Product Design Manager

Our Story

James Cropper are global market leaders in advanced materials and paper products. Led by the Cropper family for six generations, we have an international workforce and an operational reach in over 50 countries.

Established in 1845, we manufacture paper, packaging and advanced materials incorporating pioneering non-wovens and electrochemical coatings.

We operate across multiple markets from luxury retail to renewable energy. Renowned globally for service, capability, pioneering and multi award-winning commitment to the highest standards of sustainability.

The Opportunity

Are you ready to lead the charge in shaping the future of sustainable packaging solutions? Do you have a passion for driving innovation and excellence in product development? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team

You will be responsible for;

Leading the Design and Tooling Team providing clear direction and delegation of responsibilities.

Developing and execute strategies for completing projects on time, monitoring progress, identifying risks, and implementing mitigation strategies.

Manage project budgets, including cost reduction initiatives, improving design efficiencies, and resource planning.

Collaborate closely with Sales and Commercial teams to prioritise projects and align workload with business priorities.

Provide technical support and guidance to Engineering and Production teams to ensure the highest quality standards are met across manufacturing processes.

Liaise with external tooling design providers to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of materials and services.


What will make you successful?

You will bring with you Product Management experience gained within the manufacturing industry and additionally;

Degree in Engineering and/or Design or equivalent experience.

Familiarity with lean principles and project management methodologies.

Strategic thinker with strong organisational and problem-solving skills.

Excellent communication and teamwork abilities with the ability to foster positive working relationships.

Attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work.


Why choose Us?

We are offering a competitive salary and benefits including;

The chance to pave your career with a global leader you’ll have support from your line manager and a range of learning & development programmes

We will help you save for your retirement - join our pension scheme and we’ll match contributions up to 6%

25 days’ holiday per year (pro rata) plus bank holidays

Free health cash plan so you can claim back cash for a range of medical expenses

Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 employee assistance programme (EAP) for you and your nearest and dearest





If this sounds like you and you have an interest in working for James Cropper PLC please apply today!


We reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier should we identify a suitable candidate or receive a sufficient volume of applications.

Our job applicant privacy policy is available https://www.jamescropper.com/i...

Why COLOURFORM™?

COLOURFORM™ is an exciting innovation from James Cropper PLC.

We are a world-renowned group of experts in the design and manufacture of pulp and fibre-based products. Everything we create for our global clients is manufactured on-site in our own factory at Burneside Mills, next to the River Kent, on the edge of the English Lake District. We have complete control over quality, environmental and workplace standards – and we always will. Colourform is at the forefront of eco-packaging technology and innovation.