Job Title: Materials & Formulation Modelling & Simulation Lead

Location: Port Sunlight, UK or Bangalore, India

About Unilever

Unilever is a global leader in consumer goods, driven by purpose and innovation. Our Modelling and Simulation team supports product formulation, process engineering, and packaging across all business groups, driving digital transformation and delivering superior products to market.

The Role

We are seeking a talented and ambitious Scientist to join our Modelling and Simulation team in a leadership role. This role is ideal for a scientist with deep expertise in soft matter physics, physical chemistry and modelling, with a strong track record of integration of traditional molecular and mesoscale modelling techniques with AI.  You will play a pivotal role in leading and delivering the long-term strategy and ambition of the Unilever’s modelling and simulation strategy, driving digital transformation, and fostering a high-performing, inclusive team culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across multi-workstream programmes, ensuring interdependencies are managed effectively.
• Act as an integrator to align modelling strategy with broader Business Groups’ transformation initiatives to amplify impact, supporting speed to market, cost reduction, and superior product performance.
• Design and support pilot initiatives that enable rapid experimentation and adoption of new digital modelling approaches.
• Communicate complex modelling concepts and results to stakeholders using appropriate language to secure their buy-in and support for modelling initiatives.
• Support and develop team members of the team you lead, building a performance culture that rewards creativity, initiative, and learning from failure.
• Stay abreast of technological advancements (AI, neural networks, agentic systems, advanced modelling techniques) and drive the development and deployment of digital tools.

Skills & Experience Required

• Experience delivering complex, multi-workstream transformation programmes.
• Strong ability to balance long-term strategy with detailed execution when required.
• Proven stakeholder management and influencing skills in a global matrixed organisation.
• PhD or equivalent in Physical Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, or related discipline.
• Expertise in modelling (molecular simulation, ML/AI and Gen AI) with emphasis on physical chemistry, thermodynamics, solution state chemistry, and soft matter.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team-building skills; able to influence senior stakeholders and build internal/external partnerships.
• Track record of successful development and deployment of digital tools for product development.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, future-focused attitude, and passion for high performance.

Leadership & Growth Potential

• Demonstrates bold, resilient leadership and willingness to learn from mistakes.
• Inclusive listener who synthesises diverse perspectives into actionable priorities.
• Authentic leader who inspires trust and engagement and holds others accountable regardless of seniority.
• Ready to take on increasing responsibility to lead the team, with support from the Global Head of Modelling and Simulation.

NOTES

Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Food, Home and Personal Care products with sales in over 190 countries and reaching 2 billion consumers a day. Unilever has more than 400 brands found in homes around the world, including Dove, Tresemme, Lynx, Lifebuoy, Shea Moisture, Persil, Domestos, Hellman's, Clear and Vaseline.

Faced with the challenge of climate change and the need for human development, we want to move towards a world where everyone can live well and within the natural limits of the planet. That’s why our purpose is ‘to make sustainable living commonplace’.

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!