UFS R&D Support Manager, Future Technologies SEA

AboutUnilever

With3.4billionpeopleinover190countriesusingourproductseveryday,Unileverisabusinessthatmakesarealimpactontheworld.Workonbrandsthatarelove andimprovethelivesofourconsumersandthecommunitiesaroundus.Wearedrivenbyourpurpose:tomakesustainablelivingcommonplace, anditisourbeliefthatdoingbusinesstherightwaydrivessuperiorperformance.Attheheartofwhatwedoisourpeople–webelievethatwhenourpeopleworkwithpurpose,wewillcreateabetterbusinessand abetterworld.  

AtUnilever,yourcareerwillbeauniquejourney,groundedinourinclusive,collaborative, andflexibleworkingenvironment.Wedon’tbelieveinthe‘onesizefitsall’approachandinsteadwewillequipyouwiththetoolsyouneedtoshapeyourownfuture.

JobPurpose

AtUnileverFood Solutions,ourpurposeistoFreeChefstolovewhattheydo.WeworkwithHotels, Restaurants andCatererstocreateexcitingmenusthataregoodfordiners, andgoodfortheplanet.OurbrandsincludeKnorrProfessional & Best Foods—trustedandusedbychefsand F&Boperatorseveryday.

Job Summary
The UFS R&D Support Manager – Future Technologies (SEA) plays a critical role in enabling the development and deployment of future-fit innovations across Southeast Asia. The role supports the pipeline of breakthrough technologies, accelerates innovation readiness, and strengthens technical capabilities to drive sustainable growth aligned with UFS strategy. This role partners closely with R&D leads, business teams, and external partners to translate emerging technologies into scalable, impactful solutions for the UFS portfolio.

Key Responsibilities
1. Future Technology Exploration & Deployment

• Identify, evaluate, and validate emerging technologies relevant to UFS categories (e.g., cooking aids, condiments, foodservice solutions).
• Support translation of early-stage concepts into viable prototypes and scalable solutions.
• Contribute to building a mid-to-long-term technology roadmap aligned with business and innovation priorities.

2. Innovation Pipeline Support

• Enable innovation projects by providing technical guidance, feasibility assessment, and risk mitigation.
• Ensure technologies are development-ready and aligned with product, process, and consumer requirements.
• Support delivery of innovation projects on time and in full in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

3. Capability & Knowledge Building

• Build and strengthen R&D capabilities in future technologies, including digital tools, formulation science, and process innovation.
• Drive knowledge sharing across SEA markets and with global R&D teams.
• Support training initiatives to upskill teams in emerging technology areas.

4. Cross-functional & External Collaboration

• Partner with Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, and Quality teams to ensure seamless technology integration into product development.
• Collaborate with external partners such as suppliers, startups, universities, and technology providers.

5. Project & Portfolio Management

• Manage a portfolio of technology support initiatives aligned with business priorities.
• Monitor progress, risks, and resource allocation to ensure effective delivery.
• Contribute to strategic decision-making on future innovation investments.

6. Governance, Compliance & Sustainability

• Ensure adherence to Unilever standards including safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Integrate sustainability considerations (e.g., packaging, ingredients, environmental impact) into technology development.

Key Interfaces

• UFS R&D Leads (SEA & Global)
• Marketing / CD / Business Teams
• Supply Chain & Procurement
• External innovation partners (startups, academia, suppliers)

Qualifications & Experience Required

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or related field
• Significant experience in R&D, product development, or technology development within FMCG or food industry more than 5 years
• Proven track record in innovation, project management, and cross-functional collaboration
• Strong understanding of product development, scale-up, and commercialization processes
• Strong English communication and presentation skills.

Preferred

• Experience in Cooking Aids / Condiments categories
• Exposure to digital, AI, or advanced food technologies
• Regional (SEA) or global project experience

Key Skills

• Innovation mindset with strong curiosity for emerging technologies
• Stakeholder management and influencing without authority
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to work in diverse, multicultural environments
• Agile and resilient in fast-changing, complex environments