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.
DIVISION/DEPT: Product
REPORT TO: Product Manager
LOCATION: Hybrid, commuting distance to Christchurch, Dorset (Head Office)
Purpose of the role:
As a Junior Product Manager, you will support the Product Manager and National Account Managers (sales team) across multiple leading retailers to develop and deliver strong products for your customers that meet the consumer needs. You will ultimately report into the Product Manager who will help support and guide your development within the business
You will work closely with the design team to bring your ideas to life, and over time will develop an understanding of your customer and what their product needs to look and feel like. You will also work with our incredible team in the Far East, who liaise directly with our suppliers, helping to source and quote for your requests. There are other teams within the division that will also help support you throughout the product life cycle, including technical, marketing and logistics
Main Responsibilities:
* Research the market and review product trends, including visiting customer stores. Assess competitors' products to identify important features and compare performance with equivalent company products
* Product Weekly Customer NPD slides
* Support in delivering products and ranges that are targeted and exceed customer expectations
* Manage cross functional relationships with our overseas offices, maintaining our One Team culture at all times
* Support the product managers in delivering the critical paths, sample management and admin tasks
* Support in writing clear briefs and communicate efficiently with our production teams globally
* Be able to work with large amounts of detail
* Arrange samples and presentations for customer meetings
* Develop and engage with the wider team on new product ideas / scoping & concepts.
* Approve product samples and assure quality standards through all stages of new product development
Experience and knowledge:
* Excited and passionate about working within a dynamic and fast-paced team.
* Appetite to learn and explore new product ranges.
* Interest in fashion and clothing trends, passion for textiles and licensing
* A willingness to learn and improve and have a 'hands on' approach
* Highly organised
* Can show examples of efficient cross functional team working and independent working
* Confident in communicating and developing relationships with internal and external sources
* Strong time management and a proactive work ethic
* Strong attention to detail and good collaboration, communication, and project management skills
* Fluent use of Microsoft Office - Outlook, Excel and Power Point
* Fluent use of online platforms for virtual meetings and presentations
* Happy to travel to our office locations across the UK
* Happy to travel for meetings/ trade shows
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 programme 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 with an office presence ideally once a week
* 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
* Free parking on Christchurch Quay