Packaging Technologist

Unilever Brazil; Bebington; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A global FMCG leader is seeking a Packaging Technologist to join their R&D team in the UK. The role involves designing and delivering innovative packaging solutions to enhance consumer experiences while ensuring sustainability. Candidates should have a degree in Engineering or related fields with at least 2 years of experience in R&D, preferably in FMCG. The position offers a competitive salary, various perks, and a flexible working environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Subsidised gym membership

Discounted staff shop

Shares

Qualifications

• At least 2 years’ experience in research and development, preferably in FMCG.
• Good knowledge of material characteristics and performance behaviours.
• Ability to communicate complex engineering principles to various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver primary and secondary packaging for innovation.
• Manage multiple development projects in a cross-functional team.
• Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical teams.

Skills

Engineering knowledge

Project leadership

Creative problem-solving

Sustainability

Education

Degree in Engineering, Product Design, or Material Science

Tools

Rigid plastics development

Moulding processes

Job description

Please Note: The deadline for applying is 23:59 the day before the job posting end date.

Job Title: Packaging Technologist

Business Function: R&D

Location: Port Sunlight Research Lab

JOB PURPOSE

Background & Purpose of the Job Unilever is a global Fast‑Moving Consumer Goods company with powerful brands like Dove, Axe, Magnum, Lipton, Vaseline, Suave, and Ben & Jerry’s. We create products that enrich and improve people’s lives today and for the changing environment tomorrow – aiming to make sustainable living commonplace. Unilever brings purpose, joy and delightful experiences to consumers and customers. Beauty & Wellbeing brings together our Hair and Skin Care categories as one of the 5 Business Groups for Unilever. Through iconic products, cutting‑edge science, and purposeful growth, we are creating a new era of beauty and wellbeing that is joyful, inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. This role is part of the B&W R&D Europe Team with big brands like Tresemme, Simple, Dove, Vaseline and Sunsilk. The European Beauty & Wellbeing (Skin Care and Hair) Research and Development Team is looking for a dynamic and flexible team player joining our B&W R&D EU Packaging team. As a Packaging Technologist, you will lead development and delivery of new packaging opportunities, taking innovations from concept to consumer validation and through factory scale‑up. The position will be accountable for project leadership, technical engineering, and material validation while implementing designs into Unilever manufacturing facilities. The role will partner with brand teams, supply chain, and suppliers to design and implement sustainable packaging formats using leading‑edge test methods and digital capabilities. The position is part of a fast‑paced, dynamic team environment with real responsibility for business impact by delivering innovative and sustainable products to market that directly contribute to Unilever’s success.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The individual will be responsible for the design and delivery of primary and secondary packaging for innovation, renovation, sustainability and cost savings initiatives. You will manage multiple development projects and prioritize tasks based on timelines. You will deliver effectively in a cross‑functional team environment by working with Brand, Planning, Formulation, Procurement, Quality, and many external suppliers. The position will also interface with Supply Chain for manufacturing scale‑up including line trials, production start‑ups, cost savings, and improving line efficiency. The ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with technical and non‑technical backgrounds is essential.

You’re a change maker: You’re constantly looking to improve consumer experiences through package development and create new ways to deliver more value to Unilever’s business growth.

You’re a born leader: By combining technical knowledge with a passion for creative problem‑solving, you never hesitate to act when faced project obstacles. You love to win and have fun doing it: An infectious passion for success is a must. You’re detail‑orientated with an ability to manage multiple fast‑track projects in a collaborative team environment. An entrepreneurial mindset is advantageous.

You’re a Sustainability Champion: You put sustainability at the forefront of packaging development through combining an environment‑first mindset with your technical capability and translating the benefits into an impactful business story.

ALL ABOUT YOU

• Academic degree in Engineering, Product Design, Material Science, or Technical Project Management (science & technology focus), and ideally at least 2 years’ experience in research and development field, preferably in the FMCG industry.
• Good working knowledge of rigid plastics development, moulding processes, material characteristics, and performance behaviours.
• Broad project design and engineering knowledge with experience in concept development, packaging materials, and manufacturing processes.
• A creative, logical and analytical mind set to generate innovative design solutions to technical challenges.
• Must demonstrate a general understanding of project development to understand the order, importance, and impact of project activities as it relates to package development process.
• Enthusiasm and self‑motivation with great verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate complex engineering and design principles to people at all levels of the business, across different functions.

So, ask yourself, “Am I a passionate self‑starter that can merge engineering processes, design‑thinking, and material technology with project leadership to deliver superior product experiences to market?”

What We Offer

Not only do we offer a competitive salary and pension scheme, we also offer an annual bonus, subsidised gym membership, a discounted staff shop and shares. You’ll have the opportunity to work directly with our renowned and exciting brands in a flexible and hybrid working environment.

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 are a key advocate of wellbeing and offer a variety of support for our people including hubs, programmes and development opportunities. We strive to achieve a family‑friendly and inclusive workplace and to, above all, create possibilities for all.

Diversity and Inclusion

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 at Unilever | Unilever.