World Heat Cylinders is looking for a driven and technically capable Product Development Project Manager to help us develop, launch and continuously improve a new range of packaged plate heat exchanger and commercial hot water systems.
This is a key mechanical, electrical and controls engineering role within a major new product development project. It is not a general office-based project management role. The successful person will need to understand engineered products, mechanical systems, electrical control principles, sensors, valves, pumps, control panels, BMS integration and practical product development.
We already manufacture commercial cylinders, calorifiers, buffer vessels, thermal stores and bespoke hot water solutions for the heat pump and renewable heating market. We have the manufacturing capability, technical knowledge, customer base and ambition to take this next step properly.
We are now developing a modern range of packaged plate heat exchanger systems, skid-mounted and modular commercial hot water packages, intelligent controls, BMS integration and complete packaged solutions for commercial CO₂ and conventional refrigerant heat pump systems.
The aim is simple: to create a product range that is better designed, easier to install, easier to specify, easier to commission, easier to use, more efficient, more intelligent and more commercially attractive than anything currently available in the market.
Many existing packaged hot water and plate heat exchanger systems still rely on old-fashioned designs, outdated controls and installation-heavy thinking. We believe there is a major opportunity to modernise this part of the market and create a product range that genuinely works better for installers, consultants, heat pump manufacturers, building operators and end users.
This role would suit someone who enjoys taking an idea from concept through to finished product, working across mechanical engineering, electrical design, controls, suppliers, production, testing and commercial delivery.
The role
You will help lead the development and delivery of World Heat’s packaged heat exchanger and commercial hot water systems range.
This will include helping to develop standard product models, bespoke packaged solutions, skid-mounted systems, modular plantroom packages, control strategies, BMS integration, technical documentation, supplier specifications, manufacturing processes, testing procedures and product launch material.
You will work closely with our directors, technical team, production team, sales team, suppliers and external partners to ensure the products are not only technically strong, but also simple to build, simple to install, simple to commission, simple to maintain and commercially competitive.
This is not a role for someone who wants to simply copy what already exists. We are looking for someone who wants to help build something better.
Key responsibilities
Manage the development of a new packaged plate heat exchanger and commercial hot water systems range from concept to launch.
Help define standard product models, sizes, duties, options and configurations.
Support the design and development of bespoke packaged systems for commercial hot water applications.
Work on the mechanical design of packaged systems, including vessels, plate heat exchangers, pipework layouts, pumps, valves, sensors, strainers, safety devices, insulation, frames, skids and modular assemblies.
Work on the electrical and controls side of the product, including control strategy, control panels, sensors, actuators, wiring requirements, system feedback, fault reporting, commissioning logic and BMS integration.
Help develop a modern controls platform with strong BMS integration, intelligent monitoring, clear fault feedback, simple commissioning and user-friendly operation.
Work with internal and external engineers on hydraulic design, heat exchanger selection, vessel integration, pump selection, valve selection, control philosophy and safety requirements.
Work with suppliers to source and specify key components including plate heat exchangers, pumps, valves, controls, sensors, actuators, enclosures, electrical components, control panels and skid/module assemblies.
Help produce technical specifications, datasheets, manuals, installation guides, commissioning documents, wiring information, control descriptions and sales support information.
Coordinate prototype builds, testing, performance checks, product trials, feedback and improvements.
Work with production to ensure designs are practical, repeatable, efficient to manufacture and suitable for future scale.
Support sales and technical teams with product knowledge, customer requirements, technical selections and bespoke project enquiries.
Help ensure the final product range is reliable, compliant, commercially viable and genuinely better than existing market alternatives.
Keep projects moving, keep people accountable, identify risks early and make sure progress is visible.
What we are looking for
We are looking for someone with strong engineering ability and the project management skills to turn a product idea into a finished, repeatable and commercially successful product range.
The ideal candidate will have a good understanding of mechanical systems and a working knowledge of electrical controls, control panels, sensors, valves, pumps and BMS integration.
You do not need to know everything on day one. We already have strong internal knowledge around cylinders, vessels, manufacturing, heat pump applications and commercial hot water. What we need is someone who can bring structure, engineering knowledge, technical curiosity and project discipline to help turn the opportunity into a finished product range.
Experience in one or more of the following would be beneficial:
Mechanical engineering.
Electrical engineering.
Controls engineering.
Mechatronics.
Commercial heating or hot water systems.
Plate heat exchangers.
Heat pump systems, including CO₂ or conventional refrigerant systems.
Packaged plantrooms, skid-mounted systems or modular heating/hot water packages.
BMS controls, control panels, sensors, valves, pumps and system integration.
Mechanical building services.
Electrical building services.
Product development or technical project management.
Manufacturing, fabrication or engineered product development.
Working with suppliers, consultants, contractors, installers or OEMs.
Key qualities
Strong technical interest and practical problem-solving ability.
Good mechanical engineering understanding.
Good electrical and controls awareness.
Ability to understand how mechanical, electrical and electronic systems work together.
Strong project management skills and the ability to keep multiple workstreams moving.
Comfortable working with directors, engineers, suppliers, production teams and customers.
Able to challenge outdated thinking and help develop better ways of doing things.
Commercially aware, with an understanding that products need to be reliable, buildable, installable and profitable.
Clear communicator who can turn technical discussions into actions, specifications and finished documents.
Organised, proactive and comfortable taking ownership.
Honest about what they know and what they need support with.
Ambitious and motivated by the opportunity to help create a market-leading product range.
Why join World Heat?
World Heat Cylinders is a fast-growing UK manufacturer with a strong position in the heat pump and commercial hot water market. We already manufacture a wide range of stainless steel cylinders, commercial vessels and pre-plumbed solutions for leading heat pump and renewable heating customers.
This project is a major strategic priority for the business. The successful person will have the opportunity to help shape a new product range from the ground up and play a key role in taking it to market.
We are not looking to simply enter this market quietly. We want to innovate, improve and challenge the way these systems have traditionally been designed and supplied.
For the right person, this is a rare opportunity to be involved at the beginning of a major new product development project with the backing of an established manufacturer, experienced leadership team, existing customer base and clear growth ambition.
Package
Salary: £55,000–£65,000 depending on experience.
Full-time, permanent role.
Company benefits including electric company car and wider package to be discussed depending on the candidate’s experience and suitability.
How to apply
Please send your CV and a short covering note explaining your relevant mechanical, electrical, controls or product development experience, and why this project interests you.
Pay: £55,000.00-£65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
