Product Development Manager

Madison is the UK’s leading distributor for premium bicycles, clothing, parts and accessories. Based in Milton Keynes, home to the biggest brands in cycling.

Vacancy Overview

• We are looking to recruit an experienced Product Development Manager with proven International sourcing experience in bicycle parts and accessories to source and develop commercially successful products for Madison Signature Brands.
• The role will manage product development from initial opportunity and supplier sourcing through sampling, testing, approval and launch. It will primarily focus on new products and ranges, alongside some day-to-day management and improvement of existing products and suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify gaps and commercial opportunities across Madison Signature Brands product categories.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, new technologies and emerging product categories.
• Attend trade shows, visit retailers and undertake competitor and market research.
• Support category growth plans, product roadmaps and balanced good, better and best ranges.
• Create clear product briefs covering specifications, features, target customers, pricing and positioning.
• Manage development projects from initial concept through sourcing, sampling, testing, refinement and production approval.
• Identify, evaluate and manage suitable Far East, UK and international suppliers, factories and manufacturing partners.
• Undertake Far East sourcing trips and factory visits as required.
• Compare supplier capabilities, quotations, minimum order quantities, tooling requirements and lead times.
• Benchmark costs and negotiate with suppliers to achieve agreed costs, margins and commercial terms.
• Manage improvements, specification changes and re-sourcing projects for existing products.
• Work closely with Product Managers, Brand Managers, Design, Marketing, Sales, Compliance, Operations and Supply Chain.
• Coordinate product testing and ensure applicable safety, quality and regulatory requirements are met.
• Maintain accurate development plans, specifications, costings, project trackers and critical-path timelines.
• Identify commercial risks such as excessive minimum order quantities, tooling costs, indemnities and long lead times.
• Ensure products are approved and delivered within agreed launch windows.
• Provide accurate product information for packaging, instructions, sales and marketing materials.
• Help improve and standardise Madison’s product development and sourcing processes.

Experience and Skills

• Applicants should have experience in product development, sourcing, product management, buying or a closely related role.
• Proven experience sourcing bicycle parts and accessories directly from manufacturers and suppliers in the Far East is an essential requirement for this role.
• The ideal candidate will have:
• Proven Far East sourcing experience specifically within bicycle parts and accessories, including identifying, evaluating and managing suppliers and factories.
• Experience managing physical products from initial brief through sampling and production.
• Experience working with suppliers, factories or manufacturing partners.
• Strong commercial awareness, including product costs, margins, pricing and range architecture.
• The ability to understand product specifications, materials and manufacturing processes.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage several projects concurrently.
• A structured, accurate and detail-focused approach.
• Strong communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• A proactive and collaborative approach with a genuine interest in cycling and products.

Personal Attributes

• The ideal candidate will combine product creativity with strong commercial judgement and a structured approach to project management. You will understand how products progress from an initial idea through sourcing, sampling, testing and approval to a successful market launch.
• Alongside the essential requirement for Far East/International sourcing experience within bicycle parts and accessories, broader experience within cycling, sporting goods, outdoor products, hardware or consumer accessories would be particularly valuable, together with a genuine interest in products, manufacturing and innovation.
• You will be comfortable taking ownership of projects and balancing innovation, product quality, commercial viability and delivery deadlines.

To apply

• Please email your CV and a brief covering email which must details your salary expectations to [email protected]. NB Applicants must have the right to live and work in UK and PORW will be required prior to interview.
• Close date 13/11/26 although we may appoint sooner if we find the right candidate. Please note previous applicants need not apply.
• To find out more about Madison and our parent company, please visit hyoung.co.uk.