Unilever is transforming how packaging components are designed, sourced, manufactured and supplied. The Injection Hub is one of the most significant packaging network transformations in the company, consolidating complexity, creating a scalable operating model.
We are seeking a highly capable Cap Hub Operations Lead to take ownership of the end-to-end delivery, governance and expansion of the Caps Hub programme. This role sits at the centre of procurement, supply chain, R&D, planning, suppliers and manufacturing teams and will play a critical role in delivering operational excellence today whilst building the foundations for Caps Hub 2.0
This is not a traditional procurement or supply chain role. It is a high-visibility leadership position responsible for running a strategic regional platform that directly impacts cost, service, innovation and network simplification.

Role Purpose

The Cap Hub has evolved from project delivery into a live regional supply network. The Cap Hub Operations Lead is accountable for end-to-end operational delivery, supplier governance, technical readiness and cross-functional alignment across internal Procurement, Supply Chain, R&D, Planning, and global stakeholders.

Unilever is also looking to transform how packaging components are designed, sourced, manufactured and supplied in the near future. The Cap Hub 2.0 is a strategic global platform that consolidates complexity, improves resilience and unlocks significant value across huge volumes. We are looking for a Cap Hub Operations Lead to run the end-to-end Hub operation of Caps Hub 1, manage supplier and technical governance, align cross-functional stakeholders and build the operating model for the Caps Hub 2.0 future expansion. This is a high-impact role for someone who combines operational discipline, supplier leadership and strategic problem solving.

Key Accountabilities

Own the end-to-end Hub operation

• Act as overall operational owner of the Cap Hub programme.
• Lead programme planning, execution, governance routines, timelines, risk logs and milestone delivery.
• Establish the operating model, ways of working and decision-rights framework.

Lead supplier and network governance

• Manage the operational interface with mould makers, converters, logistics partners and key manufacturing stakeholders.
• Govern capacity, lead times, MOQs, Incoterms, shipment scheduling, service levels and escalation management.
• Drive transparency, supplier performance and operational excellence across the network.

Drive technical readiness and qualification

• Coordinate technical approval and qualification activities across UL, mould makers, converters and technical teams.
• Lead risk assessments, traceability, document control, specification governance and change management.
• Ensure system readiness, testing, commissioning and operational sign-off.

Build the future Hub model

• Integrate BG and R&D early into NPD and portfolio change processes.
• Support CER, CapEx and upstream purchasing activities.
• Develop scalable governance for Cap Hub 2, future volume growth and supplier complexity.

What Success Looks Like

• Cap Hub 1 operationalised with clear governance, stable service and transparent performance routines.
• Technical qualification and specification control managed with strong traceability and version discipline.
• Cross-functional stakeholders aligned behind one plan, one RACI and faster decision-making.
• Cap Hub 2 operating model, capacity requirements and expansion roadmap established.

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Strong background in packaging procurement, supply chain operations, planning, manufacturing or packaging development.
• Proven experience managing complex cross-functional programmes and senior stakeholders.
• Strong supplier management, governance, documentation and risk-management rigour.
• Ability to translate strategy into disciplined operational execution.

Preferred

• Experience with closures, caps, moulds, injection moulding or component industrialisation.
• Experience in technical qualification, commissioning or supplier onboarding.
• Understanding of CapEx, CER, business case delivery and network transformation.
• Regional or multi-country supply-network experience.

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.

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