Innovation Project Deployment Manager

Unilever; Kingston upon Thames; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global FMCG company is seeking an Innovation Project Deployment Manager to lead Personal Care projects including Deodorants and Skin Cleansing. This role requires FMCG innovation experience, strong communication, and the ability to manage cross-functional teams. The position offers competitive compensation, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development in Kingston upon Thames.

Benefits

Free parking

Discounted Unilever products

Gym access

On-site canteen

Qualifications

• Experience in the end-to-end Innovation process.
• Knowledge of Personal Care category.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategically important projects across Personal Care.
• Co-develop strategy for the specific area of the portfolio.
• Ensure on-time delivery of projects.

Skills

FMCG Innovation experience

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Job description

Overview

Manpower are currently seeking an interim Innovation Project Deployment Manager, to work with our global FMCG client Unilever, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, and become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.

The role is based in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey. This is a full-time temporary role to run for 12 months, requiring 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £73,000 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.

The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.

The main purpose of this role is to lead Personal Care innovation projects (predominantly Deodorants or Skin Cleansing) that are to be launched into European markets, enabling category growth and market development for the Personal Care business units.

This role requires a passion for products and consumers, in-depth innovation knowledge – preferably end-to-end, strong business partnering skills with a diverse cross-functional team and the ability to get into detail but also look for simplification of processes and messaging to wider team members or stakeholders. Collaboration is a key unlock to success within this role and the projects this person would own.

You will need to be part of a wider team who are fostering a culture that drives Unilever core behaviours (Care Deeply, Focus on what Counts, Stay 3 Steps Ahead & Deliver with excellence).

In this role, you will be responsible for a specific area of the Personal Care portfolio, meaning leading highly strategic projects and line managing team members also working on projects within that area of the portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategically important projects across Personal Care (Deodorants and Skin Cleansing) including end-to-end delivery across multiple brands and types of innovation. A pivotal role in delivering the future innovation plans and growth for Unilever.
• Lead cross-functional innovation teams to deliver the project and KPIs pre and post-launch
• Co-develop strategy for specific area of portfolio you lead
• Support wider team with upskilling on Innovation WoW & problem-solving.
• OTIF (on time in full) delivery of projects

Key Requirements

• FMCG Innovation experience in either Global or Local markets
• Strong experience with the end-to-end Innovation process including depth of knowledge of cross-functional processes, not just Marketing
• Fast learner, problem-solver, can-do attitude
• Strong communication skills
• Personal Care Category Experience
• Working with Cross-category teams experience beneficial.
• Knowledge of FMCG retail environment across UK and Ireland. Beneficial if wider EU knowledge too, for example Germany, France, Netherlands

Additional Information

Occasional UK based travel for print trials and meetings in London office required.

Kingston working environment

• Contractors who are based at Kingston will be eligible to get free parking at a local carpark
• There is a Unilever Staff Shop located on the Ground Floor next to the main entrance, where Contingent Workers can buy discounted Unilever products.
• A canteen
• A Gym is available for use on the Ground Floor (with subscription).
• Facilities in the gym include cardiovascular equipment, resistance machines, spin bikes, free weights area, boxing equipment and a stretch/matted area. Classes are also available and can be booked directly with the Gym. Shower facilities are available in the changing rooms, along with hairdryers.