BPC R&D One Unilever Europe – Program Leader

Please Note: The deadline for applying is 23.59 the day before the job posting end date. Job Title:   BPC R&D One Unilever Europe – Program Leader Business Function:  R&D Location: Port Sunlight R&D Work-Level:  WL2A INTRODUCTION With the latest evolution of Unilever operating model, with business groups focusing on their top 25 countries, the One Unilever Markets cluster organisation has been created to manage the rest of the markets Unilever operates in around the globe. The role of the One Unilever Markets clusters is to deploy the business group strategies into these markets, with speed and agility in line with the size and scale of the business in each market cluster. The One Unilever markets cluster will have its own, standalone, R&D organisation set up with the category & functional expertise across the markets to enable the deployment of innovation, 5S, UBS and sustainability programs defined and agreed between each business group president and the One Unilever Markets cluster head. JOB PURPOSE 1UL Europe is the largest of the 1UL market clusters with a turnover of ~€2bn across 8 country clusters. This exciting and newly created role is responsible for managing the BPC R&D program for 1UL Europe and offers a unique opportunity to gain experience and develop skills in a fast-moving and dynamic business facing area of R&D, in a newly created organisation that you will be able to help shape from the start. In this role, you will coordinate and support the R&D activities to land innovation, business continuity and market activation projects across One Unilever EU BPC (Beauty & Wellbeing + Personal Care) on iconic brands such as Dove, Vaseline, Tresemme, Lynx/Axe, and Signal. You will working closely with both the BG and BU R&D teams, 1UL Regulatory, Supply Chain and Marketing teams. RESPONSIBILITIES This is a dynamic and agile role so no two days, weeks or months will be the same! However, you can expect to be working on activities such as: Lead and inspire a small, dynamic R&D team to deliver innovative projects and exceptional service to the 1UL EU markets, fostering a collaborative environment that sparks innovation and drives excellence. Spearhead the deployment of BG Innovations and oversee the end-to-end design and implementation of cutting-edge innovation and renovation for key local jewel brands. Drive the deployment of savings initiatives, sustainability improvements, and regulatory compliance changes with passion and precision. Partner with the 1UL EU Marketing Expertise team and Country GMs to deliver electrifying scientific engagement and activation with trade partners, championing a digital-first demand creation agenda. Collaborate closely with Local Marketing, Customer Development (CSP), Legal, Quality, Communications/PR, and Regulatory teams to represent R&D both internally and externally, providing and coordinating BG technical expertise and support. Lead a transformative product simplification program in line with the destination portfolio architecture for each brand. Accelerate the digital transformation of 1UL R&D practices by working with the wider 1UL RDLT. Ensure all products meet regulatory requirements and Unilever Quality, Safety, and Specific Standards with unwavering commitment. Develop deep category, local market, and product expertise to uncover new local insights and opportunities, including consumer needs, trends, competitor insights, and local regulatory requirements.  Leverage strategic thinking to align R&D initiatives with broader business goals, ensuring long-term success and competitive advantage ALL ABOUT YOU  To be successful in the role you will need to be an adaptable, collaborative and creative R&D professional who is excited by the idea of working across a broad range of different activities. You will have a solid grounding in core R&D functional roles and ideally have experience working in a BU Deploy area. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills are key. As an ideal candidate you will have/will be: Dynamic Leader: Possess a dynamic mindset with the ability to swiftly adapt to evolving priorities and tasks, while effectively collaborating with team members and demonstrating strong leadership to drive collective success. Versatile R&D Experience: Extensive experience in B&W or PC R&D, covering roles in packaging, processing, formulation, CTI/Claims, or as a Project/Program Lead. Ideal candidates will have experience across several of these areas. Project Coordination: Proven ability to coordinate complex projects or programs with multiple stakeholders. Exceptional Communicator: Capable of thrilling and engaging non-technical audiences with our product science and innovation. Problem Solver: Spot new opportunities and solve problems with a desire to see ideas through to conclusion. Detail-Oriented Innovator: Combines creativity and adaptability with meticulous discipline and rigor. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Deliver results through effective cross-functional working with Brand Leaders, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Operations. Digital Pioneer: Early adopter and advocate for digital tools that revolutionize ways of working. R&D Expertise: Significant experience in R&D Personal Care and/or B&W, with a deep understanding of European regulatory and UL Specific Standard requirements. Preferably experienced in Design or Deploy R&D roles and in developing and launching products in markets. Risk Assessment Pro: Proven track record in conducting product, claims, and communication risk assessments alongside Legal, Regulatory, and Marketing teams. Digital Tools Proficiency: Essential experience with Unilever R&D Data & Digital tools and processes, including PLM, InnoFlex, Pharos, MarCo, among others. Multilingual Advantage: Fluency in English, with an additional language relevant to 1UL EU markets, is a bonus. NOTES Please apply via this portal as e-mail applications may not be processed and include your Future Fit Plan if possible. 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 Hannah Cottier on Hannah.Cottier@unilever.com  What we offer Whilst the role is advertised on a full-time basis, we would be happy to discuss possible flexible working options and what this may look like for you. We strive to achieve a family-friendly and inclusive workplace and to, above all, create possibilities for all. Diversity at Unilever is about inclusion, embracing differences, creating possibilities and growing together for better business performance. We embrace diversity in our workforce. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. We are also more than happy to provide reasonable adjustments during our application and interview process to enable you to be present your best self. To find out more, including about our Employee Resource Groups, please click here Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (unilever.com). Relocation to the UK Please be aware if you are applying for this role from outside the UK, if successful, your application will be treated as a self-initiated Change Location Outside of Country (CLOC) transfer. This means any relocation costs must be self-funded with the potential to reclaim some specific pre-approved expenses up to £5,000. Please speak to your Talent Partner if you have any questions. 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. Explore our website and apply to be part of a company with more than 400 brands used by over two billion people everyday.