Unilever had the fastest growing HC business in the world over the last three years with broad-based growth, improving brand equities, and strong technology pipelines. HC category is evolving the Brand, R&D and Supply Chain organisation. This re-organization would be critical to drive out the complexity that currently exists and move to a mindset of design once, deploy everywhere with hardware harmonised to the greatest extent possible.
PRIMARY JOB DUTIES
- Formulate products that meet our performance and authenticity standards and ensure that products are delivered on-time and within budget while meeting all consumer and technical objectives
- Oversee projects independently, working well cross-functionally with Marketing, Supply Chain, other R&D groups and suppliers.
- Collaborate in product qualification including product stability testing, micro-challenge, and performance testing.
- Collaborate on product development with manufacturers.
- Support scale up by generating data that provides a holistic picture of potential formula manufacturing behaviour when applicable.
- Support product launch with visit to outside manufacturer partners, market and consumer insight events as requested.
- Participate on needed basis in cross functional teams for new product development and launches.
- Conduct market analyses to identify products’ innovative points of differentiation for formulation, claims and/or performance.
- Identify, review and assess pertinent technologies from external and internal sources.
- Stay abreast of technical developments and regulatory updates in the household cleaning and personal care categories by reviewing technical publications, articles and abstracts as well as attending relevant conferences.
- Develop product specifications for new products and create documentation to support all product qualification requirements.
- Develop and maintain relationships with existing and potential raw material suppliers.
- Commit to personal development and professional growth by actively participating in personal development initiatives and applying developmental thinking within the context of planning and executing work.
- Perform other tasks as may be required by Research & Development in the fulfilment of its objectives
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS
- BS in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or related discipline, advanced degrees is an advantage.
- 5 years’ experience in R&D, Formula Development or Technical Product Management preferably in a consumer products goods company; more preferably in-Home Care Development.
- Experience reviewing and assessing new technologies, regulations and patents is desired.
- Project management skills
- Computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Excel, PPT and system like PV.
- Strong organizational, verbal, and written skills with intense attention to detail.
- Able to maintain a neat lab notebook, work cleanly and independently in the lab
- Able to prioritize and meet deadlines within specified time constraints.
- Self-motivated with an enhanced ability to work independently.
- Passion and strong alignment with Seventh Generation’s Mission, Vision and Values
- Strong problem solving and organizational skills and proven ability to work in a fast-paced work environment.
- Ability to operate effectively in a team
- Open minded and can-do attitude is essential
NOTE:
Unilever is an equal opportunities employer and committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. We are intentional in employing the best talent that reflect the demographics of our country. We therefore invite applications from all candidates representing diversity of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief. When appointing potential candidates, the South African Employment Equity and Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Legislation will be considered.
We are required by law to verify your ability to work lawfully in South Africa. If you are applying as a Foreign National, please note that you may be requested to provide supporting documents supporting this.