Overview
Role: R&D Senior Coordinator - Fabric Wash Liquids
Location: Port Sunlight Research Lab, Bebington, England, United Kingdom
Work Level: RH5 Reports to: HC Format Manager - Europe Scope: Europe Business Unit - Home Care
About Unilever
With 3.4 billion people in over 190 countries using our products every day, Unilever aims to make sustainable living commonplace. We are driven by our purpose to make a real impact on the world and believe that when our people work with purpose we create a better business and a better world. We offer an inclusive, collaborative, and flexible working environment and empower you to shape your own future.
Job Purpose
Shape the Future of Homecare in Europe
Join the Home Care R&D Europe Business Unit and contribute to the delivery of Big Bet technologies across Europe, helping to bring iconic brands to life: Persil, Skip, OMO, Surf, Comfort, and SUN. This role involves end-to-end innovation, from lab work to project coordination and deployment as experience grows.
This role supports the business through technical delivery across three project types: Net Revenue Protection, Gross Margin Improvement, and Incremental Revenue Generation.
* Net Revenue Protection Projects – Safeguard existing product revenue by resolving quality issues, qualifying alternative suppliers, and supporting factory operations during unplanned events (e.g., incorrect dosing, wash water handling).
* Gross Margin Improvement Projects – Drive profitability by optimizing formulations, improving processing efficiency, and enabling cost-effective ingredient changes without compromising product performance.
* Incremental Revenue Generation Projects – Support new product launches (Big-bets) and flanker variants by developing and scaling up innovative formulations that meet consumer needs and deliver breakthrough benefits.
This is an end-to-end role blending hands-on lab work, coordination, and scale-up. In the early stages, lab work is a strong focus; over time, responsibilities may evolve toward project coordination and deployment depending on experience and growth.
Responsibilities
* Technical ownership: depending on the project, own and orchestrate the technical requirements for deployment, including lab batches, stability tracking, supporting trials, and performance testing.
* Deployment readiness: validate and assess to enable seamless product launches and supply chain integration; collaborate with processing engineers to translate lab data into factory-scale implementation.
* Competitive insight: coordinate product assessments and translate data into actionable insights.
* Digital product journey: manage end-to-end product data across digital platforms (e.g., SAP PLM, Pharos, SDS/PCN, CU-PIRD) ensuring accuracy, compliance, and traceability.
* Regulatory adaptation: lead product changes in response to evolving European regulatory requirements, ensuring timely and compliant updates.
* Fragrance development: collaborate with fragrance experts to deliver scent experiences that resonate with consumers.
* Technical clarity: act as the go-to expert for stakeholders, providing clear updates and guidance on technical matters.
* Cross-functional collaboration: partner with Supply Chain, Procurement, and Marketing to ensure timely and accurate information sharing for informed decision-making.
* Factory interface: bridge innovation teams and manufacturing sites, supporting planned and reactive technical needs.
* Risk management: lead project and technical risk management ensuring standards are met at critical milestones.
Qualifications
* Degree (or equivalent) in a Science or Engineering discipline (Chemistry or Chemical Engineering preferred).
* Some product development experience; prior experience in detergent formulation and lab work is highly desirable.
* Laboratory experience: ability to prepare products, conduct assessments, and monitor/resolving issues as they arise.
* Flexibility: willingness to work hands-on in the lab and evolve into coordination/technical project management roles.
* Digital proficiency: experience with tools to support product development, compliance and deployment (e.g., SAP PLM, Pharos, CU-PIRD, SDS/PCN). Ability to learn new tools as needed.
* Data interpretation: ability to interpret lab data, extract insights, and present information to support decision-making.
* Proactive, problem-solving mindset; able to contribute ideas to develop and deploy best product experiences.
* Team player with good communication skills to share knowledge, resolve problems, and drive better solutions.
* Product & Consumer focus to develop superior products for consumers.
What We Offer
Full-time role with potential flexible working options. We support a family-friendly and inclusive workplace and strive to create possibilities for all. Diversity and inclusion are core to our approach, including reasonable adjustments during the application and interview process.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion information: https://www.unilever.com/about-us/equity-diversity-inclusion/
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industries: Manufacturing
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