Company Description
Solent Group work with a diverse portfolio of Retailers and supply bespoke products within various categories, including Health & Beauty, Household Impulse Snacking and Reusable Bags. We are proud to be best-in-class when it comes to own-label product innovation. Our Categories are fast-paced with ever-evolving trends and a host of ground-breaking products coming to market on a regular basis - we add value to retailers by leading and owning each category.
Here at Solent we want people to be extraordinary. We pride ourselves on creating and producing amazing products and brands for our Global Customers. You will be joining a company with offices globally across South Africa, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam, and the UK.
Position
DIVISION/DEPT: Commercial
REPORT TO: Senior Product Manager
LOCATION: Commuting distance to Christchurch, Dorset, Flexible Working
TRAVEL: Yes
Purpose of the role
We're offering an exciting opportunity to become a key player in our dynamic and rapidly expanding reusable bag division. In this role you will work closely with UK and EU suppliers, our Solent Asia buying team, and a range of internal stakeholders across commercial, technical, design and supply chain departments. This role offers strong development potential, including opportunities for UK and international travel as you grow with the business.
Scope & Relationships
* UK & EU supplier facing and Solent Asia buying team
* Retailer facing for all live projects
* Internally face into commercial, technical, design and supply chain teams
* Internal Stakeholder management
Requirements
Main Responsibilities
* Responsible for driving business growth through NPD
* Manage the product development from Concept stage to finished goods
* Managing the production of the required deliverables through HK buying team
* Presentation building for key customer meetings
* Project implementation: Cross functional working with technical & design to ensure we are creating clear market leading briefs
* To manage our project management tool Asana ensure content is accurate and updated weekly
* Review consumer, incite and trend analysis to make informed decisions
* Engage/collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure project viability
* Problem solving & reacting to customer deadlines / requests
* Reviewing emails and project requirements, conducting meetings with teams and stakeholders, scheduling and monitoring metrics
* Market and trend analysis
About you
* Interest in fashion and clothing trends, passion for textiles and licensing
* Can confidently understand and run a critical path
* Manufacturing knowledge key, ideally working with FE suppliers
* Project management across multiple SKU's and categories
* Examples of cross-functional working across multiple teams
* Market and trend understanding in order to overlay onto product plans
* Strong supplier relationships with a commercial mindset
* Trade Show and supplier visit experience.
* Examples of problem solving and solutions to previous projects
* Ability to lead clear briefs and communicate efficiently to our buying teams.
* Ability to understand the technical make up of a product.
* Deliver with confidence exceptional presentations for our customers
* Ideally 3+ years of product development experience
Other information
In turn we offer:
* Competitive salary with annual salary reviews
* 25 days holiday per annum, increasing to 27 days after 3 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
* Extensive benefits program including buying additional holiday, medical cash plan, access to mental health support and many other benefits
* Flexible hours and work from home available to all staff
* Great learning and development and progression opportunities Yearly bonus structure (based on company targets)
* Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
* Generous Company Sick Pay
* Pension Scheme Contribution
* Solent social events run by our inhouse Social Team
* Cycle to Work scheme
* Dress down Fridays
* Free parking on Christchurch Quay