Packaging Technologist

England, United Kingdom

Professional seated at a conference table with laptops and a presentation screen in a modern office setting

Job ID:: R-1172512
Date posted:: 01/07/2026
Job Type:: Full time
Job Category:: Research & Development

Job Title: Packaging Technologist

Business Function: Home Care R&D

Location: Port Sunlight Research Lab

BACKGROUND

Want to change the world?

At Unilever we are committed toensuring that all our packaging is fully reusable,recyclableor compostable by 2025, as well as making surewe’reusingmore and morerecycled content. In Home Care we are committed to a cleaner future,we’rereimagining the future of cleaning. As described by our HC president “Clean Future is how we are fundamentally changing the way that some of the world’s most well-known cleaning and laundry products are created, manufactured and packaged”,if this excitesyouplease click here toFind out more.

We are looking for inquisitive,passionateand disruptive thinkers to join us in the creation and development of better, moresustainableand more innovative packagingwhich will shape the way people buy,consumeand recycle, all over the world.

JOB PURPOSE

You will be involved in the design, technical development and scale up of packaging solutions that will change the way we see packaging and help us on our journey to zero waste. Working on global brands such as Persil,Skipand Surf, you will deliver new packaging all over the world, balancing the consumer and brand experience with business and sustainability demands.

RESPONSIBILITIES

PackagingDevelopment(60%)

Development of packaging solutionsfrom brief definition through to proving manufacture at scale

Identifytechnologies and assess feasibility ofideas that enable new products / experiences for our consumers

Collaborate with cross-functional teams (R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain) and external suppliers to deliver projects on time and in full.

Totrial,test andvalidatethe technical specification of packaging componentsand solutions

Maintainaccuratespecifications and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Capability& Excellence(40%)

Design and deliver best practice guides, technicalstandardsandtraining programmesfor packaging processes.

Partner with internal and external stakeholders to embed technical rigour and accelerate innovation delivery

Identifyprocess improvement opportunities,implementsolutionsand embed continuous improvement.

Lead initiatives to enhance packaging development workflows and embed continuous improvement.

Critical Success Factors

Ability to balance hands-on technical delivery with strategic capability initiatives.

Demonstrated agility in driving speed without compromising quality

Strong problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset.

Commitment topackaginginnovationand capabilityleadership.

ALL ABOUT YOU

We are looking for someone with the right attitude,mindsetand competencies. Experience working in a packaging role isan added bonus, but not essential.

Technical education – in an engineering,scienceor design subject

Passion and agilityfor what packaging, innovation andcapabilityexperience can unlock for our businessin speed

A creative,logicaland analytical mind

Strong project management and organisingexperience

Great collaboration and communication skills

A quick learner, not afraid to take the initiative and be proactive to get things done

NOTES

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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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?

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

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