Job Description

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 xe2x80x93 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.

Department: Technical

Reporting to: Technical Development and Quality Director (Non-foods) (based in UK

Location: Based in South Africa office, Montague Gardens

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and committed self-starter to join a successful, entrepreneurial company, based in our South Africa Office.

As Technical Manager you will be required to influence category technology strategies and decisions with a high level of expertise and knowledge. Provide direction and support to ensure compliance with relevant legislative specifications and standards. Coordinate the regular testing and conformance of products and packaging against an agreed specification. Act as a key contact for customers who require technical support and enabling the delivery of product development category plans. Ensure integration across our local internal and international teams. Be responsible for the management and upkeep of a total quality management system including periodic reviews and reporting.

The role also involves occasional business travel to various locations around the world to attend factory trials, factory gap analysis, pre-production and product launches and to meet with customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical development of new products being presented to market either by Solentsxe2x80x99 retail partners or by Solentsxe2x80x99 own brands.
• Working with technical teams in UK and Asia to ensure all technical aspects of a development project are completed, for example safety assessments, product performance testing, regulatory compliance, specification creation and legal checks etc.
• Input and implementation of business Technical Strategy.
• Prioritise and champion Solentxe2x80x99s Policies on Sustainability, Innovation and Ethical manufacturing.
• Manage the performance and development of junior team members.
• Network with key players in the industry.
• Management of technology and supplier base.
• Management of Solent total quality management standard, from quality assurance to non-conformance and complaint management.
• Implementation and management of brand integrity for and on behalf of the group and customers.
• Understanding the SA retail landscape to enable successful trade with a focus on compliance and legislation.
• The ability to work across a broad and diverse product category.
• Great problem-solving skills with a sound commercial aptitude.
• Ability to manage key customers and ensuring integration and alignment across teams.
• Handling of customer complaints/queries with the correct level of investigation, follow up and close out.
• Critical path management for new product development ensuring all technical deliverables are met.
• Artwork sign off to ensure compliance and all on pack markings and call outs are validated.

• Bachelorxe2x80x99s Degree in Scientific Discipline, preferably Chemistry or Cosmetic Science/ SCS Diploma in Cosmetic Science / BSc Food Science Degree / BTech Food Technology
• Minimum 7 years industry experience across multiple product categories.
• Proven track record of technical product development and bringing ranges to market.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal
• Good working knowledge of Quality Management Systems, HACCP, BRC, Allergen Controls, Ethical Requirements, Internal Auditing, third party and retailer accreditation systems and Codes of Practice.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work under pressure and autonomously
• Organizational and team leading skills
• Knowledge of process improvement and validation
• Understanding of different process technologies relevant to product categories
• Knowledge of regulatory standards relevant to industry and product categories
• The ability to investigate and identify trends.
• Engaging with key retailers coupled with financial acumen is an advantage.
• Driving product safety and quality.
• Personal effectiveness and delivering high performance.
• Having an innovative merchant and entrepreneurial mind-set
• Knowledge of formulation and industrial scale up an advantage.

• Competitive salary with annual salary reviews
• 17 days holiday per annum, increasing to 22 days after 3 yearsxe2x80x99 service and 25 days after 5 yearsxe2x80x99 service and 1 day for birthday leave
• Great learning and development and progression opportunities
• Yearly bonus structure (based on company targets)
• Enhanced Maternity Leave
• Solent social events run by our inhouse Social Team

The Solent Group