Design Engineering Manager - Deodorants

Job Title: Design Engineering Manager - Deodorants Location: Leeds Office & R&D Work Level: 2A Function: Research & Development Category: Deodorants Background The Deodorants category is a key part of the Unilever Personal Care Business Group. With a family of Power Brands – Rexona, Dove, Axe – which are critical growth drivers of the company. Outstanding packaging is critical for delighting consumers with our Deodorants, driving competitive advantage, reflecting brand proposition, and making a positive impact on sustainability. This exciting role is at the cutting edge of developing world class Deodorant packaging, with a strong consumer focus and rigorous execution to ensure the delivery of superior product experiences in line with business objectives. Main Responsibilities: Lead Packaging Design Execution: Direct the development and execution of packaging design briefs, managing a team of Industrial Designers and Design Engineers, and collaborating with external agencies to deliver superior product experiences aligned with business objectives. Champion Design for Experience Tools: Guide the application of Design for Experience methodologies across all projects, embedding these tools in the innovation process to enhance product experiences. Drive Innovation and Capability Building: Utilise advanced design tools (e.g., predictive engineering, virtual simulation, FEA, CFD) to validate and optimize packaging solutions for performance, cost, manufacturing efficiency, and sustainability. Provide Technical Expertise: Offer expert guidance during design reviews and risk assessments (e.g. FMEA), ensuring compliance with technical standards and best practices for aerosol, component, and assembly design. Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Work closely with Marketing, Technical Project Leaders, Packaging work-stream leaders, and Brand Teams to integrate design principles and support strategic objectives. Engage Suppliers and Partners: Partner with suppliers and development partners, maintaining rigorous data version control and supporting robust specification development to ensure right-first-time delivery. Promote Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement best practices in packaging capability, including rapid prototyping, visualisation technologies, and testing methodologies to bring design ideas to life and facilitate validation. Generate and Articulate New Concepts: Develop innovative packaging concepts that support brand vision and project briefs, ensuring designs incorporate brand principles and design rules. Contribute to Strategic Activities: Actively participate in category strategy activities (“Packaging and Aerosols”), supporting long-term vision and capability development within the wider R&D team Manage and Develop Team Talent: Build and maintain a high-performing design team, nurturing talent and managing workplans to ensure consistency and quality across all packaging design initiatives. Requirements: At least five years of experience in Design Engineering, with experience of leading Design engineering within complicated packaging projects Experience of working with rigid plastic suppliers and, or Aerosol can manufacturers to develop & deliver new packaging designs. Fully operational in the use of Simulation in packaging design, testing & validation (experience of using systems such as 3DX). Fully operational in the use of strong risk management methodologies (eg, FMEA) throughout packaging development process. A creative problem solver, with evidence of providing strong engineering solutions to complex problems. A growth mindset, looking for new opportunities and bringing in new ways of working. Strong business acumen and a proven track record of managing packaging projects.. Ability to build relationships with key business partners & and work globally across virtual teams. NOTES Please apply via this portal as e-mail applications may not be processed and include your talent card if completed. 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 listed at the right hand side of this vacancy. 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.