Senior Product Developer

Embark on a Sweet Journey: Senior Product Developer at the Future Ice Cream Powerhouse

For aspiring product developers with a passion for innovation and a desire to shape the future of an iconic industry, this Senior Product Developer role presents a truly exceptional opportunity. As Unilever's Ice Cream division prepares for its exciting transition into an independent, publicly listed entity by the end of 2025, the stage is set for ambitious growth and transformative product creation. This is more than just a job; it's a chance to be at the forefront of building an "ultimate snacking company" renowned for its extraordinary ice cream experiences.

Key Advantages for Aspiring Candidates:

• Shape a Standalone Future: Join a dynamic organization at a pivotal moment of independence. This offers unparalleled scope for influence and a direct impact on the company's trajectory as it ventures into its own market.
• Drive Global Innovation: Become a driving force within the European Ice Cream Research Development and Innovation (RD&I) team, creating and delivering benefit-led products for beloved global, premium, and regional brands like Magnum, Ben & Jerry's, and Cornetto.
• Agile and Empowered Environment: Embrace an agile innovation culture where empowerment, a founder's mentality, and ownership are actively cultivated and rewarded. You'll be encouraged to be innovative, responsible, and driven to deliver amazing products.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role provides extensive opportunities to collaborate with diverse teams, including Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, and external partners like flavor and ingredient suppliers. This broad exposure is invaluable for holistic product development understanding.
• End-to-End Project Leadership: Take ownership of projects from concept to market. You'll lead technical delivery, including formulation, prototyping, cost calculations, specifications, quality assessments, and legislative compliance, fostering a comprehensive skill set.
• Career Growth and Mentorship: The company is committed to growing its people's careers. You'll have the chance to support and train more junior members of the team, honing your leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Impactful Portfolio Management: Manage a diverse portfolio of projects focusing on innovation, quality, complexity, and cost reduction, demonstrating your ability to balance multiple strategic objectives.
• Brand Legacy and Future Vision: Contribute to a company with over 100 years of serving happiness through ice cream, while simultaneously helping to define its future as an independent entity.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Transitionary Period: While exciting, the transition to an independent company will involve change. Candidates should be comfortable navigating evolving structures and processes.
• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: The role involves working with teams across Europe, making European language skills a significant advantage, though not always a strict requirement. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are paramount.
• Hands-On Development: Be prepared for a hands-on approach, from creative product design and formulation to leading pilot plant and factory trials. A genuine passion for food product development is essential.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: A keen attention to detail, particularly in experimentation, data recording, and analysis, is critical for successful product development and problem-solving.
• Agile Mindset: The emphasis on agility means a capacity to adapt quickly to new information and changing project needs will be a key asset.
• Strategic Thinking: Beyond technical execution, you'll need to understand consumer and customer needs to shape and deliver brilliant, sustainable product experiences.

This Senior Product Developer position at the soon-to-be independent Ice Cream company is an exceptional platform for individuals seeking to accelerate their careers in a high-growth, innovative, and consumer-centric industry. If you are driven, creative, and eager to leave your delicious mark on the world of ice cream, this is a truly rewarding path to consider.