Global R&D Platform Lead

Job Title: Global R&D Platform Lead

Location: Colworth Science Park

Work Level: 2C

Main Purpose of Job

Pepsi Lipton is a joint venture between Unilever and PepsiCo to capitalise on growth of the Ready-To-Drink Tea segment and operates globally with three well-established brands Lipton, Brisk and Pure Leaf. Our global business is worth 3.8billion USD, growing volume at the rate of 4-5% and with a double digit increase in net revenues. Our vision is to expand our global leadership and enter new benefit areas with current and additional brands.

A role in Pepsi Lipton is a unique experience in which to develop and add value to your career. Pepsi Lipton although a Joint Venture between Unilever and PepsiCo operates as a company and has its own Board of Directors. Whilst we have the full backing and support of our two parent companies, our entrepreneurial set up gives us real autonomy. Our roles are broad, our responsibilities big and our experiences even bigger. We have high visibility and great exposure to senior leadership and to talented colleagues all over the world. It means we need to be impactful, smart influencers. And it means that we can get involved in the end-to-end business in a way that’s just not possible at our parent companies.

We have an established global R&D function which includes the 2 key hubs, one in Colworth, UK from where the team focus on the European, AMESA and APAC businesses and one in Valhalla, USA from where the team supports the North America and Latam businesses. The global capability and breakthrough innovation programme is shared across both sites.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior R&D Manager to join our team to define and lead the global innovation and renovation program one of our priority innovation platforms: Intrinsic Health. This role will drive the science and technology to develop new differentiated product designs that deliver health & wellness benefits anchored in strong consumer needs. As a new position, you will have the chance to build the programme from scratch, working closely with the entire Pepsi Lipton JV R&D and cross-functional team, and building partnerships with the science and technology teams in our parent companies (Unilever and PepsiCo) and external partners, leveraging your deep knowledge of tea and product design. The role will include defining and setting up ways of working with the global cross-functional innovation teams, driving innovations for the Intrinsic Health Platform. The role will also include leading the Pepsi Lipton R&D digital transformation agenda, identifying and driving the system/IT tool transformation needed, as well as acting as a change agent to foster a culture of digital curiosity and a digital-first mindset.

This role promises to be both challenging and rewarding, offering you the chance to make a significant impact on our global R&D efforts. We are excited to welcome a passionate and innovative individual with strong strategic skills to our team!

Main responsibilities
Strategy & technical leadership on global innovation platform: Intrinsic Health
• Co-develop and deliver global strategy and 12-16 Quarters innovation/renovation programme for the platform
• Technical business partner for the platform, i.e. act as the R&D first point of contact for cross functional partners for all innovation, renovation and technical aspects of the platform programme needs.
• Define & implement continuous improvement in ways of working with the innovation team cross functionally to land effectively new global propositions at scale
• Champion continuous improvement in proposition development for the platform by working with chefs, tea experts and mixologists to fuel ideas for future fit inspirational product designs in line with brands and consumer insights for the platforms
• Shape & drive technology roadmap underpinning the Intrinsic Health platform by defining the technical unlocks required for different time horizon: Horizon 1 (1 year), Horizon 2 (2-3 years) and Horizon 3 (3-5 years)
• Steer science & technology programme, collaborating very closely with S&T teams across parent companies, and with external partners and supplier to deliver on the technical wants within right timeline to support the innovation platform development
• Own one of differentiated science & technology programme for the JV, i.e. Tea Science programme, to deliver for Intrinsic health and for other innovation platforms technical wants.

Technical project leadership
• Full responsibility for the technical delivery of assigned projects on time & in full.
• Manage the generation and safeguarding of Intellectual Property arising from project work, including careful management of IP agreements with suppliers, parent companies and other agencies as required.
• Develop exciting cutting-edge claims supported by risk-based assessment, claims substantiation dossier, and storytelling assets for projects within the platform
• Develop superior product designs on time
• Drive robust innovation process and project management, including rigorous risk management
• Ensure clear management of stakeholder groups (e.g. R&D VP and RDLT, CMO, regional GMs, R&D VPs in pep and Unilever and supplier/partner companies) and communicate transparently risks and opportunities within project, driving for timely decisions
• Ensure comprehensive development of technical transfer documentation for fast roll-out and scale up to multiple markets

R&D Digital transformation lead
• Lead on the development of the digital transformation strategy for the global R&D Pepsi Lipton team, leveraging tools and transformation agendas of both parent companies
• Identify and implement digital tools and technologies to enhance R&D processes and product development.
• Drive the adoption of digital platforms for data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to improve decision-making and innovation
• Collaborate with IT and R&D data teams across both parent companies to ensure seamless integration of digital solutions into existing systems
• Engage with external partners, such as technology providers and research institutions, to stay updated on the latest digital trends and innovations
• Develop and implement a comprehensive cultural transformation strategy to foster a digital-first mindset within the R&D team
• Promote the benefits of digital transformation through regular communication, workshops, and success stories to inspire and engage team members
• Encourage a culture of experimentation and innovation by providing a safe environment for team members to explore and adopt new digital tools and technologies
• Lead change management efforts to ensure smooth adoption of digital tools and processes, addressing any resistance or challenges that may arise

Line management and development of direct reports, including succession planning.
Direct Reports
• R&D Digital & Operation Excellence Manager
• Global Product Developers & Formulation Experts

Key Interfaces
• R&D Director PL JV Europe / Global Breakthrough Innovations & Capabilities (Line Manager)
• PLI JV global cross-functional teams (Supply Chain, Marketing, Insights)
• PLI JV R&D Leadership Team
• Regional PLI JV R&D teams
• Supplier/partner external organisations
• Unilever & PepsiCo S&T teams
• Pilot Plant team

ABOUT YOU
Key Skills
• Deep knowledge and passion for creative beverage product design and development
• Excellent project management and cross-functional delivery in an international environment
• Strong influencing skills and stakeholder management, including experience working in teams with multiple stakeholders from diverse backgrounds
• Knowledge and understanding of consumers and their markets
• Keen interest in digital tools and transformation
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to drive innovation and continuous improvement

Relevant Experience
• A degree or equivalent in food science or product development. Experience working with tea is a must
• Significant experience in implementing creative food and/or refreshment products in the market
• Experience in project leadership/management on a regional/global level
• Proven ability to translate consumer habits and needs into in-market product/pack innovation and evidence of delivery
• Proven experience in strategy development and successful implementation
• Experience in delivering change programs and fostering a culture shift within a team
• Experience in leading, coaching, and mentoring people
• Proven ability to form partnerships, both internally across functions and externally (suppliers, innovation partners), holding them accountable for their deliverables

Leadership Behaviours
• Drive consumer centricity
• Act as owner
• Agile & resilient
• Empower and enable people
• Lead with purpose

Travel Requirements
Occasional short business-trips may be required (approx. 15%)

NOTES

Location

In September 2020, Unilever announced the intention to build a new sustainable campus site in Kingston, London.  This site will house some employees who currently work in 100 Victoria Embankment in Blackfriars together with colleagues who are currently located in Lever House in Kingston. We are excited to be creating our own Unilever sustainable, agile work environment. The campus is due to be completed in 2026. 

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 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 at Unilever | Unilever. 

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