Associate Manager Innovation

Hoboken, United States

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

Job ID:: R-1173055
Date posted:: 02/04/2026
Job Type:: Full time
Job Category:: Supply Chain

Background & Purpose of the Job

Responsible for driving supplier operational results and proactively accelerating timelines in skin care innovations and renovations. Deliver measurable business impact through creative problem-solving, and strategic supplier management.
Fully understand the supplier relationship structure, including established linkages between Procurement Operations and internal/external customers.
Responsible for supporting R&D in packaging exploration, while keeping costs within target and supply continuity in mind
Manage the key procurement related IPT tasks for category innovations & renovations. 
Collaborate with R&D, Planning, Brand, Artwork, Quality, Global Category Procurement, and the external supply base.
Owns the coordination of flawless execution of material flow from supplier base to manufacturing, on time and in full, lead and solve material escalations as needed, drive alignment between R&D, planning, and the supplier in material escalations and alternate approvals.
Risk assess all new materials and provide voice and proposed action plans on all potential risks to supply continuity in the future on innovation. Closely liaises with other parts of procurement within North America and Globally.
Develops technical understanding of production of key pack and raw materials.

Who You Are & What You’ll Do

You’re a proactive leader: Accelerate timelines and drive end-to-end supplier readiness for innovation launches. Anticipate and resolve material challenges, ensuring on-time, in-full delivery even under pressure. Champion creative solutions and rapid escalations to protect business results.

You’re a change maker: Listen to your stakeholders needs and provide workable solutions in line with corporate objectives. Drive improvements in service and quality processes with both the supplier and plants.

You’re a culture & change champion: Build strong, trust-based relationships with suppliers and cross-functional partners. Foster a culture of positive tension—balancing empathy with performance—to achieve ambitious goals.

You’re a dot connector: Orchestrate seamless alignment between R&D, Planning, Brand, Artwork, Quality, and suppliers. Lead cross-functional teams to solve complex problems, accelerate launches, and ensure flawless execution from concept to shelf.

You love to win, and have fun doing it: Deliver measurable business impact—securing NSV, advancing timelines, and driving market-leading innovations. Celebrate wins, share learnings, and continuously develop technical and industry expertise to stay ahead in the dynamic world of skin care procurement.
What You’ll Need To Succeed
• Business or Technical degree required with 2-3 years general business experience in any function (Logistics/Operations/Manufacturing/Supply Management/Planning)
• Ability to balance conflicting priorities to ensure projects are delivered within agreed timelines
• Understanding of tactical and strategic business objectives
• Experience and working knowledge with Excel and Powerpoint
• Experience with Ariba, SAP and PLM preferred

Pay: The pay range for this position is $88,600 to $133,000. Unilever takes into consideration a wide range of factors that areutilizedin making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, qualifications and education, and other business and organizational needs. 

Bonus: This position is bonus eligible. 

Long-Term Incentive (LTI): This position is LTI eligible. 

Benefits: Unilever employees are eligible toparticipatein our benefits plan. Should the employee choose to participate, they can choose from a range of benefits to include, but is not limited to, health insurance (including prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage), retirement savings benefits, life insurance and disability benefits, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, as well as access to numerous voluntary benefits. Anycoveragesfor health insurance and retirement benefits will bein accordance withthe terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. 

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At Unilever, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive/succeed. All applicants will receive fair and respectful consideration, and we actively support the growth and development of every employee.

Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities.

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If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance at any time during our recruitment process, please contact us at NA.Accommodations@unilever.com. Please note: This email is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry about positions or application statuses. The Protected Veterans or Individuals with Disabilities AAP narratives are available for inspection by any employee or applicant for employment Monday through Friday during normal business hours at establishment.

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