R&D Manager - Secondment

Please Note: The deadline for applying is 23.59 the day before the job posting end date. Job Title: R&D Manager - Secondment (3 months) Business Function: R&D Location: Colworth Science Park Work-Level: WL2A JOB PURPOSE Unilever Ice Cream business large and highly successful. It research, design and innovation (R,D&I) team is the driving force behind the creation and delivery of benefit-led, innovative ice cream products across our world-renowned global (e.g. Ben and Jerry, Magnum, Cornetto, Twister, Walls), regional and local brands. The team embrace agile innovation and are fully connected cross-functionally, as well as to the Business Unit and country teams to realise global, regional, and local projects. In this role, you will lead a portfolio of projects across a brand platform, co-owning a 12-quarter brand plan with Marketing. You will ensure project delivery in close partnership across functions (Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality) as well as key external partners/suppliers (e.g. 3PM, Flavour and Ingredients suppliers). Moreover, you will co-create a longer-term brand technology roadmap to ensure that future projects deliver brilliant holistic product experiences alongside sustainability and cost improvements. As a team leader, you will be responsible for coaching and mentoring more junior team members and providing them with on-the-job training opportunities. As a member of the management group, you will actively contribute to the development of a high performing team. RESPONSIBILITIES Portfolio leadership Oversee Heartbrand portfolio from technical point of view to drive smart portfolio categorization, simplification and efficient roll out Co-develop and deliver a 12-quarter plan for your portfolio, supported technology and cost/waste reduction roadmaps. Lead the design, creation and delivery of innovative heartbrand products for launch on time and in full. Actively lead strategies for the future development of the business by delivering sustainability, simplification, and waste agendas as it relates to your portfolio. As a R,D&I pillar leader, you will champion continuous improvement and fuel ideas for future inspirational product experiences, in line with brand and consumer insights. Technical Project Leadership Working closely with extended R,D&I teams and partners in the Supply Chain function, you will lead and manage technical workstreams to deliver priority projects, including formulation & process design, packaging, specifications, consumer insight and safety. You will drive agile ways of working across project teams and with your business partners, whilst ensuring rigour through end-to-end functional excellence, risk assessment, HACCP studies and regulatory compliance. Lead robust intellectual property protection, including: Patents, Designs Trademarks Manage and lead `Open Innovation’ partners to deliver projects, including technical delivery and agreements. Forecast and manage R, D&I costs (bought-in and capital) for your pillar. Contribute to the growth and development of the team Proactively contribute to the development and growth of the team by providing on-the-job training and assisting in planning and execution of experimental plans. Lead team development activities. ALL ABOUT YOU Key Skills A deep knowledge of and passion for product design and creative product development with proven ability to translate consumer habits and needs into in-market product innovation. A collaborative end-to-end mindset and experience is essential. Excellent communication and project/risk/time management skills, and priority setting. Strong business acumen with knowledge of key drivers of margin and waste. Strong business partnering to drive incremental innovation and portfolio simplification. High level of communication and influencing skills are required to manage multiple stakeholders. Building relationships with colleagues from different cultures. Relevant Experience Degree level qualification (or equivalent) and / or relevant experience in a technical discipline preferably in food technology or development. Experience of project leadership. Relevant experience in food innovation and development is desirable. A champion of Health and Safety. Leadership Behaviours Growth Mindset (SOLs - agility / purpose & service / business acumen) Accountability & Responsibility (SOLs - passion for high performance) Consumer and Customer Focus (SOLs -consumer love, business acumen) Bias for Action (SOLs - passion for high performance) Talent catalyst Travel Requirements Occasional short business-trips may be required (approx. 4 x 2 day trips per year) 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 Ian Miles on Ian.Miles@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.