Company Description
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
DIVISION/DEPT: Buying
REPORT TO: Head of Buying - Aisa
LOCATION: Shanghai
With our entrepreneurial spirit and drive to succeed we need a dynamic Foods National Account Controller to build relationships with our customers & suppliers to drive sales into top 6 grocers. You'll develop existing accounts and look for new business to add to our already prestigious portfolio. You will plan and oversee all aspects of the projects and meet the desired goals and KPIs. You will oversee the organisation and scheduling of people, tasks and resources to maximise Solent's profitability while developing retailer private label range but also launch and drive sales of brands within the Humble group into UK grocers.
Requirements
With our entrepreneurial spirit and drive to succeed, we are looking for a dynamic Health & Beauty Buyer in Shanghai to build strong relationships with both customers and suppliers, driving growth across key retail partners in China. You'll manage and grow existing accounts while identifying new opportunities to expand our already prestigious portfolio. You'll oversee product development, project planning, and execution to deliver against commercial goals and KPIs. Alongside sourcing and launching innovative private label products, you'll also be responsible for introducing and growing Humble Group brands in the Chinese market.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop customer-specific buying and sourcing strategies aligned with commercial objectives.
- Analyse and understand customer KPIs and performance, adjusting plans to deliver results.
- Source, negotiate, and manage supplier partnerships to deliver value, margin, and volume targets.
- Oversee project milestones and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely delivery.
- Lead the development and launch of new products (private label and branded) based on market insights and trends.
- Monitor category performance and identify opportunities for range expansion, innovation, and growth.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with commercial, technical, and supply chain teams to achieve delivery "on time, on spec, on budget."
- Bring energy and ambition to grow existing business while generating new opportunities, leveraging your strong market knowledge and passion for health & beauty.
About You
- Minimum 3 years' experience in buying, sourcing, or category management within Health & Beauty (retail or FMCG).
- Strong commercial acumen with a proven track record of supplier negotiation and account management.
- Experience with private label development is essential; branded product experience is advantageous.
- Familiar with the Chinese retail market, ideally with exposure to leading supermarkets, drugstores, or e-commerce platforms.
- Experience in P&L management, project leadership, and critical path management.
- Detail-orientated, able to prioritise and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong skills in resource planning, supplier risk assessment, and market research.
- Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Excel, and PowerPoint.
