Job Title: Aerosol Formulation Manager
Location: Leeds
Term: Temporary Project role, concluding February 2026.
Background
Personal Care (PC) is a key strategic area for Unilever, and Deo, being a key category within PC, follows a very ambitious growth agenda.
Unilever is amongst the biggest global Deo companies in the world, with a combination of powerful global brands such as Rexona, Dove and Axe. We develop exciting mixes spanning across different consumer profiles, needs and expectations. The R&D team is constantly developing and deploying a range of technologies and product approaches across a rich portfolio of anti-perspirants and deodorants and across many application formats such as aerosols, sticks, roll-ons and refillables.
Formulation design plays a prominent role in innovation plans, and is a key capability to drive competitive advantage and value improvement opportunities through the development of category-leading Core Formulation Designs. This role comprises leading new product development projects, and delivering consumer preferred innovative Deodorant formulations globally.
JOB PURPOSE
Working closely with other Unilever functions (R&D Innovation teams, Benefit platforms, Consumer Insight, Science & Technology, marketing, Business Groups, supply chain & procurement) and external suppliers, to develop consumer and customer preferred deodorant formulations for global roll-out.
The job holder will be required to lead the technical program to develop the future formulations for Aerosols.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership of a Deo Formulation technology area / sub-format (Aerosols)
Lead the delivery of the formulation technical roadmap for a specific technical area and maintain alignment with the long-term innovation and strategy programmes.
Form a strong network within the category and lead the development of innovative new formulation technologies using own knowledge of formulation chemistry.
Develop a strong external network with suppliers and other UL categories to ensure consumer needs are met by these formulations through the application of new ingredients to enable the right microstructures.
Lead the 5S & Resilience programmes for the technology area/ sub-format to ensure continuous improvement in input costs and security of supply and negotiation advantages.
Develop best practice in the technology area & implement across the organisation to drive continuous improvement & functional excellence.
Identify routes for digital solutions to improve invention or efficiency within the technology area, and develop new tools/models in partnership with digital experts & partners.
Build a close working partnership with the technical project leaders (TPLs), Science & Technology, Procurement and any others to ensure OTIF delivery aligned with customer and consumer benefit needs.
Continue to build on existing strong links to the Business Units and Supply chain and ensure effective communication with stakeholders.
Define and deliver (to the Brand Innovation Teams) the key technical formulation aspects of the projects meeting the to the benefit action standards along consumer, product costs, legal, regulatory & safety considerations etc.
Lead key workstreams to drive and continuous improvement in functional excellence.
Identify further opportunities to unlock speed and capacity
Build and maintain strong links to the innovation brand teams dedicated to these projects. Establish co-ownership of the projects. Conversely, ensure new technology opportunities are fed back into the Brand teams to seed new growth or margin improvement opportunities. An in-depth understanding of consumer driver of preferences and competitor environment is essential to effectively do the role.
Be a strong business partner as part of a cross-functional team. An awareness and understanding of the impact and contribution of functions in R&D, SC, SM, Marketing, is essential. Maintain a sense of realism, purpose and urgency within the technical teams and rest of the category through active risk management
Lead & develop a small team of talented formulators.
ALL ABOUT YOU
Skills / Experience:
Qualifications: desirable bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or chemistry (science and technology expertise)
Fully operational in Formulation Development in R&D and awareness / experience in related functions (eg Processing, Science & Technology, Packaging Development etc.)
Proven relevant working experience with a track record on project delivery ideally in processing for Personal Care R&D area and / or Supply Chain, experience of interfacing with other functions to support project delivery
Proven track record of delivery within R&D
Project Management, GMP, Lab Safety and Hygiene knowledge
Awareness in the following skill areas:
Strong Communication & Training Skills
Knowledge of the Product Development process and experience in Global working across R&D functions. Ideally, experience in the Deodorants Category
Consumer, customer and competitor focus
Strong focus on execution and attention to details
Ability to be a professional partner to Business Units, Supply Chain, Procurement and Marketing function
Ability to work in multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural teams, with the drive and ability to control own work programme and make own decisions when .
Good communication skills and a proven ability to interact across a range of functions, external partners and senior leadership groups
Flexibility in work style and being able to manage a portfolio of projects and tasks in parallel
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 Sarah Brough on Sarah.Brough@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.