Head of Research and Design - Sports and Fitness

Exciting new opportunity to work for an established and dynamic organisation.

The purpose of the role is the creation and development of new fitness products for the

professional market within an agreed cost and timeline.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

• Evaluation and development of existing concepts/products to commercialise.
• Analyse feedback from key customers and internal departments to improve on products.
• Generation of new innovative fitness concepts in line with brand image and style.
• Prototype and sample development of designs to enable user testing and design modification.
• Develop 'Business Product Evaluation’ models to analyse market and revenue potential.
• Evaluate performance and ergonomic data (in collaboration with third parties if required) to refine design and provide fundamental exercise instruction.
• Communication of product design details with stakeholders and relevant departments.
• Management of intellectual property associated with new product developments.
• Communicate product design specification and design data (CAD, branding guidelines) to manufacturers/agents for mass production.
• Management of technical files for new products; containing design and testing data.
• Management of resources required to complete the design phase of products.
• Development of long-term product strategy and competitor product analysis.
• Research of latest scientific developments and trends in the fitness and relevant industries.
• Development and management of a highly skilled design department with knowledge of sports science / fitness training principles.

The successful candidate will be degree/masters/PhD educated in the fields of Sports Technology, Engineering Design and Computer Aided Product Design and have a proven background within a similar role 

Key Skills Required are:

• Proven expertise in applied innovation and design in the sports market with up-to-date knowledge of technological and scientific advances.
• Professional and enthusiastic interpersonal skills for effective communication within teams and business networks.
• Proficient at planning multiple commercially sensitive and confidential projects while managing cross-functional teams.
• Efficient time management and self-motivated attitude towards project targets.
• Computer Software - Microsoft Office, CS5 including high proficiency in Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator
• Computer Aided Design Software - Solidworks, Solidworks Simulation, MathCAD & Photorealistic rendering