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.
Location
Hybrid (1 day per week in Christchurch, Dorset).
Travel
European manufacturers, trade shows & customer meetings.
Purpose of the role
To develop and optimise products across the Healthy Snacking and Confectionery division, operating as a hands‑on developer with a high degree of autonomy across both NPD and R&D. The role is responsible for creating and refining recipes to deliver on taste, nutrition, quality, and cost targets, while applying strong ingredient, flavour, and sensory expertise within the ambient grocery space. It involves managing the end‑to‑end product lifecycle from concept through to launch, including the creation of clear briefs and confident cross‑functional communication. The position also owns strategic innovation, using consumer insights and trend analysis to shape forward‑thinking product development, while balancing day‑to‑day delivery with the freedom to introduce breakthrough ideas that redefine the category.
Scope & Relationships
* Retailer facing for all live projects
* Role to sit withing the product organisation structure
* Internally face into all Buying, technical, design and supply chain teams
* Internal Stakeholder management
Key Responsibilities
* Autonomously develop market leading formulations based on benchmarks and briefs, balancing innovation, functionality, and quality standards
* Manage all product samples: review, taste, and ensure timely distribution to customers and suppliers, maintaining accuracy and consistency
* Lead internal and customer tasting and benchmarking sessions, providing clear insights and recommendations for product positioning and improvement
* Lead trends and market insights, integrating findings into presentations and strategies; maintain regular retailer engagement to inform innovation
* Deliver high‑impact customer presentations, ensuring content is accurate, compelling, and aligned with brand strategy
* Manage critical paths with strong project planning, milestone tracking, and proactive resolution of delays to ensure successful on‑time launches
* Oversee product development from concept to finished goods, including briefings, quote and sample reviews, factory trial support, and quality checks
* Maintain and update project tracker, setting deadlines, creating critical paths, and delegating tasks to cross‑functional teams (commercial, technical)
* Lead annual strategic category plans, including quarterly reviews, tracking progress, and adjusting strategies to meet financial and innovation objectives
* Coordinate stakeholder communications and meetings, proactively identifying and resolving project challenges to ensure smooth delivery
Experience
* 5 years experience working in NPD in Ambient Grocery
* Market and trend implementation and execution with BOLD NPD ideas!
* Real opportunity for a hands on developer to see concept to launch
* Have used and is familiar with Nutri‑calc or equivalent
* Can confidently understand and run a critical path
* Examples of cross‑functional working across multiple teams
* Examples of independent problem solving and solutions to previous projects
* Recipe Development & Formulation
* Brand led product innovation & execution
* Self‑starter and adaptability to respond effectively to trends
* Food science or nutrition knowledge
* Project management
Personal Profile
* Passionate about nutrition and wellbeing and latest trends
* Excited about working within a dynamic and fast‑paced team
* Motivated and Ambitious
* Can do attitude to find solutions within a development window
What 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
* 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
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