At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development for innovative household products with a focus on quality and trends.
- Company: Join Solent Group, a leader in bespoke product innovation for top retailers.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible hours, extensive benefits, and great career progression.
- Other info: Work in a hybrid environment with opportunities for global collaboration and travel.
- 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 across a range of 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 worldwide 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 of the required deliverables, planning and project monitoring.
- Track work to be completed, set deadlines and delegate tasks to your project team, identifying any potential risks.
- Build strong relationships with our manufacturing partners.
- Engage and collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure project viability.
- Manage the 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.
- Manage our project management tool Asana, ensuring content is accurate and updated weekly.
- Speak and present with confidence 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.
- Ability to engage teams globally and across different time zones.
Personal Profile:
- Excited and passionate about working within a dynamic and fast‑paced team.
- Passion for product development.
- Appetite to learn new categories and explore new product ranges.
- Can‑do attitude to find solutions with 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.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Free parking on Christchurch Quay.
Product Manager - 12 month fixed term contract in Christchurch employer: Solent Group
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 flexible working hours, generous holiday allowances, and a supportive environment for learning and progression. Located in Christchurch, Dorset, our hybrid work model allows for a balanced approach to work and life, while our commitment to social events and team collaboration ensures a vibrant workplace atmosphere.
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! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to folks 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
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your excitement about product development and the retail landscape. Share your ideas and insights on trends – it’ll help you stand out as someone who’s genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising your project management skills. Be ready to discuss how you've handled multiple projects, managed timelines, and collaborated with teams. Use real examples to showcase your experience and problem-solving abilities – it’ll show you’re the right fit for a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to engage with us directly. So, go ahead and submit your application – we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
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 and project management, especially in fast-paced environments. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for product development and why you’re excited about working with us at Solent Group. Be sure to mention any relevant experience with household products or retail.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects or developed innovative products. We love seeing results and impact!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Let’s make this happen together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Solent Group
✨Know Your Products
Before the interview, dive deep into Solent Group's product range, especially in Health & Beauty and Household categories. Familiarise yourself with their latest innovations and trends. This will not only show your passion for product development but also help you engage in meaningful conversations about how you can contribute.
✨Master Project Management Tools
Since you'll be managing projects using tools like Asana, make sure you understand how to effectively track progress and manage deadlines. Be ready to discuss your experience with project management and how you've successfully led teams in the past. Bring examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your ability to build strong relationships with suppliers and cross-functional teams. Prepare examples of how you've collaborated with different stakeholders to achieve project goals. This is crucial for a role that involves engaging with global teams and manufacturers.
✨Showcase Your Trend Awareness
Demonstrate your understanding of market trends and how they influence product development. Be prepared to discuss recent trends you've noticed and how they could impact Solent Group's product offerings. This will show your proactive approach and keen eye for quality and customer needs.
