Technologist in Christchurch

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.

REPORT TO: Technical Manager

LOCATION: Hybrid (2 days per week in Christchurch, Dorset)

Purpose of the role: The successful candidate will support the development, safety, quality, and legality of products across Solent's categories. The role will focus on innovation, product formulation, supplier technical compliance, and the continuous improvement of existing product lines to meet Solent's high standards and customer expectations. The position is UK, EU, and Far East supplier-facing, as well as retailer-facing, and works closely with internal Product, Technical, Design, and Supply Chain teams. The role involves comprehensive internal and external stakeholder management, customer and Solent technical database management, and active involvement in the Solent New Product Development process.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for supporting across technical product development, innovation, quality assurance and launch, ensuring safety, legal compliance and manufacturability.
• Working with technical teams in UK and Asia to ensure all technical aspects of a project are completed, for example safety assessment, product performance testing, regulatory compliance, product specifications and legal checks etc.
• Coordinating with the Technical team to prepare the product specifications and drafting quality contracts where applicable including updating and maintaining customer portals, thus ensuring awareness by customers and manufacturing suppliers for the required quality assurance.
• Check product artwork, packaging and labelling for compliance with relevant regional legislation.
• Work closely with the internal Product and Commercial teams to ensure all technical requirements are applied during the NPD process and new launches.
• Coordinate product sampling, shelf-life testing, sensory evaluation and regular product surveillance testing.
• Support supplier audits and risk assessments to verify product standards and safety, both in development and production runs.
• Handle daily technical queries from internal teams, customers, and suppliers including export queries, NPD support, and ad hoc technical data requests.
• Troubleshoot product or process issues to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Travel to various locations with line manager to attend factory initial visits, development trials, pre-production and product launches.
• Attend conferences, exhibitions, and trade shows to keep on top of innovations and opportunities with new materials, production techniques or products.
• Prioritise and champion Solent's Policies on Sustainability, Innovation and Ethical manufacturing.

About you:

• 1-3 years' experience of technical product development and delivery to market.
• Preferred - A degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent experience).
• Basic knowledge of technical safety standards, customer standards and global product regulations.
• Working knowledge of specification writing.
• Excellent people, presentation and communication skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving mindset.
• High attention to detail and data accuracy.

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 inhouse Social Team.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Free parking on Christchurch Quay.