PC Men’s Innovation Senior Formulation Design Assistant Manager

Job Position: PC Men’s InnovationSenior Formulation Design Assistant Manager

Location: Leeds R&D, UK

Main Job Purpose

The Deodorants category is a key part of the Unilever Personal Care Business Group, with a family of Power Brands; Dove, Axe & Rexona, which are critical growth drivers of the company.

This role will focus on the delivery of the Men’s Deodorant Innovation programme for Axe and Dove Men + Care International by leading the formulation workstream and assisting in all aspects of innovation project delivery across a range of projects.

We are seeking a candidate with formulation and project leadership experience who is curious about solving formulation challenges and finding novel ways to deliver to consumers.

The individual should also have a strong digital mindset and be able to demonstrate digital capability to structure and connect data, identify insights, and draw conclusions that drive greater efficiency and better decision‑making.

Main Accountabilities

Lead the formulation work-stream in multiple projects to deliver formulation changes which are safe, compatible with packaging and supply chain, and meet consumer and brand requirements. Ensure the products undergo relevant technical testing; structuring, capturing and interpreting data as required.

Support Technical Project Leaders on all aspects of project management working across multiple projects. Deputise when required and ensure Business Units and cross-functional partners receive good levels of project support and communication.

Coordinate the creation of project management technical documentation by gathering cross-functional and regional / country input. Ensure all project risks are clearly identified and highlighted to stakeholders and within the project team. Input all formulation and R&D information to decision gate documents and ensure documentation is available to support claims, regulations and endorsements.

Use digital approaches, dashboards and AI to structure, connect and analyse data and identify insights that drive greater efficiency and better decision‑making in innovation project delivery. Inspires team members to adopt digital-first practices and methodologies across the digital space.

Demonstrate strong understanding of the global product portfolio and identify opportunities for simplification and cost efficiency.

Lead and support the work plan for Formulation Technicians within the team, including training and coaching. Delegate and set laboratory work where appropriate.

Actively participate in departmental initiatives, processes and maintain high standards of laboratory housekeeping and safety. Supports training and provides technical support for colleagues.

Champion Axe new product mixes to ensure alignment with defined consumer needs. Support the delivery of technical storytelling and activation for innovation projects across relevant customers and channels.

Experience

• Ability to work autonomously and flexibly as part of a cross-functional team.
• Deodorants Formulation chemistry – understanding of ingredients, ability to modify and manipulate formulations, including knowledge of formats and benefit technologies
• Developed digital and data management skills
• Working knowledge of SAP
• Strong analytical ability to analyse and interpret data and use it to make data backed recommendations
• Deep understanding of Unilever and key competitor’s global product portfolio
• Basic intellectual property understanding
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Entrepreneurial drive and passion to deliver growth

Demonstrates Unilever Behaviours

• Deliver With Excellence
• Focus on What Counts
• Care Deeply
• Stay Three Steps Ahead

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.

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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?

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!