: Loanhead, Edinburgh

Flexible Working Options – 4- or 5-day week

Join Our Senior Leadership Team:
Head of Product Development

We’re looking for an innovative and visionary Head of Product Development to drive the future of marine engineering at Mac Taggart Scott
. In this role, you’ll lead cutting-edge R&D projects
, turning ideas into robust, reliable, and market-ready products. You’ll work independently with minimal supervision, managing projects proactively while shaping the company’s technological direction. This is your opportunity to make a tangible impact, developing new equipment for existing and emerging markets, solving complex engineering challenges, and contributing to strategic decisions at the highest level.

Mac Taggart Scott has been a pioneer in marine engineering since 1898, providing complete solutions for naval and defence customers. From requirements analysis, design, manufacture, to commissioning and through‑life support. While we take pride in our history, we are constantly innovating, investing in new technologies, and pushing boundaries to maintain our position as industry leaders.

The Head of Product Development is responsible for leading research and development initiatives that enhance company products, technology, and capabilities. You will oversee the delivery of R&D projects on time, within budget, and to specification, ensuring innovation is balanced with technical feasibility and commercial impact. You will also engage in strategic planning, contribute to business improvement initiatives, and represent the company in external collaborations with universities and partners.

Success is measured by the quality, efficiency, and market relevance of delivered products, as well as your ability to influence technical and strategic decisions.

• Lead and manage R&D projects from concept through execution, ensuring they meet technical, budgetary, and schedule requirements.
• Develop R&D business cases in collaboration with the Engineering Design Manager and Chief Engineer.
• Prepare and present monthly progress reports and quarterly strategic R&D reviews to the Board.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks while managing project resources efficiently.
• Contribute to design reviews and collaborative engineering problem‑solving.
• Generate technical reports, recommendations, and lessons learned for current and future products.
• Innovate and propose new equipment solutions for existing and emerging markets.
• Protect and manage company intellectual property, including patents where applicable.
• Engage with higher education institutions to support student placements and promote engineering excellence.
• Champion a safety‑first culture, ensuring compliance with all Health & Safety policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives across the business.

• A creative, solution‑oriented engineer with a passion for innovation.
• Experienced in research, development, or design engineering within naval, defence, marine, or related sectors.
• Skilled at managing projects, budgets, and resources independently.
• Able to communicate complex technical information to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Proactive in contributing to strategic planning and decision‑making.
• Demonstrates strong commercial awareness and understanding of the value of intellectual property.

Essential:

• BSc, BEng, or MEng in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Broad understanding of general engineering principles.
• Experience in design, R&D, or development projects within marine, naval, or defence industries.
• Strong problem‑solving and innovative thinking skills.
• Working knowledge of 3D CAD and FEA software.
• Awareness of risk management methodologies.
• Commitment to Continued Professional Development (CPD).

Desirable:

• Experience with rotating machinery, hydraulics, or electric drives.
• Experience managing intellectual property and patents.
• Familiarity with MOD or military environmental requirements.
• Prior exposure to strategic R&D planning and reporting to senior leadership.

• The…