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 Quality & Compliance
REPORTS TO: COO
LOCATION: Christchurch, Dorset
TRAVEL: Both international and domestic travel required
The Opportunity - Head of Quality & Compliance
The Head of Quality & Compliance will oversee and ensure the highest standards of product quality, safety, and compliance across the company’s product range, including food, health & beauty, personal care, homecare, wellness, and reusable bags. This role involves ensuring adherence to regulatory standards for both B2B and B2C markets. You will develop and implement strategies for quality control and regulatory compliance, while leading a team of quality assurance professionals to maintain the company’s reputation for safe, high-quality, and ethically produced products.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the company’s quality assurance (BRCGS) program, including setting standards for product quality across multiple categories (food, health & beauty, personal care, homecare, wellness, reusable bags).
* Ensure factory supplier compliance with all relevant regulations in FMCG sectors (food safety laws, cosmetics regulations, detergent regulations, health & wellness standards, and packaging laws).
* Build and maintain strong relationships with all suppliers ensuring the quality assurance programs across all sites are carried out effectively (supplier audits & manage non-conformance investigations)
* Lead a cross-functional team, fostering a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement across all areas.
* Implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects, recalls, and customer complaints.
* Act as the primary liaison for customers, external auditors, regulatory bodies, and certification organisations.
About You
* Proven experience in a senior quality assurance or regulatory compliance role within FMCG (preferably with experience across food, homecare health & beauty, wellness products).
* Strong knowledge of global and local regulations (FDA, MHRA, REACH, GMP, etc.) across diverse product categories.
* Proven track record in managing teams, improving processes, and navigating complex regulatory landscapes.
* Expertise in quality management systems (QMS), risk management, HACCP and lead auditor trained.
* Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
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.