At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the food team in product development from ideation to launch.
- Company: Solent Group innovates bespoke products for global retailers across various categories.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, remote work options, and a competitive salary with annual reviews.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team passionate about food trends and product innovation.
- Qualifications: 1-2 years in food product development; food-related degree preferred.
- Other info: Regular tasting of food products is required; consider allergies before applying.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Solent Group works with a diverse portfolio of retailers and supplies 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
- DIVISION/DEPT: Product
- REPORT TO: Senior Product Manager
- LOCATION: Christchurch (hybrid - flexibility required)
- TRAVEL: Travel to European manufacturers, trade shows, and customer meetings
We have an exciting new role in our Product Development team in the food division. This role focuses on supporting the foods team in all aspects of product development, from ideation, recipe development, production trials, and through to launch. The successful candidate will develop new and existing relationships with the manufacturing partners and retail customers and have a passion for research and staying ahead of trends.
Requirements
Duties and Responsibilities Include:
- Supporting the foods team in all aspects of product development, from ideation, recipe development, production trials, and through to launch
- Build strong relationships with our manufacturing partners and retail customers
- Ability to create clear briefs and communicate these efficiently with our suppliers
- Speak and present with confidence on project status updates
- Ability to understand ingredient lists, tastes, and flavours
- Support with exceptional presentations for our customers
- Trend and competitive shop analysis
- Day-to-day management of the Foods team critical paths
Key Responsibilities
- Management of all samples; reviewing/tasting, posting to customers/suppliers
- Lead tasting and benchmarking sessions internally and for our customers
- Keep up to date with trend and insights, incorporating into presentations and feeding back to the team; frequently visiting our retailers
- Responsible for completing the project work in line with the NPD pipeline
- Manage the product development from concept stage to finished goods including briefing our suppliers, reviewing quote sheets, sample submission forms to customers, assisting factory trials, reviewing samples, quality contracts etc.
- Updating the project tracker - setting deadlines, communicating/creating critical paths and delegating tasks to the wider team e.g. commercial/technical
- Contribute to category plans for the financial year with quarterly reviews
- Manage our project management tool, ensuring it’s accurate
- Reviewing emails and project requirements, conducting meetings with teams and stakeholders, solving any problems along the way
About You
- Passionate about food/snacking and the latest foodie trends
- 1-2 years’ experience in role with demonstrable examples of food product development
- Can confidently understand and run a critical path
- Food related degree (Food science or nutrition based)
- Food manufacturing knowledge, knowledge of regulations /HFSS
- Project management across multiple SKUs and categories
- Examples of cross-functional working across multiple teams
- Market and trend understanding to overlay onto product plans
- Strong supplier relationships with a commercial mindset
- Trade show and supplier visit experience
- Examples of problem solving and solutions to previous projects
- Strong communication skills, detail-oriented, excellent time management
- Ability to review trends and pull into a development calendar
- Relationship building with suppliers and customers
Please note: This role involves regular tasting/handling of food products, including dairy, nuts, and other allergens. Please consider this when applying if you have severe food allergies.
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 in-house social team
- Cycle to work scheme
- Dress down Fridays
- Free parking on Christchurch Quay
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Contract
Job function: Product Management and Marketing
Industries: Manufacturing
Food Product Manager employer: Solent Group
Contact Detail:
Solent Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Product Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in food product development. Follow industry news, attend webinars, and engage with food innovation communities online to stay ahead of the curve.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food industry, especially those involved in product management. Attend trade shows and local events to build relationships that could lead to valuable insights and opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with cross-functional teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've collaborated with suppliers and other departments to drive product development.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for food and snacking during interviews. Share your personal experiences with food trends and how they inspire your approach to product management.
We think you need these skills to ace Food Product Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read through the job description carefully to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific duties of a Food Product Manager.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in food product development or related fields. Provide concrete examples of projects you've worked on, particularly those that demonstrate your ability to manage critical paths and collaborate with suppliers.
Highlight Your Passion: Express your enthusiasm for food trends and product innovation in your application. Mention any personal interests or experiences that showcase your passion for the food industry, as this can set you apart from other candidates.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only summarises your qualifications but also conveys your personality and motivation for applying. Make sure to address why you want to work at Solent Group specifically and how you can contribute to their mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Solent Group
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for food and snacking during the interview. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your love for culinary trends, as this will resonate well with Solent Group's focus on innovative food products.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing product development projects. Highlight specific examples where you successfully navigated critical paths and collaborated with cross-functional teams, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Know Your Trends
Research current food trends and be ready to discuss how they could influence product development at Solent Group. Showing that you stay updated on market insights will demonstrate your proactive approach and understanding of the industry.
✨Prepare for Tasting Sessions
Since the role involves tasting and handling food products, be ready to talk about your experience with food tasting and quality assessment. If possible, bring examples of how you've contributed to product improvement through sensory evaluation.