Hair Category Formulation Scientist

Unilever; Port Sunlight; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative consumer goods company is seeking a Hair Category Formulation Scientist to work at their Port Sunlight Research Lab. This full-time position involves leading technical aspects of hair care product innovation, supporting the development of new products, and ensuring compliance with evolving EU regulations. Candidates should have a degree in science or engineering, experience in lab environments, and the ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Inclusive workplace initiatives

Qualifications

• Minimum of a degree (or equivalent) in a Science or Engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 2-3 years experience working in a laboratory.
• Previous experience in R&D preferably with project management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical elements of Hair Category Innovation Projects, including formulation development.
• Coordinate work plans with R&D brand custodians and factories.
• Prepare and characterize products, ensuring compliance with necessary regulations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Degree in Science or Engineering

Tools

SAP PLM

Job description

Hair Category Formulation Scientist page is loaded

Hair Category Formulation Scientist

Apply locations Port Sunlight Research Lab time type Full time posted on Posted 6 Days Ago time left to apply End Date: July 31, 2025 (6 days left to apply) job requisition id R-31791

Please Note: The deadline for applying is 23.59 the day before the job posting end date.

Job Title: Hair Category Formulation Scientist

Location: Port Sunlight Research Lab

Work-Level: RH4

JOB PURPOSE

An opportunity has arisen to join the EU B&W Regional R&D team within Unilever Research and Development in the Hair BU in Port Sunlight. This exciting role comprises of working across all of Unilever’s core EU hair care brands (e.g. Tresemme, SSK, Dove & Andrelon) to provide formulation and technical support to enable innovation projects, work on 5S and resilience projects and to re-develop existing products to meet ever-changing EU regulatory needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the technical elements of Hair Category Innovation Projects, specifically in the development and formulation of new products and in the re-development of existing products to meet regulatory requirements or for 5S cost savings initiatives.
• Coordinate 5S work plans for the EU with R&D brand custodians, Factories & Procurement.
• Design, plan and execute own work plans, including necessary lab work, ensuring compliance with COSHH, GLP and SOP requirements.
• Prepare and characterise products, including measuring rheological properties, physical/sensory evaluations and storage stability tests etc.
• Data analysis & communication: statistical analysis of data and clear communication of results and recommendations, via presentations and formal written reports.
• Formulation data entry on SAP PLM for formulations, INCI lists and other technical information.
• Use of digital IT systems to enable local R&D, regulatory and safety teams to process formulations.
• Delivery of technical aspects of innovation projects on time, in full. Accelerating projects where business requires with smart risk taking
• Ensuring specifications and technical action standards / product performance standards are delivered
• Project and technical risk management.
• Effective collaboration within cross-functional teams. Including Brand teams & Procurement (5S projects).
• Develop technical mastery of hair care formulations; technologies, hair science and measurement understanding.
• Establish networks with relevant external collaborators, e.g. suppliers, industry associations or equivalent, to understand information on product/consumer trend.
• Use understanding of formulation technologies to contribute ideas for new product activations with marketing and trade.

ALL ABOUT YOU

• Minimum of a degree (or equivalent) in a Science or Engineering discipline
• Minimum of 2-3 years experience working in a laboratory
• Previous experience in R&D preferably with project management experience and/or product development experience.
• Great people skills; building and maintaining relationships. Ability to work well both independently and as part of a wider cross-functional team.
• Proactive problem solver with analytical skills, attention to detail and ability to interpret data
• Good knowledge of data management and analysis tools
• Good communication skills and ability to influence
• Passionate about brands and their consumers & a creative thinker

NOTES

Please apply via this portal as e-mail applications may not be processed and include your Future Fit Plan if possible.

By applying for this vacancy, you are confirming that you have made your Line Manager aware of your application and that you are at a point in your career with Unilever where it is appropriate for you to be applying for other positions.

Should you require additional information or reasonable adjustments to allow you to present your best self during this process, please contact your Talent Partner Tobi Taiwo on [e-mail]

What we offer

Whilst the role is advertised on a full-time basis, we would be happy to discuss possible flexible working options and what this may look like for you. We strive to achieve a family-friendly and inclusive workplace and to, above all, create possibilities for all.

Diversity at Unilever is about inclusion, embracing differences, creating possibilities and growing together for better business performance. We embrace diversity in our workforce. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.We are also more than happy to provide reasonable adjustments during our application and interview process to enable you to be present your best self. To find out more, including about our Employee Resource Groups, please click here Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (unilever.com) .

Relocation to the UK

Please be aware if you are applying for this role from outside the UK, if successful, your application will be treated as a self-initiated Change Location Outside of Country (CLOC) transfer. This means any relocation costs must be self-funded with the potential to reclaim some specific pre-approved expenses up to £5,000. Please speak to your Talent Partner if you have any questions.

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About Us

We are one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies with amazing brands, dynamic people and a sustainable vision. We meet everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene and personal care with brands that help people feel good, look good and get more out of life. If you are ambitious, keen to learn and want lo lead, you have come to the right place. Explore our website and apply to be part of a company with more than 400 brands used by over two billion people everyday.