Global R&D Strategy & Operations Analyst

Job Title: Global R&D Strategy & Operations Analyst

Location: Port Sunlight, UK (preferred to based in PS but open to Kingston location)

JOB PURPOSE 

Would you like to be part of shaping the leading consumer goods R&D of the future? The Global R&D Strategy & Operations Analyst role offers a unique opportunity to work across R&D and the wider business to do just that.

R&D is a key driver of profitable growth for our brands and Business Groups (BGs) through innovation and superior products – and helping protect and fuel our business through sustainability, supply continuity and product savings. Our vision is to drive winning innovation, powered by pioneering people, science and digital technology.

In this role, you will support Global R&D leaders to make better decisions by developing and owning our Key Technology Tracking System (KTTS) and bespoke data analyses. You will deliver insights, improve data quality and automation, and help scale AI-enabled ways of working across the Global R&D Strategy & Operations team.

You will be working as part of a small, agile R&D Strategy & Operations team that operates across R&D and other functions with a focus on excellence in data, analytics & reporting, providing actionable insights to catalyse strategic decisions for Unilever R&D. As a team, we focus on three value streams:
Key technology tracking, Outside-in capability, and the R&D data & insights office.

We are looking for a highly motivated, proactive team player who brings an AI-native mindset, actively leveraging AI to enhance insights, redesign workflows, and improve how data-driven decisions are made across R&D.

You will likely bring a strong analytical mindset and data science skills with flair for handling complex data sets and analyses, paired with the curiosity and strategic thinking to proactively identify insights and trends. You will likely enjoy building strong networks both within R&D and across Unilever functions to deliver complex projects.

Your time will be split between being the product owner for Unilever R&D’s Key Technology Tracking System (KTTS, previously known as the New Technology Portfolio, NTP) and supporting our vision for an AI-driven R&D data and insights office. In addition to core responsibilities, you will have the opportunity to flex across the wider Strategy & Operations programme through ad-hoc analytics, proactive problem-solving, and generating and communicating insights to senior stakeholders.

The role reports to an R&D Strategy & Operations manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Key Technology Tracking System (KTTS) product ownership:

• Define and drive the vision, strategy, and roadmap for the KTTS with guidance from the R&D Strategy & Operations Manager, aligning with BG R&D priorities and objectives

• Own and prioritise the KTTS backlog for development with an external agency, prioritising features and improvements that deliver clear value to R&D users

• Translate R&D and stakeholder needs into clear user stories, requirements, and acceptance criteria, working closely with developers to ensure high-quality, fit-for-purpose delivery

• Act as the point of contact for KTTS, coordinating across R&D, digital, and data teams to ensure alignment and adoption, managing expectations and communicating progress and trade-offs

• Drive continuous improvement of KTTS by proactively gathering user feedback, identifying gaps, and proposing enhancements to functionality and usability

Global R&D Strategy & Operations data and insights office programme:

• Deliver high-quality analyses using cross-functional R&D datasets, supporting strategic and operational decision-making

• Identify, acquire, and integrate new data sources and advanced analytical approaches to unlock deeper insights across technology tracking, roadmaps, and product superiority

• Support and proactively drive a shift toward insight-led decision-making within R&D, powered by digital and AI technologies, reducing reliance on manual data handling and embedding scalable, value-driven analytics solutions

• Translate complex data into clear, compelling insights that drive action at senior levels

ALL ABOUT YOU

Mindset and ways of working:

• AI-native and curious, actively applying AI (e.g. generative AI, machine learning, automation) to enhance analysis, improve productivity, and evolve ways of working

• Strong belief in data and analytics as the foundation for high-quality, insight-driven decision-making, combined with analytical and critical thinking to identify patterns, challenge assumptions, and generate insights

• Proactive and self-driven, taking ownership from problem framing through to delivery with a strong bias for action

• Collaborative and stakeholder-oriented, with the ability to co-create solutions across teams

• Rigorous and detail-oriented, paired with creative problem-solving to continuously improve approaches and outcomes

Skills and experience:

• Degree in a highly numerate discipline (e.g. engineering, data science, mathematics, economics, or similar)

• Strong analytical skills, including data extraction, cleaning, validation, modelling, and insight generation

• Hands-on experience with analytical and visualisation tools (e.g. advanced Excel, Power BI, Python or similar)

• Practical experience applying AI/ML and automation to enhance analysis, improve workflows, and support decision-making, or clear evidence of rapidly building these capabilities

• Experience in managing competing priorities in an agile, fast-paced environment

• Experience working cross-functionally to deliver data or analytics tasks end-to-end; familiarity with innovation and R&D processes is a plus

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 want to push boundaries, and have the flexibility needed to keep adapting in an ever-changing, more dynamic world. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. 

As part of your hiring journey, we are happy to support requests for reasonable adjustments, to improve your recruitment experience.

To find out more, including more information about our Employee Resource Groups, please click here.

Recruitment Fraud

Cyber criminals advertise fake job adverts with prestigious employers as a way of stealing information or even defrauding individuals out of money. In the most sophisticated cases, they will set up fake websites, which have a similar address to companies like Unilever. They even conduct fake telephone interviews and then offer candidates a role with the proviso they pay a fee for background checks or to cover work visa costs.  These types of attacks are becoming more common as more people are looking for employment in the economic climate. 

How is Unilever tackling this?

Many of Unilever’s recruitment sites publish a warning to candidates about recruitment fraud. The Cyber Security team also proactively scan for signs of people setting up fake Unilever sites and act to close them down. 

What can I do?

If you become aware of potential recruitment fraud, spot fake Unilever recruitment adverts or fake LinkedIn profiles, report them via Una Live Chat. 

Unilever does not accept responsibility or liability for any candidates who are financially impacted by recruitment fraud. Your vigilance is key!