Hardware Product Development Lead

Job description

VPZ are the market-leading vape and e-cig retailer in the UK. With over 150 stores across the country, and continuing to expand across the UK, we're now looking for someone special to join us in VPZ Head office in Newbridge. The hardware product development lead will play a critical role in managing and expanding our range of vaping hardware and accessories. This role involves working closely with key suppliers, monitoring industry trends, and ensuring that our product offerings stay ahead of the competition. You will be responsible for identifying, sourcing, and negotiating with suppliers to bring the latest and most innovative products to market, helping the company maintain its competitive edge. Job Responsibilities: Product Sourcing & Procurement: Identify, source, and evaluate new products from hardware suppliers (e.g., mods, tanks, coils, accessories) that align with market demand and customer needs. Manage the product lifecycle, from initial concept through to launch and post-launch performance. Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, ensuring optimal pricing, delivery, and product quality. Negotiate contracts and terms with suppliers to maximise profitability and minimise risk. Market & Trend Analysis: Conduct regular market research and competitor analysis to stay ahead of industry trends and ensure the product range remains relevant and innovative. Monitor the global vaping industry, identifying emerging trends, new technologies, and product innovations in the hardware market. Collaborate with internal teams to forecast market demand and assess product performance metrics. Product Launches & Merchandising: Coordinate with the marketing and sales teams to plan and execute successful product launches, ensuring new products are positioned effectively within the market. Manage inventory levels and monitor stock performance, making recommendations for promotions, discounts, or discontinuations based on sales data. Ensure products are accurately represented across all sales platforms (both online and offline) with appropriate descriptions, imagery, and specifications. Supplier Relationship Management: Maintain and expand relationships with existing suppliers while identifying and developing new partnerships. Regularly communicate with suppliers regarding performance, quality, and new product development. Monitor supplier performance, ensuring compliance with agreed terms and conditions. Collaboration & Cross-Functional Communication: Work closely with the internal Product, Sales, and Marketing teams to align product strategy with overall business goals. Provide regular product updates, market insights, and performance reports to senior management and other stakeholders. Liaise with the compliance and legal teams to ensure all products meet UK regulatory standards for vaping products. Experience you will bring: Proven experience in a buying or product management role, ideally within the vaping, consumer electronics, or FMCG sector. Strong knowledge of vaping hardware (mods, tanks, coils, accessories) and the wider vaping industry. Ability to analyse market trends and competitor activities to stay ahead of the curve. Strong negotiation skills with a track record of securing favourable terms with suppliers. Excellent project management skills with the ability to oversee multiple product lines simultaneously. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Proficient in data analysis, with the ability to interpret sales data and forecast market demand.