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.

REPORT TO: Head of Compliance

LOCATION: Hybrid (2-3 days per week) commuting distance to Christchurch, Dorset

TRAVEL: International and Domestic 

Purpose of the role:

The Compliance Manager is responsible for delivering and maintaining high standards of technical, regulatory, and ethical compliance across Solent Group’s UK and EU supply base. This role focuses on planning, conducting, and managing audits across food and non-food manufacturing sites, driving continuous improvement and ensuring all sites meet internal, customer, and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Audit Planning & Delivery

• Plan, schedule, and conduct internal and external compliance audits across food and non-food manufacturing sites
• Lead factory audits covering technical, quality and ethical compliance standards
• Ensure audit scope aligns with Solent standards, customer codes of practice, and regulatory requirements
• Accompany customers and third-party auditors on site visits when required

Non-Conformance & Corrective Action Management

• Review, document, and manage audit findings and non-conformances
• Develop, agree, and track corrective action plans (CAPs) with manufacturing sites
• Verify effectiveness of corrective actions within agreed timelines
• Escalate high-risk or repeat non-conformances to the relevant technical managers
• Maintain accurate audit records, reports, and compliance documentation

Regulatory & Standards Compliance

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant compliance regulations and standards
• Ensure manufacturing sites meet applicable food safety, product safety, ethical, and legal requirements

Supplier & Factory Engagement

• Drive continuous improvement in technical and ethical compliance performance at manufacturing sites
• Provide guidance and training to suppliers on audit readiness and compliance expectations
• Build strong working relationships with suppliers to promote transparency and accountability

New Supplier Onboarding & Due Diligence

• Support buying, product and technical teams during new supplier and factory sourcing
• In collaboration with technical managers conduct compliance risk assessments and gap analysis and pre-approval audits for new manufacturing sites
• Agree onboarding timelines and ensure all technical and ethical requirements are met prior to approval

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with buying, product, quality, and technical teams to resolve compliance issues
• Provide clear, concise compliance updates to internal stakeholders
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the business

About you:

• 3-5 years’ proven experience in a compliance, audit, or technical role within the manufacturing industry
• Proven experience conducting factory audits (food and/or non-food)
• Excellent project management and organisational skills
• Able to manage multiple audits, projects, and deadlines simultaneously
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Knowledge on compliance regulation for UK/EU/Australia/Asia
• Calm and composed under pressure
• Proactive, solutions-focused, and commercially aware
• Approachable and open to new ideas
• Willing to take ownership and make sound decisions

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