Get introduced to vetted companies that are still hiring

Job Title: Sustainable Packaging Lead Technologist (Post Consumer Recycled Plastic)

Location: Port Sunlight Research Lab

JOB PURPOSE

Impact Statement

Unilever is committed to creating a Waste-Free World through its ambitious Packaging Strategy – we are taking on the toughest challenges to make our vision a reality. We are re-inventing our product packaging and materials to craft the sustainability journey towards our ambition of a circular, waste-free and net zero future. To achieve these goals, we need completely new packaging materials and technologies that are yet to be discovered. Our industry-leading material science programme strives to change our industry for good, transforming the traditional packaging sector into a next-generation technical industry where entrepreneurial passion meets science-backed innovations.

We are looking for a creative, dedicated and ambitious individual with an innovative mindset who shares our passion for the challenge.

Link to relevant article: https://www.unilever.com/planet-and-society/waste-free-world/rethinking-plastic-packaging/

The One Packaging R&D Centre aims to create a waste free, net zero packaging portfolio through a world class packaging materials capability with strong partnerships and ecosystems. The Centre will enable and accelerate the creation of novel packaging solutions to help meet Unilever’s packaging ambitions and completely revolutionize our packaging. It is the place where future scientific leaders of the business are created. We are a high-performing, diverse and inclusive team of dynamic entrepreneurial people with a strong scientific background, courage and curiosity, and passion for sustainability and delivery that will have a positive impact on the planet.

To lead the operational programme on Post Consumer Resin (PCR), supporting the PCR Leader to deliver the 50% virgin plastic reduction commitment by 2025.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop new PCR grades and suppliers for rigid plastic application.
• Lead packaging development activities for application in EBM, IM & ISBM.
• Build material understanding of PCR and how to improve properties.
• Provide technical support to PCR-specific packaging challenges (eg ESCR, colour, contamination etc) which can enable higher PCR inclusion levels.
• Develop best practise PCR technical standards (including robust specifications, packaging test methods, safety requirements).
• Lead aspects of quality improvement program, making recommendations and demonstrating tangible improvements to PCR quality.
• Develop new technologies (eg chemical or enzymatic recycling) and assess opportunities for use across the portfolio.
• Lead malodour assessment programme, supporting analytical studies to build deeper understanding of causes, and intervention opportunities to reduce impact.
• Engage with partners along the E2E PCR value chain, to build joint programmes.
• Support the business to unlock increased usage and cost saving opportunities.
• Provide training to the wider packaging community on development of PCR

ALL ABOUT YOU

We are looking for someone that shares our passion for innovation, science, sustainability, and has the drive to take our packaging portfolio to the next level. You will be part of a multi-disciplinary project team ethos where everybody contributes to achieving the same goal.

Candidate Profile

• You will lead & build a technical program and sit within our leadership team to help accelerate our recycled plastic program.
• Must be proactive, self-starter, with the ability to multi-task and work to deadlines.
• Results-driven, delivering value-added technologies to a high technical rigour with high business impact.
• Good decision-making and delivering effectively to deadlines.
• Committed to continually develop your scientific and competency skills.
• Creative, highly passionate about sustainability, brands and consumers.
• Must be flexible and agile, operate comfortably with uncertainty, embracing transformational change, and challenging the status quo.
• Must be able to work across time zones and in multicultural setting.

Experiences and Skills required:

• Expertise in plastics materials and applications, through to conversion technologies.
• Experience in leading packaging material trials and validation.
• Good knowledge and ability to interpret results and analysis linked to pack and material properties.
• Ability to work collaboratively with external suppliers and partners.
• Good understanding of required digital support systems (AWS, LIMS etc).
• Waste management understating including good knowledge of recycling process.
• Good awareness of packaging interactions across functions (supply chain and quality).
• Understand of the requirements for successful technology transfer.
• Project management experience.

Standards of Leadership:

Bias for Action

Passion for High Performance

Agility

Business Acumen

Personal Mastery

NOTES

About Unilever

Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Food, Home and Personal Care products with sales in over 190 countries and reaching 2 billion consumers a day. Unilever has more than 400 brands found in homes around the world, including Dove, Tresemme, Lynx, Lifebuoy, Shea Moisture, Persil, Domestos, Ben & Jerry’s, Magnum, Marmite, The Vegetarian Butcher, Graze and Pot Noodle.

Faced with the challenge of climate change and the need for human development, we want to move towards a world where everyone can live well and within the natural limits of the planet. That’s why our purpose is ‘to make sustainable living commonplace’

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.

Recruitment Fraud

Cyber criminals advertise fake job adverts with prestigious employers as a way of stealing information or even defrauding individuals out of money. In the most sophisticated cases, they will set up fake websites, which have a similar address to companies like Unilever. They even conduct fake telephone interviews and then offer candidates a role with the proviso they pay a fee for background checks or to cover work visa costs. These types of attacks are becoming more common as more people are looking for employment in the economic climate.

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!