Head of Product Development

Head of New Product Development

Westhill, Aberdeen or Inchinnan, Glasgow

Full-time, Permanent

Please note that this role requires security checks.

The Role:

This role is central to shaping and delivering JFD’s New Product Development (NPD) portfolio. It is responsible for creating a clear and compelling pipeline of innovation that will define our future capability, deliver cutting-edge solutions for our customers, and fuel sustainable business growth. By bringing new products to market that align with customer needs and strategic priorities, this role will play a key part in driving commercial success.

What you'll be doing:

• Lead and monitor delivery across the NPD portfolio, ensuring progress aligns with agreed timelines and budgets.
• Drive accountability across project teams to deliver against plans through effective oversight and governance.
• Ensure consistent application of engineering processes and best practices throughout the function.
• Develop and maintain a clear NPD portfolio roadmap aligned to business strategy and priorities.
• Ensure full compliance with safety standards, stage-gate governance, and customer requirements.
• Work closely with NPD Project Managers and Integrated Project Teams to ensure effective portfolio execution.
• Ensure all NPD activities meet regulatory, export control, and cybersecurity requirements.
• Track and deliver against key portfolio KPIs, including schedule, cost performance, and capability maturity.
• Champion continuous improvement in NPD through the use of lean, agile, and systems engineering approaches.
• Support the integration of emerging technologies (e.g. AI, autonomous systems, advanced materials) into product development pipelines.

What we're looking for:

• Proven experience delivering New Product Development (NPD), R&D, or innovation projects.
• Strong technical leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, develop, and guide high-performing teams.
• Commercially astute, with an understanding of how engineering decisions impact business outcomes.
• Collaborative leadership style, with experience empowering teams and driving cross-functional working.
• Experience operating within robust governance frameworks, ensuring compliance while delivering complex programmes.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, able to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Degree-qualified in Engineering (or equivalent), with Chartered Engineer status (or willingness to obtain), and experience within a technical IT environment; defence sector experience would be advantageous.

Why join us?

• Early finish on Fridays
• Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience (Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Cycle to work scheme, Company Pension, etc.)
• Clear pathways for career development and organisational visibility
• Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions
• Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations

About Us:

James Fisher is a global engineering services company operating across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport. With a strong heritage in maritime operations, we now deliver innovative solutions in challenging environments. Our One James Fisher strategy is focused on building a unified, sustainable business within the Blue Economy, driving progress through technology, expertise, and collaboration.

Visit our website at:
Home | James Fisher and Sons plc

For more information about our values and behaviours, follow the link:
About us | James Fisher and Sons plc

James Fisher Defence (JFD), part of the James Fisher Group, is a global leader in underwater capability, delivering cutting-edge diving, submarine rescue, and hyperbaric solutions to both commercial and defence markets. Operating…