Global Head of Innovation – Ice Cream R&D

Please Note: The deadline for applying is 23.59 the day before the job posting end date.

Job Title: Global Head of Innovation – Ice Cream R&D

Location:UK (Colworth) preferred, EU – NL as alternative

We spark moments of happiness for people and within the communities where we operate. However, it is not as simple as it may seem. As ice cream makers we are serious about happiness. With warm hearts, we create the coolest products. We are the proof that an unbroken chain of happier people works – for a happy planet and winning smiles. As the largest ice cream company in the world, we have over 100 years of experience in delivering smiles, and we plan to continue this for many more years to come, with our people and planet first.

We have 35 brands, including 3 one billion Euro brands (Magnum, Wall’s, Ben & Jerry’s), in over 60 countries. All driven to spread happiness through indulgent yet responsibly made and marketed products. We have a well-developed strategy to deliver growth and value creation which is clear on where to play and how to win.

JOB PURPOSE

The Global Head of Design and Innovation is responsible for driving innovation across the organization primarily developing new, disruptive products that delight consumers and provide our brands with a source of competitive advantage and growth, crafting food experiences and occasions. This role is also responsible for improving our existing portfolio and keeping abreast of emerging technologies and trends that could impact the industry or provide new opportunities, as we create a 8bln corporate start-up which will be famous for innovation

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Shape enterprise Innovation and Growth Strategy
• Establish Global Design and Innovation Capabilities
• Create and deliver strong pipeline of differentiating innovations linked to global innovation platforms
• Build an integrated innovation and technology roadmap
• Lead and inspire strong Design and Innovation Team
• Promote an innovative culture within the R&D teams and across the broader organization.
• Encourage collaboration across departments and geographies, creating cross-functional innovation teams.
• Implement processes that support creativity, experimentation, and rapid prototyping.

KEY DELIVERABLES - OKRS

• Competitive rate of innovation
• Pipeline value and readiness
• Superiority and differentiation from global innovation

ALL ABOUT YOU

• Strong track record of managing innovation programmes/projects or portfolios
• Proven leadership from managing cross-functional and cross-cultural teams
• Strong foundation in design of product, packaging and experience
• Passion for consumer, food and ice-cream category
• Winning combination of R&D excellence and commercial acumen
• Ability to influence strategic deliverables in a widely matrixed organization. International business/cultural sensitivity.

Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life! 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.

NOTES

Please apply via this portal as e-mail applications may not be processed and include your Future Fit Plan if possible.

By applying for this vacancy, you are confirming that you have made your Line Manager aware of your application and that you are at a point in your career with Unilever where it is appropriate for you to be applying for other positions.   

Should you require additional information or reasonable adjustments to allow you to present your best self during this process, please contact your Talent Partner Juli Molina on Juli.Molina@unilever.com

What we offer

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 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 (unilever.com).

Relocation to the UK

Please be aware if you are applying for this role from outside the UK, if successful, your application will be treated as a self-initiated Change Location Outside of Country (CLOC) transfer. This means any relocation costs must be self-funded with the potential to reclaim some specific pre-approved expenses up to £5,000. Please speak to your Talent Partner if you have any questions.