Associate Director, Nexxus Styling Innovation

About Unilever

With 3.4 billion people in over 190 countries using our products every day, Unilever is a business that makes a real impact on the world. Work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We are driven by our purpose: to make sustainable living commonplace, and it is our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance.

At the heart of what we do is our people – we believe that when our people work with purpose, we will create a better business and a better world.

Born in 1979, Nexxus has led the industry in protein science‑driven haircare for over four decades. Grounded in scientific expertise and elevated by a refined sense of luxury, Nexxus seamlessly blends cutting‑edge science with premium sensorial experiences to deliver high‑performance results in the haircare category. As one of Unilever’s power brands and a strategic priority within Beauty & Wellbeing North America, Nexxus plays a critical role in accelerating premium growth across the portfolio.

Today, Nexxus is poised for its next chapter of growth in North America. With a focus on innovation that fuses advanced science, elevated sensorials, and evolving consumer needs, the brand continues to strengthen its leadership in high‑performance haircare. We are seeking an experienced Senior Brand Manager, Innovation to help fuel this momentum and shape what’s next for Nexxus.

As the Associate Director, Innovation, you will help shape the future of Nexxus by strategically leading innovation across the Styling platform. You’ll bring a creative, consumer‑first mindset to developing new products, formats, and experiences that elevate the brand and deliver business impact. This role requires a strong eye & understanding for beauty, a deep understanding of premium positioning, and the ability to translate insights into compelling innovation.

You’ll play a leading role in identifying and executing innovation in new and existing formats that enhance value, drive profitability, and strengthen our presence across channels.

• Lead Styling Innovation Strategy:
  Define and lead the Styling strategy by translating consumer and cultural insights into a premium innovation roadmap that shapes the future of the platform, elevates the brand, and drives sustainable business growth.
• Lead Market‑Making Innovation Development:
  Develop and manage end‑to‑end innovation projects across Styling platform—from concept to launch.
• Lead NRM (Net Revenue Management) Strategy:
  Develop 3‑year NRM strategy for brand identifying consumer and portfolio growth opportunities in partnership with NRM and CS&P teams.
• Cross‑Functional Leadership:
  Partner with R&D, Supply Chain, Sales, Finance, and external agencies to bring innovations to life with excellence.
• Consumer & Trend Insight:
  Stay ahead of beauty trends, consumer behavior, and cultural shifts to inform innovation strategy and pipeline development.
• Partner with Culture Squad: to track social, consumer and performance trends to inform innovation plan and develop go‑to‑market strategies.
• Manage Direct Report (Associate Brand Manager):
  Coach and develop direct report in supporting brand and innovation strategy.

• 7–10 years of experience in brand management, innovation, or product development
• Strong strategic and creative thinking
• Understanding of premium positioning and how to deliver elevated consumer experiences
• Aesthetic sensibility and passion for beauty, fashion, and design
• Clear sense of initiative and ownership
• Strong problem‑solving skills
• Excellent project management and cross‑functional collaboration skills
• Comfort with data and ability to translate insights into action

• Creative & Curious:
  You’re energized by new ideas and inspired by culture, trends, and design.
• Consumer‑Obsessed:
  You think like a beauty shopper and act like a brand builder.
• Agile & Accountable:
  You move fast, stay focused, and own your outcomes.
• Collaborative & Courageous:
  You work well with others and aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo.

The…