Defence Communications Product Manager

The Opportunity

Copello is supporting a leading organisation within the defence technology and communications sector in the search for a Defence Communications Product Manager.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Product Manager with a strong technical background in defence communications, including dismounted, mounted and fixed-site communications, tactical networking, edge computing and mission-critical applications.

Working within a wider technology and product function, the successful candidate will take ownership of an assigned product portfolio, acting as the interface between the business, customers and engineering teams. The portfolio will encompass both internally developed and third-party products, with responsibility for driving product strategy, commercial performance and lifecycle management.

The position will play a key role in translating customer and market requirements into commercially viable product solutions, supporting capabilities from initial concept and business case development through to product launch and eventual retirement.

Key Responsibilities

Product Strategy & Roadmap

• Own and maintain assigned product roadmaps, ensuring alignment with wider business and technology objectives.

• Maintain up-to-date competitor analysis, market intelligence and go-to-market plans across the product portfolio.

• Identify emerging market opportunities, customer requirements and technology trends.

Business Case Development

• Develop and present product business cases, including high-level requirements, financial forecasts and commercial justification.

• Work closely with Engineering, Sales and Finance to establish projected costs, revenues and investment requirements.

• Undertake financial assessments, including NPV, IRR and payback period calculations.

• Support formal project approval and governance processes.

Product Development & Engineering Engagement

• Work closely with Engineering teams throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Capture and communicate customer and market requirements to ensure solutions meet operational needs.

• Conduct regular product management reviews, providing customer-focused feedback on developing functionality and product suitability.

Go-to-Market & Product Launch

• Develop and own go-to-market plans and launch timelines for products within the assigned portfolio.

• Coordinate launch activities across Engineering, Sales, Marketing and Manufacturing.

• Drive delivery against agreed milestones to ensure successful product introduction.

Pricing & Commercial Management

• Establish product part numbers, pricing structures, discount frameworks and product categorisation.

• Work with internal sales support teams to develop and maintain product configuration tools.

• Contribute to regular portfolio pricing reviews and wider commercial strategy.

Product Lifecycle Management

• Manage products throughout their complete lifecycle, from initial concept and development through introduction, growth and eventual retirement.

• Monitor product relevance, competitiveness and commercial performance.

• Identify opportunities for product enhancement and portfolio development.

Sales & Marketing Support

• Work with Marketing to develop technical datasheets, product information, website content and catalogue materials.

• Deliver technical presentations to internal stakeholders and external customers.

• Provide technical input into bids, tenders and customer proposals.

• Support the wider sales organisation with product knowledge and technical expertise.

Skills & Experience

The successful candidate will ideally demonstrate:

• Proven experience in a Product Management role, preferably within the defence, military communications or wider technology sectors.

• Strong understanding of defence communications capabilities, global industry trends and relevant defence programmes.

• Knowledge of military compliance requirements, standards and operational environments.

• Experience in a customer-facing commercial or technical role.

• Understanding of product development, commercial business cases and lifecycle management.

• Familiarity with RF and general electronics laboratory test equipment.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications.

Experience in bidding, estimating and proposal development would also be advantageous.

Technical Knowledge

• Degree in Electronic Engineering or a related technical discipline.

• In-depth knowledge of modern wireless communications technologies, including IP Mesh systems.

• Strong understanding of IP networking principles and architectures.

• Understanding of tactical communications, dismounted and mounted systems, fixed-site communications, edge computing and mission applications.

Personal Attributes

• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and organisational skills.

• Proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

• Strong commercial awareness and ability to balance technical and business priorities.

• Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.

• Commitment to maintaining high standards of health, safety and environmental responsibility.

Additional Information

• The role will involve domestic and international travel.

• Existing security clearance would be advantageous.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically credible Product Manager to take ownership of a specialist defence communications portfolio, influence future product development and contribute to the delivery of mission-critical defence technology capabilities.