Head of Product Development

Dalgety Bay, Fife
Full-time | Management Role

Lead the Future of Photonics

PowerPhotonic is a world-leading designer and manufacturer of advanced optical components and assemblies for high-power laser systems. Our technologies support customers operating in defence, biomedical and fusion energy applications, solving complex optical challenges at the forefront of innovation.

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Product Development to join our Management Team and lead the development of future products, technologies and engineering capabilities that will drive the next phase of growth.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the product and technology roadmap of a growing photonics business whilst leading a talented multidisciplinary engineering team and delivering innovative customer-funded development programmes from concept through to manufacture.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Define and execute PowerPhotonic’s product and capability roadmap.
• Lead customer-funded development programmes, internal R&D projects and New Product Introduction (NPI) activities.
• Drive innovation, technology development and intellectual property generation.
• Ensure product developments are delivered on time, within budget and to specification.
• Lead and develop a high-performing Product Development team.
• Act as a senior technical representative with customers, partners and industry stakeholders.
• Work closely with Production, Commercial, Quality and US engineering teams to bring innovative products successfully into manufacture.

What We’re Looking For

• Degree in Physics, Engineering or Optics/Lasers or a related technical discipline.
• Proven leadership experience within a product development or engineering environment.
• Strong programme and project management capability.
• Track record of delivering complex customer-funded development programmes and NPI activities within a manufacturing environment.

Strong stakeholder management, customer engagement, and commercial awareness.

Desirable Experience

• Background in Optical, Opto-Mechanical, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience within Photonics, Lasers, Defence, Aerospace, or Advanced Manufacturing.
• Project Management qualification (PMP, PRINCE2, APMP, or equivalent).

Why Join PowerPhotonic?

• Work on technologies that enable next-generation laser systems.
• Play a key role in shaping company strategy and future growth.
• Join an ambitious, innovative business with international operations.
• Collaborate with highly skilled engineers.
• Make a tangible impact across defence, biomedical and fusion energy markets.

Apply Now

If you’re an engineering leader with a passion for innovation, technology development and building high-performing teams, we’d love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and cover letter to hr@powerphotonic.com.

No agencies please.

Management Accountant (Part-Time, 20 Hours per Week)

Company Overview

PowerPhotonic has an exciting opportunity for a part time Management Accountant to join our Finance team based in Dalgety Bay, Fife.

PowerPhotonic is a global leader in the design and manufacture of precision micro-optics for laser systems used in defence, biomedical, fusion energy and other advanced technology markets.

Our world-class design capability is supported by a highly innovative and flexible manufacturing process developed in-house. This unique combination enables us to deliver differentiated, high-performance optical solutions to customers operating at the cutting edge of technology.

What is Involved

The primary areas of focus will be to:

• Own the monthly management accounting and product costing processes

• Prepare timely and accurate monthly management accounts for UK and US operations

• Complete balance sheet reconciliations, variance analysis and management commentary

• Support budgeting and forecasting activities across the business

• Maintain standard costs and ensure product costing data remains accurate and robust

• Analyse manufacturing margins and investigate labour, material and overhead variances

• Support inventory valuation reviews and stock provisioning processes

• Support ongoing ERP implementation and continuous improvement initiatives

• Provide financial insight and analysis to support operational and commercial decision-making

• Assist with audit preparation and statutory reporting activities

Technical Expertise

Candidates should have experience or understanding of:

• Management accounting within a manufacturing environment

• Product costing, standard costing and inventory accounting

• Manufacturing variance analysis and margin reporting

• Budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis

• ERP systems and advanced Excel skills

• Multi-entity and intercompany accounting environments

• Working with operational and engineering teams to improve business performance

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Qualified accountant or qualified by experience (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

• Previous experience in a Management Accountant role within a manufacturing environment

• Strong experience in product costing, inventory accounting and variance analysis

• Experience preparing monthly management accounts, forecasts and budgets

• Strong Excel and ERP systems experience

• Ability to challenge and influence operational stakeholders

Desirable

• Experience working on group accounts, intercompany transactions and consolidations

• Experience supporting ERP implementation projects

• Previous experience using Infor ERP

• Experience working with auditors and supporting statutory accounts preparation

• Experience operating within an international trading environment

Working With Us

Contract Type: Part-time (c.20 hours per week)

Location: Dalgety Bay, Fife

Join Us

If you are motivated by delivering high-quality financial information, driving business insight and working closely with operational teams in a technically advanced manufacturing environment, PowerPhotonic offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the continued success of a growing international business.

Please send CV and covering letter to hr@powerphotonic.com.

No agencies please.