At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage product development for innovative household products with a focus on quality and trends.
- Company: Join Solent Group, a leader in bespoke product innovation for global retailers.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, extensive benefits, and great learning opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with occasional travel and a vibrant company culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team bringing exciting products to life for iconic brands.
- Qualifications: Experience in product development, project management, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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.
LOCATION: Hybrid (1-2 days per week in Christchurch, Dorset)
TRAVEL: Occasional travel to manufacturers & customer meetings
Purpose of the role: Are you passionate about product development and ready to be part of a fast‑paced, exciting retail team? We’re looking for a Household Product Development professional to join our dynamic team, working on our Marks & Spencer account. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a busy environment, loves bringing innovative products to life, and has a keen eye for quality, trends, and customer needs. You’ll be working closely with cross‑functional teams to develop and deliver outstanding household products for one of the UK's most iconic retailers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage production deliverables – planning and project monitoring.
- Track work, set deadlines, delegate tasks, and identify potential risks.
- Build strong relationships with manufacturing partners.
- Engage/collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure project viability.
- Manage product development from concept stage to finished goods.
- Lead clear briefs and communicate efficiently to our buying teams.
- Contribute to category plans for the financial year with quarterly reviews.
- Maintain the project management tool Asana, ensuring content is accurate and updated weekly.
- Present confidently on project status updates.
- Understand the technical makeup of a product.
- Support with exceptional presentations for our customers.
Experience:
- Able to work with large amounts of detail.
- Confidently understand and run a critical path.
- Strong understanding of the retail landscape.
- Manufacturing knowledge.
- 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.
- Examples of problem‑solving and solutions to previous projects.
- Trade show and supplier visit experience.
- Strong communication skills and detail orientation.
- Ability to review trends and pull into a development calendar.
- Strong relationships with suppliers and retailers.
- To engage teams globally and across different time zones.
Personal Profile:
- Excited and passionate about working within a dynamic and fast‑paced team.
- Appetite to learn new categories and explore new product ranges.
- Can‑do attitude to find solutions within a development window.
- Ambitious.
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 with an office presence ideally once a week.
- 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.
Product Manager - 12 month fixed term contract in Christchurch employer: Occupop
Solent Group is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture, perfect for those passionate about product development in the fast-paced retail sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer extensive benefits including competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development, all while being part of a global team dedicated to creating outstanding products for iconic retailers like Marks & Spencer. Join us in Christchurch, where you can thrive in a collaborative environment that values creativity and ambition.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Manager - 12 month fixed term contract in Christchurch
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how your skills can help them innovate and grow. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the role of Product Manager. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to manage projects effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Manager - 12 month fixed term contract in Christchurch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Product Manager role. Highlight your experience in product development, project management, and any relevant retail knowledge. We want to see how your skills align with our fast-paced environment!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for product innovation and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific examples of your previous work that relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Product Manager, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to engage with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. Use clear and concise language to show us you can present ideas effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our amazing team at Solent!
How to prepare for a job interview at Occupop
✨Know Your Products
Before the interview, dive deep into Solent Group's product range, especially in the Household category. Familiarise yourself with their innovative products and understand what makes them stand out in the market. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you discuss how your experience aligns with their product development goals.
✨Master Project Management Tools
Since the role involves managing production deliverables and using tools like Asana, brush up on your project management skills. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully tracked projects in the past, set deadlines, and managed risks. Bring examples of how you’ve used similar tools to keep projects on track.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Experience
The job requires collaboration with various teams, so prepare to share specific examples of how you've worked across departments in previous roles. Highlight any successful projects where you engaged with stakeholders to ensure project viability, as this will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Stay Trend-Savvy
Given the fast-paced nature of the retail landscape, be prepared to discuss current trends in household products. Show your understanding of market dynamics and how they influence product development. This will illustrate your proactive approach and passion for bringing innovative products to life.
