Bert Frank is seeking a head of product to join its team in London.
Location and travel:
- London office: minimum two days per week
- Birmingham factory: at least once every two weeks (often more when required)
- occasional client visits with the sales team for bespoke and technical projects
About Bert Frank
Bert Frank is a British lighting brand known for bold, timeless design and exceptional in-house craftsmanship. All metalwork, assembly and finishing are carried out in our Birmingham factory, working closely with artisans and engineers. This role sits at the heart of the brand and is fundamental to the quality, performance and evolution of our products.
Role overview
This is a key, senior role responsible for everything product and technical at Bert Frank. From concept and design development to technical documentation, bespoke project management, production liaison and after-sales support, this person will own the full product lifecycle.
You will work closely with sales, operations, production and marketing, acting as the technical authority across the business and the main point of contact for non-standard, bespoke and complex product enquiries. While this role holds decision-making responsibility, it is fully supported by a team of in-house specialists and technical experts based in our Birmingham workshop. The role requires a strong understanding of all technical areas, with the ability to draw on specialist knowledge rather than personally knowing every detail.
Key responsibilities
Product development and design:
- develop new products from concept to realisation, working across design, engineering and production
- redesign and improve existing Bert Frank products to enhance design, engineering, usability, performance and quality
- lead product development across all components, including: electrical components, Inline switches and dimmers cables, fixings and accessories, drivers, LED modules and control compatibility source, specify and test materials and components in collaboration with the factory
- ensure all products meet technical, regulatory and production requirements
Technical documentation, master data and SKU management:
- create a master product document containing complete and accurate information for every Bert Frank product. This document will be the single source of truth for all product data and must be meticulously maintained
- create, structure and manage SKUs for all Bert Frank products, including standard and bespoke variations
- ensure SKU logic is clear, scalable and aligned across sales, production, operations and finance
- maintain accurate linkage between SKUs, drawings, specifications, finishes, components and pricing
- produce and maintain all product documentation, including: tear sheets, installation guides, maintenance guides, 2D and 3D drawings, bespoke drawings and installation guides for client-specific projects, All required technical certifications and compliance documentation, including CE declarations of conformity
- project manage the UL listing and certification process in collaboration with our in-house UL specialist
- own full responsibility for all technical content across the website and marketing materials, ensuring accuracy, consistency and alignment with current product specifications
- develop clear specification documents to support clients, designers and sales teams
Bespoke projects and client support:
- manage the full project lifecycle for bespoke pieces, from initial enquiry to production and delivery
- provide technical support to clients and the sales team for non-standard enquiries
- produce bespoke drawings, specifications and installation documentation
- act as a technical point of contact for clients when required
- have direct contact with clients and distributors, in person and by email, when technical input is needed
- be comfortable communicating clearly and professionally with clients and distributors, supporting the sales and operations teams as required
- attend client meetings with sales when technical input is needed
Production and factory collaboration:
- work closely with artisans and production teams in Birmingham
- regularly review product quality, finishes and build standards
- identify and implement improvements to production processes and communication
- support the factory with clear drawings, documentation and specifications
- help bridge communication between sales, operations and production
Exhibitions, installations and samples
Support exhibitions and trade shows, including:
- technical planning, display and installation of products, either directly or by managing and coordinating installation teams depending on the situation
- on-site technical support when required
- oversee and manage all product samples used for client presentations and exhibitions
- ensure samples are accurate, well maintained and aligned with current product specifications
Operations and after-sales support:
- work with the operations team as a technical point of contact for after-sales issues within scope
- assist in resolving technical queries, installation issues and product-related challenges
- help identify recurring issues and implement long-term product or process improvements
Digital assets and file management:
- own and maintain the product and technical structure within Dropbox
- ensure files are clearly organised, current and accessible for internal teams and clients
- maintain version control and consistency across all documentation
Marketing, brand and communication:
- support marketing by ensuring all technical information is accurate and aligned with product reality
- if comfortable, act as the face of design and product for video content, social media, product explanations and demonstrations
- clearly communicate design intent, craftsmanship and technical detail
Working relationships:
- sales team: technical support, bespoke projects, client meetings
- operations team: after-sales support, delivery coordination, issue resolution
- production team and artisans: design development, quality control, feasibility and improvements
- marketing team: product accuracy, documentation and storytelling
Skills and experience:
- strong background in product design, industrial design or product engineering
- proven experience across the full product development lifecycle, from concept and prototyping through to certification, production and after-sales
- excellent technical understanding of manufactured products, ideally within lighting or a related field
- experience working alongside in-house specialists and artisans, with the ability to gather, interpret and apply expert technical input
- strong CAD skills (2D and 3D)
- experience producing clear, professional technical and compliance documentation
- comfortable managing bespoke and made-to-order projects
- strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- confident communicator with both internal teams and clients
- willing and able to travel regularly between London and Birmingham
Personal attributes:
- highly organised and methodical
- hands-on and detail-driven
- comfortable taking ownership and responsibility
- collaborative and proactive
- passionate about quality, craftsmanship and design excellence
Why this role matters
This is a central, strategic role at Bert Frank. Anything product or technical related sits here. The right person will have a huge impact on the quality, clarity, efficiency and future evolution of the brand’s products.
