Deodorant Aerosol Process Development Manager - Secondment chez Unilever

JOB PURPOSE

Personal Care (PC) is a key strategic area for Unilever, and Deo, being a key category within PC, follows a very ambitious growth agenda.

Unilever is amongst the biggest global Deo companies in the world, with a combination of powerful global brands such as Rexona, Dove and Axe. We develop exciting mixes spanning across different consumer profiles, needs and expectations. The R&D team is constantly developing and deploying a range of technologies and product approaches across a rich portfolio of anti-perspirants and deodorants and across many application formats such as aerosols, sticks, roll-ons and refillables.

The PC Global R&D Deo format design team is responsible for developing all new formulations and processes globally, including new technologies and new materials to feed into brand innovation roadmaps. We also work closely with the wider R&D team (Global and Regional), supply chain and procurement functions to deliver the innovation and value improvement programs and to provide ongoing business support.

Processing plays a prominent role in innovation plans, and is a key capability to drive competitive advantage. The Deo design processing team focus is on developing the processing routes for innovations and development of value improvement opportunities, developing and delivering processing solutions to both internal and third party manufacturing plants.

The Processing Manager is responsible to deliver the R&D processing solutions for the Future Chassis design team, managing the overall processing program and resources across the areas of innovation, quality, supply chain support and value improvement programs. The job holder is responsible to develop, optimize, adapt and maintain the processes based on global technology recommendations (if available); pilot plant/main plant trials and troubleshoot existing and new processes; as well as to provide support for 3PM qualifications and resilience.

The job holder will work closely with other development functions including S&T Process Development, Packaging, CTI, Supply Chain, Procurement etc..
 

Job Summary

• Working closely with other Unilever functions (R&D Innovation teams, Benefit platforms, Science & Technology, marketing, Business Groups, supply chain & procurement) and external suppliers, to scale up Bench Scale manufacture of Core Formulation Designs via Pilot Scale to global roll out at Industrial Scale
• The job holder will be required to lead the Process Development program for aerosol format innovations and the technical aspects of several projects along with key workstreams of the Deodorant aerosol strategy

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Delivery of Process Design on medium/large sized projects.
• Technical Project Leadership on assigned processing-intensive projects.
• Operating according to best practices in technology delivery (Project Execution, Early Product Management, Process Specifications, Process Validation, SRMF/Pharos, Quality Verification Program).
• Support Process Development for innovations and/or value improvement projects resulting in high quality and efficient processes.
• Manage the execution of pilot and main plant trails including set-up, reporting and analysis to support innovations and/or value improvement projects.
• Identifying opportunities and executing programs for raw material and process harmonization and cost savings.
• Adapt global process to Factories (UL & 3PM) wherever required, in close cooperation with regional process group.
• Roll-out of best practice Deo processing to the regions.
• Advice to regions on possible formulation and processing strategies. Lead coordination/information gathering, providing clear summaries and recommendations to receiving region.
• Works closely with the other categories processing teams to align and apply best processing practices in Deo.
• Close cooperation with Formulators and Technical Project Leaders to develop OTIF (on time in full) required processing to deliver high quality innovations.
• Lead the processing program and manage processing resources to deliver agreed program.
• Support delivery of the Deo processing digital program and lead implementation of some areas.
• Implement Functional Excellence in all projects, using previously developed experience of project and stakeholder management.
• Lead key aerosol workstreams of a strategic development programme as part of the Deodorant Core Format Strategy into Action.
• Lead a cross-functional team to deliver key workstreams of the Deodorant Core Strategy.
• Identify further opportunities to unlock speed and capacity.
• Be a strong business partner as part of a cross-functional team. An awareness and understanding of the impact and contribution of functions in R&D, SC, SM, Marketing, is essential. Maintain a sense of realism, purpose and urgency within the technical teams and rest of the category through active risk management.
• Contribute to building an extraordinary Process Development team by developing exceptional talents.
• Set stretching targets and ensure appropriate coaching and mentoring is in place to support direct reports.
• Motivate team in highly challenging circumstances.
• Ensure all HR processes (eg. PDP, Future Fit plan, succession planning, training etc) are established and maintained to the highest standard.

KEY REQUIREMENTS
Skills / Experience:

• Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science with chemistry background or equivalent technology expertise in capability field.
• Working Knowledge in Process Development in R&D and awareness / experience in related functions (eg Formulation, Science & Technology, Packaging Development etc.)
• 4-6 years relevant working experience with a proven track record on project delivery ideally in processing for Personal Care R&D area and / or Supply Chain, experience of interfacing with other functions to support project delivery.
• Proven track record of delivery within R&D.
• Awareness of Project Management, GMP, Plant Safety and Hygiene.

Awareness in the following skill areas:

• Strong Communication & Training Skills.
• Knowledge of the Product Development process and experience in Global working across R&D functions. Ideally, experience in the Deodorants Category.
• Digital acumen.
• Consumer, customer and competitor focus.
• Strong focus on execution and attention to details.
• Ability to be a professional partner to Business Units, Supply Chain, Procurement and Marketing function.
• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural teams, with the drive and ability to control own work programme and make own decisions when required.
• Good communication skills and a proven ability to interact across a range of functions, external partners and senior leadership groups.
• Flexibility in work style and being able to manage a portfolio of projects and tasks in parallel.

What We Offer 

Not only do we offer a competitive salary and pension scheme, we also offer an annual bonus, subsidised gym membership, a discounted staff shop and shares. You’ll have the opportunity to work directly with our renowned and exciting brands in a flexible and hybrid working environment.

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 are a key advocate of wellbeing and offer a variety of support for our people including hubs, programmes and development opportunities. 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 at Unilever | Unilever.

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