Packaging Workstream Lead at Unilever
Job Title: Packaging Work Stream Lead
Business Function: R&D
Work Level: WL1D
Location: Leeds Office & R&D
The Packaging Work Stream Lead is a pivotal role within the Deodorant Category, a key strategic growth area in Personal Care at Unilever. This position is responsible for leading innovation and excellence in packaging for flagship brands including Rexona, Axe, and Dove.
The successful candidate will lead packaging innovation/renovation projects, steer the development and execution of packaging design from brief to execution, ensuring superior product experiences while meeting business objectives such as sustainability and premiumisation.
Managing stakeholders is key. The PWSL will provide necessary information and evidence at decision points, coordinate all packaging activities, and ensure global alignment with regional legislation.
The PWSL will enforce the Packaging Development Process, applying appropriate levels of technical rigour to ensure efficient and quality manufacturing throughout the product life cycle.
The role includes managing project risks, leading packaging technical risk activities such as Risk Level 3 assessments and FMEAs, and driving an in‑silico first mindset by applying digital tools to capture structured data for future reuse.
Based within the Packaging and Aerosol team in the Deodorant Category Design Centre, Leeds, UK.
Responsibilities
* Lead all packaging workstreams within the development framework; lead design reviews and risk management activities (e.g., FMEA, risk assessments).
* Develop and validate robust functional specifications for components and systems.
* Ensure appropriate test plans are created and executed to ensure RFT delivery.
* Input into innovation networks and be accountable for the delivery of packaging‑related network activities.
* Analyse test results using statistical tools to identify potential production issues.
* Prepare reports for stakeholder feedback and make recommendations to drive decision‑making.
* Manage lab technicians and technologists during technical testing activities through to completion, including pilot packaging equipment, factory line trials, and Design of Experiments.
* Work with strategic partners—including design agencies, consultants, and injection moulding/assembly suppliers globally—to coordinate successful project delivery.
* Contribute to future packaging capability initiatives by identifying best practice and supporting the build of testing capability to validate design rules for implementation into future projects.
* Support training and build knowledge across Personal Care; actively contribute to the Packaging and Aerosol team’s strategy activities.
All About You
* Project Management experience.
* Mechanical Engineering degree or equivalent.
* Manufacturing technology experience preferred.
* Competent in using digital tools (e.g., analytical tools) to produce evidence for decision‑making.
* Ability to read technical engineering drawings and understand tolerances.
* Experience building and managing networks and stakeholder relationships.
Key Skills
* Packaging development.
* Project management tools and techniques.
* Risk management.
* Stakeholder management.
* Aerosol/Stick/Roll‑on knowledge.
* Packaging materials & technology expertise.
* Network creation/planning.
* Digital tool proficiency.
* Data analytics.
* Environmental sustainability.
* Consumer insight.
What We Offer
Whilst the role is advertised on a full‑time basis, we are happy to discuss flexible working options. We are committed to a family‑friendly and inclusive workplace and to create possibilities for all.
Diversity at Unilever is about inclusion, embracing differences, and growing together for better business performance. 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, pregnancy, and maternity. We provide reasonable adjustments during our application and interview process to help you present your best self.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
To learn more, including about our Employee Resource Groups, please visit Unilever’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion page.
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