R&D Assistant Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a world leading global organisation, our Global FMCG Client Unilever, the powerhouse behind Persil, Comfort, Surf and Ben & Jerrys, are currently seeking an R&D Assistant Manager.

The role will be based at the Leatherhead site but will commence working from home initially due to current restrictions. This is a full-time temporary role to run until end of December 2020 with VERY strong possibility of extension. Working a, 36.25 hour week, paying between £32,400 - £40,500 per annum pro rata.

The Role:

• Support the technical delivery of Beauty & Personal Care innovations and renovations to the UK & Irish markets with particular focus on the Hair category.
• Effectively communicate the science behind our products to customers, consumers and local business partners, helping to maximise their impact.
• Act as the link between the local business and the regional/global R&D teams, sharing expert expert knowledge of our technologies and the local market.
• Act as technical project leader for locally led projects, managing and co-ordinating the technical qualification of new products (including working with third party manufacturers)

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The R&D Assistant Manager works with cross-functional business partners to ensure full R&D support of all local UK & Ireland activities and the successful implementation of all projects, including innovations and renovations into the local market. Specifically:

• Supports the implementation of product launches including innovation and renovation projects for allocated categories and/or brands in the UK and Ireland with technical excellence and rigour.
• Influences and educates our customers, consumers and business partners on our products and technologies. Translates technical product benefits and technologies into consumer language and presents in an engaging way to influence customer and consumer purchasing decisions. Development and execution of customer and consumer oriented technical communication and supports PR and media activities as required.
• Responsible for executing compliance requirements for new or relaunched products according to mandatory Unilever policies & relevant legislation, including artwork approval and product notifications.
• Works with R&D, Regulatory, Legal and Brand teams to provide expert advice on claims and communication strategies and provides input into risk assessments.
• Prepares technical claim substantiation dossiers to ensure adverts are approved for airing.
• Helps to direct the technical innovation agenda by identifying new technologies, ideas and claim areas via thorough market/competitor investigations using a variety of tools.
• Contributes with technical/product knowledge in issues/crisis management and closely collaborates with the Quality Assurance teams and relevant business partners, as required.
• Actively builds and maintains good working partnerships with all x-functional business partners.

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Science degree - recent graduates considered
• Proven work experience in a technical environment, ideally R&D.
• Ability to gather technical information from different sources and translate into customer/consumer relevant language
• Ability to work on multiple projects, in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with changing priorities.
• Excellent communication and networking skills
• Highly organised with attention to detail
• Outstanding presentation skills and creativity, with an ability to translate complex science into consumer language