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.
POSITION: Head of Technical
REPORTS TO: COO
LOCATION: Christchurch, Dorset
TRAVEL: International and domestic travel required
The Opportunity - Head of Technical
The Head of Technical for the non-food products sector at Solent Group plays a pivotal role in ensuring the technical integrity, safety, and quality of all products supplied to both retail (B2C) and business (B2B) customers. This senior leadership role oversees the entire technical department, ensuring compliance with relevant safety regulations, driving product innovation, and ensuring sustainable practices in line with the company’s strategic goals. The role collaborates with cross-functional teams such as operations, procurement, marketing, and sales.
Key Responsibilities
* Ensure that all products meet internal quality standards, as well as external safety and compliance regulations, including HACCP, BRC BRCGS (Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standard), and other food industry standards.
* Ensure compliance with all relevant national and international non-food safety regulations (e.g. Cosmetic regulation, Detergent Regulation, REACH Biocides, EU GPSD) for B2B and B2C channels.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with finished goods manufacturing sites and raw material suppliers, ensuring adherence to company standards for safety, quality, and sustainability.
* Collaborate with R&D, Operations, and Marketing teams to lead the development of new products and improve existing product lines.
* Drive initiatives to reduce waste, energy use, and environmental impact within the manufacturing process.
* Provide strategic leadership to the technical team, ensuring high performance and alignment with business objectives.
About You
* Proven experience in a senior technical or quality assurance role within the non-food FMCG sector particularly formulated cosmetics and homecare.
* Proven experience leading safety programs, product development processes, and supplier management.
* In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, and industry standards such as HAACP, BRCGS and ISO 22716.
* Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
* Excellent understanding of manufacturing processes, supply chain management, and sustainability practices.
We Offer
* Competitive salary with annual salary reviews.
* Structured bonuses (based on company & individual performance).
* Work flexibly: work where it works for you.
* 25 days holiday per annum, increasing to 27 days after 3 years’ service and 30 days after 5 years’ service.
* Learning and development and progression opportunities.
* Salary sacrifice pension scheme.
* Solent social events run by our in-house Social Team.
* Cycle to work scheme.
* Regular international travel to Asia (and potentially South Africa) may be required.