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: Global Sourcing & Technical Director

LOCATION: Hybrid (min 1 day in office)

TRAVEL: UK and EU    

Purpose of the role:

The purpose of this role is to oversee and manage buying projects from initial concept through to successful launch. This includes pricing negotiation, lead time control, quality control, and production innovation to ensure successful product launches. A significant attribute needed is manufacturing expertise and relationship management, which ensure efficient communication and coordination with the factories, customers, and internal cross-functional team

Key Responsibilities:

• Build strong relationships internally with: Product, operations, Commercial and technical. As well as our global UK/SA/China/Vietnam teams
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with all factories and customers to ensure we grow strong partnerships
• Managing a global team working in hybrid locations, maintaining clear objectives, alignment and achieving joint KPI’s
• Supporting the division business growth through robust category plan strategy and lead suppliers joint business plan.
• Lead UK & EU buying strategy, supplier cost management and income.
• Ensure consistent availability and market beating cost prices
• Lead Mintec reporting and analysis across the team
• Provide coaching and training to the teams, leading company values and maintaining a positive working environment.
• Work collaboratively with Product, Technical, Supply chain, Commercial & suppliers
• Manage and plan the team travel and ensure annual budgets are managed and cost reductions driven YOY
• Lead risk management and negotiations with suppliers
• Manage innovations and market trends to increase business opportunities

About you:

• University or high Diploma graduate
• Minimum 10 years of industry experience in sourcing, product development or project management experience.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in leadership and team management 
• Strong Product knowledge across Non-Food and Food product development  
• Strong supplier relationship management.
• Strong market, business & commercial sense with strong analytical skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Strong negotiation skills

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 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