Associate Director R&D, Unilever Prestige

Job Description: Please Note: The deadline for applying is 23.59 the day before the job posting end date. Job Title: Associate Director R&D, Unilever Prestige Reports to: R&D Director, Unilever Prestige Location: Unilever Prestige London Office UNILEVER PRESTIGE About Unilever Prestige - UK Hub Unilever has built a new division in its Beauty & Personal Care sector - Unilever Prestige - focussing on premium luxury brands in a fast growing segment. Within the UK we operate a Prestige Hub, which functions as the Group Headquarters of REN Clean Skincare and as the UK offices of the other Prestige entities, based in Southwark, London. We are: REN Clean Skincare, Murad Skincare, Living Proof Haircare, TATCHA Skincare and Kate Somerville Skincare JOB PURPOSE The Associate Director R&D role at Unilever Prestige is integral to identifying and implementing cost-saving initiatives while maintaining or improving product quality and compliance with regulatory, sustainability goals and safety requirements. This position will work closely with In-Brand R&D to identify savings, enhance resilience, and boost agility. The role involves reviewing and optimizing formulas, strategic sourcing of raw materials, and enhancing packaging sustainability and overall formula compliance, including through the use of appropriate platforms such as Ithos and Specright . By connecting technical requirements with commercial decisions, the Associate Director R&D aims to drive margin improvement and ensure the continued growth of the Brands. RESPONSIBILITIES This job encompasses the following responsibilities: Contract Manufacturer Tender Project for Cost Efficiency and Quality Improvement Review current CMs and look to explore new CMs, assisting with increasing or decreasing the new partnerships if necessary to mitigate risk. This approach will enhance efficiency, standardize processes, and ultimately deliver a cost saving. Review the brands R&D/ Procurement current processes and see if there is an opportunity to review any processes/ sourcing strategy. Formula Optimization (including activities, raw, fragrance) Review formulations and identify key active ingredients vs what is claimed via marketing/ on pack. Evaluate the impact of simplifying formulations on the consumer experience, efficacy, and product performance. Develop a plan to rationalize bio actives while ensuring that consumer expectations are met. Look for opportunities to further enhance the leverage of Unilever Block Buster technologies. Work cross functionally with Procurement to review the sourcing strategy for the raw materials and advise if there is an opportunity to move suppliers from a technical point of view in order make significant long-term savings. Work with central team and brands to ensure that the Specright and Ithos platforms help informing business decision on ingredient and packs sourcing and overall compliance. Extending Shelf life Lead any shelf-life projects, reviewing any expiring stock to see if the shelf life can be extended to avoid any stock being written, resulting in significant cost savings. Packaging/ Sustainability Assist brands with the new The European Union's new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, reviewing current packaging and identifying potential risks Assist brands with sustainability claims and goals, liaising with Prestige enabling team claims Leader. Assist with implementation of packaging updates and sourcing of new suppliers where needed Assist EU suppliers specifically, on the ground, scoping and on-boarding Simplify packaging profiles, identifying cost saving opportunities Assist Brands Deliver Long Term Strategic Innovation Plans Work with brands to contribute to current innovation pipeline/plan to support the company's growth objective. Spearheading the development of innovative beauty products through introducing new ingredients, formulations, delivery systems or packaging concepts. Product Development Efficiency Evaluate the current NPD process for brands to identify and unlock opportunities for accelerating the launch of new beauty products without compromising quality. Implement agile methodologies and efficient project management practices to enhance productivity and speed to market. ALL ABOUT YOU Fully operational in Formulation Development in R&D and awareness / experience in related functions (eg Processing, Science & Technology, Packaging Development etc.) Proven impact and experience in Formulation or Cosmetic Science in R&D, with established experience in relevant FMCG industry Proven track record in commercial optimisation of formulas and/or packaging in an operational environment Ability to form excellent partnerships with internal & external partners, and work in multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural teams A proven growth mindset, with the ability to spot & implement opportunities to make improvements Strong communicator, with the ability to translate technically complex information into clear simple messages for teams & stakeholders. Strong influencing skills and pro-active, complex stakeholder management & communication experience (within virtual and non-virtual teams). Physical Requirements Location: London UK Travel expected up to 25% of the time to support operating companies and visit suppliers NOTES By applying for this vacancy, you are confirming that you have made your Line Manager aware of your application and that you are at a point in your career with Unilever where it is appropriate for you to be applying for other positions.   Should you require additional information or reasonable adjustments to allow you to present your best self during this process, please contact your Talent Partner Daniel Quinn on Daniel.Quinn@unilever.com  This role is offered under Unilever Prestige terms & conditions. We are one of the world largest consumer goods companies with amazing brands, dynamic people and a sustainable vision. We meet everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene and personal care with brands that help people feel good, look good and get more out of life. If you are ambitious, keen to learn and want lo lead, you have come to the right place. 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