PC Men's Innovation Senior Formulation Design Assistant Manager

Job Position

PC Men's Innovation Senior Formulation Design Assistant Manager

Leeds R&D, UK

The Deodorants category is a key part of the Unilever Personal Care Business Group, with a family of Power Brands including Dove, Axe, and Rexona. This role focuses on delivering the Men’s Deodorant Innovation programme for Axe and Dove Men + Care International by leading the formulation workstream and supporting all aspects of innovation project delivery across multiple projects. The successful candidate will bring formulation and project leadership experience, a curiosity for solving formulation challenges, and a strong digital mindset to structure and connect data, identify insights, and drive greater efficiency and better decision‑making.

• Lead the formulation work‑stream in multiple projects to deliver formulation changes that are safe, compatible with packaging and supply chain, and meet consumer and brand requirements.
• Ensure products undergo relevant technical testing; structure, capture, and interpret data as required.
• Support Technical Project Leaders on all aspects of project management across multiple projects.
• Deputise when required and ensure business units and cross‑functional partners receive adequate project support and communication.
• Coordinate the creation of project‑management technical documentation by gathering cross‑functional and regional/country input.
• Identify and highlight all project risks to stakeholders and the project team.
• Input formulation and R&D information into decision‑gate documents and ensure documentation supports claims, regulations, and endorsements.
• Use digital approaches, dashboards, and AI to structure, connect, and analyse data and identify insights that drive greater efficiency and better decision‑making in innovation project delivery.
• Inspire team members to adopt digital‑first practices and methodologies across the digital space.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the global product portfolio and identify opportunities for simplification and cost efficiency.
• Lead and support the work plan for Formulation Technicians, including training and coaching.
• Delegate and set laboratory work where appropriate.
• Participate actively in departmental initiatives, maintain high standards of laboratory housekeeping and safety.
• Provide technical support for colleagues and champion Axe new product mixes to align with defined consumer needs.
• Support the delivery of technical storytelling and activation for innovation projects across relevant customers and channels.

• Ability to work autonomously and flexibly as part of a cross‑functional team.
• Deodorants formulation chemistry – understanding of ingredients, ability to modify and manipulate formulations, including knowledge of formats and benefit technologies.
• Developed digital and data‑management skills.
• Working knowledge of SAP.
• Strong analytical ability to analyse and interpret data and use it to make data‑backed recommendations.
• Deep understanding of Unilever and key competitor’s global product portfolio.
• Basic intellectual property understanding.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Entrepreneurial drive and passion to deliver growth.
• Demonstrates Unilever Behaviours:
  • Deliver With Excellence
  • Focus on What Counts
  • Care Deeply
  • Stay Three Steps Ahead

• Competitive salary and pension scheme.
• Annual bonus.
• Subsidised gym membership.
• Discounted staff shop.
• Shares.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
• Wellbeing and development opportunities.
• Inclusive and family‑friendly workplace.

Unilever is an equal opportunities employer. We give full and fair consideration to all applicants irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. We support reasonable adjustments and provide a safe work environment, fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging.