About The Company
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: Technical
REPORT TO: COO
LINE MANAGEMENT: 3 direct reports
LOCATION: UK based
TRAVEL: International & Domestic travel essential
Purpose of the role
To lead and embed world-class quality, environmental, and food safety standards across Solent Group's product lifecycle, from 'concept to shelf', ensuring compliance, innovation, and trust at every touchpoint
Key Responsibilities
Budget ownership & management
Manage and control of all budget for Technical
Ensure cost controls are in place for maximising quality and efficiency
Set clear budgets and ensure they are managed and maintained
Global Team Leadership
Build a high performing team globally
Drive culture and values across the teams to ensure collaboration and unity as one team
Ensure Key Performance metrics are in place and measured
Champion ISO Standards Integration & Global standards as required for product & manufacturing compliance & safety
Embed ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environmental), and ISO 22000 (Food Safety) into daily operations, product development, and supplier management. Ethical compliance
Ensure compliance to other global standards required to sell, produce and maintain product safety
Translate standards into actionable frameworks, SOPs, and training programs
ESG management
Lead Technical Excellence and innovation
Oversee product specifications, testing protocols, and compliance documentation
Ensure all products meet retailer, regulatory, and consumer expectations - from hygiene to durability to sustainability
Maintain updated archives and claim substantiation
Drive technical innovation across all our categories
Drive Continuous Improvement
Establish feedback loops from audits, consumer data, and retailer scorecards
Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions with cross-functional teams
Ensure scorecards are maintained and used
Own Risk & Resilience
Conduct hazard analysis and risk assessments across supply chains
Develop robust traceability and recall systems, especially for food-contact and edible products
Elevate Customers, Supplier Partnerships and 3rd parties
Provide technical expertise and assurance for all Customers
Audit and mentor suppliers to meet ISO and retailer standards and drive manufacturing innovations and excellence - be knowledgeable on the process
Build long-term relationships based on transparency, shared goals, and mutual growth
Clear objectives and future innovation driven through JBP and KPI's
Lead Environmental Stewardship - ESG plan and management
Implement ISO 14001-aligned initiatives: waste reduction, energy efficiency, sustainable packaging
Track and report environmental KPIs across product categories
Environmental, Sustainability & governance
Experience and Attributes
Use data driven insights to guide technical strategy and be able to present findings in clear, visual formats for leadership and retail partners
Be able to Communicate with Impact and simplify technical detail into compelling narratives for internal teams, retailers, and consumers
Strong collaboration skills to highlight quality and sustainability wins
Deep knowledge of ISO 9001, 14001, and 22000 - with practical implementation experience
Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement across technical, creative, and commercial teams
Analytical mindset with a flair for storytelling - able to turn data into action and insight
Resilient, proactive, and solutions-focused - thrives in fast-paced, multi-tiered environments
Product development, manufacturing knowledge, regulatory
Team leadership
Budget management
What we offer
Competitive salary & car allowance 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
EV scheme
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
