Sr. R&D Associate/Assistant R&D Manager

JOB TITLE: Sr. R&D Associate/Assistant R&D Manager

JOB FUNCTION:  Research and Development, Future Core Formats, Global Home Care

WORK LOCATION: Mumbai HURC

SCOPE: Global team with end-to-end role responsibility

BUSINESS CONTEXT

Unilever is reimagining the future of cleaning, and it starts with reinventing a century-old history of chemistry. Billions of people around the world are asking for products that are tough on germs and stains, and ever more convenient to use. But now, people also want these products to be kinder to the planet.

The Purpose of the Science & Technology, Home care team is to provide Unilever with world class capability to develop next generation formats like powders, bars, liquids, capsule, sheets products with superior performance, great value, and sustainable technology.

Within the S&T, team is responsible for exploring upstream/novel process and product technologies. This includes the development of new analytical methodologies to create data spaces and digital models of previously unknown interactions. These technology insights are used to develop deep domain expertise that ultimately supports the product design and delivers competitive advantage.

JOB PURPOSE

• This is a global role in Home Care - Laundry future core formats team which would involve design & development of unmissably superior products linked to Bright Future and Innovation agenda.

• The role requires individuals to develop a comprehensive understanding of formulation design principles, as well as knowledge of manufacturing technology and the interactions between materials and product properties in the home care category. 

• This role involves formulation design & development work to ensure technical product readiness and delivery of key projects in market globally. This includes evaluation of product technology in lab/pilot plant to achieve consistent chemical, physical, sensorial properties necessary to meet laboratory and consumer validation of product chassis changes. Additionally, it would require strong collaboration with Internal & external partners so as to land key technology mixes.

• Individuals need to have problem solving ability, details and results orientated who can manage multiple projects with good presentation skills and are willing to take initiatives being proactive to learn & get things done.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE:

• Lead formulation development activities & technical evaluation of solid unit dose laundry formats globally

• Design new formats to deliver SASSY mix with the support of Design team

• Lead clearance of key activities to ensure in market launch readiness – spec lock, stability study, SERS, appraisals, claims, process etc

• Identify new technology solutions which are cost and GHG-efficient.

• Support & manage project networks for timely delivery of key milestones basis alignment with cross functional teams with excellent communication skills

• Accelerate development and scoping of formulation by using digital tools eg. Data modelling of product performance.

• Work with cross functional teams & external suppliers to build strong knowledge database on new formats, processing capabilities to solve complex technical issues

• Integrate Science & technology into design to improve the overall effectiveness & efficiency of product mix to deliver superior products

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum Qualification – Degree in Chemical Engineering /Oil/Polymer Technology with minimum 5 years’ experience in R&D - Product Development / Technology Development / process Development

• In depth knowledge of formulation design principles, unit operations, equipment principles and practices. Focus on input product design quality, maintaining it during R&D execution, combined with humility and persistence to achieve results.

• Data & digital skills - Experience of DoE and statistical data analysis. Ability to interpret complex datasets, data visualization (JMP/BI/Excel) and data-driven decision-making. Knowledge of PLM system, specification creation, PHAROS and its management

• Must have a “hands-on” approach to pilot plant and laboratory scale-up activities. Need to be able to work in a safe, disciplined manner.

• Excellent Communication: Experience of working in cross cultural team on regional / global projects is required. Engage with technical and non-technical stakeholders with flexibility in influencing styles.

• Experience in management and coordination of activities for project delivery

• Knowledge of Home Care products/category would be an advantage

KEY BEHAVIOURIAL STANDARDS

• DELIVER WITH EXCELLENCE: Developing breakthrough Innovations. Deliver everything through excellence & pace and be accountable & responsible for what needs to be done

• FOCUS ON WHAT COUNTS: Focus on fewer bigger things and deliver brilliantly to conclusion. Set clear & stretching goals and recognise maximum performance impact

• CARE DEEPLY: Care deeply about how consumers experience our brands everyday everywhere; about people development and Planet. Being fair & transparent in what it takes to succeed.

• STAY THREE STEPS AHEAD: Think boldly and creatively to make breakthroughs in Performance. Be always curious and confident - anticipating and staying ahead of consumer needs & external trends to beat competition.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion 

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.