James Fisher and Sons plc
Head of New Product Development
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Head of New Product Development
Head of New Product Development (NPD)
Locations: Westhill, Aberdeen or Inchinnan, Glasgow Contract: Full-time, Permanent Security checks required for this role.
The Role
This critical role at James Fisher Defence (JFD) is central to shaping and delivering JFD’s New Product Development (NPD) portfolio. It will drive innovation by creating a compelling pipeline of solutions—aligning with customer needs, strategic priorities, and sustainable business growth. Your work will deliver cutting-edge products, ensuring commercial success and shaping JFD’s future capability.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead and monitor NPD portfolio delivery, ensuring alignment with timelines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations.
- Drive accountability across project teams through effective governance and oversight.
- Apply and enforce engineering best practices consistently across the NPD function.
- Develop and maintain an NPD roadmap aligned with business strategy and customer demands.
- Ensure full compliance with safety standards, stage-gate governance, and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate closely with NPD Project Managers and Integrated Project Teams for seamless portfolio execution.
- Verify adherence to export controls, cybersecurity standards, and regulatory obligations.
- Track and deliver against key portfolio KPIs, including schedule, cost performance, and capability maturity.
- Champion continuous improvement using lean, agile systems engineering, and emerging technology adoption (e.g., AI, autonomous systems, advanced materials).
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Requirements
- Proven experience delivering New Product Development (NPD), R&D, or innovation projects in a high-impact technical environment (defence sector advantageous).
- Strong technical leadership skills, with the ability to mentor and manage high-performing engineering/IT teams.
- Commercial acumen to bridge engineering decisions and sustainable business outcomes.
- Collaborative leadership—empower teams, foster cross-functional coordination, and drive resolution of complex challenges.
- Experience navigating robust governance, compliance frameworks, and risk mitigation in regulated industries.
- Exceptional communication skills, capable of engaging with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Education/Accreditation:
- Degree in Engineering (or equivalent).
- Chartered Engineer status (or readiness to obtain).
- Defence/technical IT experience preferred.
Why Join Us?
- Flexible culture: Enjoy early Friday closures.
- Competitive package:
- Salary and benefits aligned to experience (including Private Medical, Life Assurance, Cycle-to-Work, and Company Pension).
- Career growth: Clear development pathways and visibility within the business.
- Supportive environment: Inclusive culture, actively valuing individual contributions.
- Impactful work: Drive progress in safety, innovation, and global operations.
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About James Fisher Defence (JFD)
As part of James Fisher Group, JFD is a global leader in underwater capability, providing:
- Submarine rescue services & escape training
- Advanced diving systems & saturation protocols
- Cutting-edge hyperbaric innovations
JFD’s mission is to deliver trusted solutions that safeguard maritime operations worldwide. Operating at the intersection of technology, expertise, and collaboration, we innovate for defence and commercial safety.
Explore more: James Fisher Defence.
Join Us
If you’re passionate about innovation within a blue economy and seek fulfilment in groundbreaking projects, apply now!
Due to high volume, vacancies may close early—apply promptly.
Our diverse, inclusive culture celebrates all talents. We are a Disability Confident employer and proudly champion equity in recruitment.
Explore our commitments:
- Diversity & Inclusion (via Vercida).
Apply now: JFD NPD Head Role
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