Unilever Future Leadership Programme - Research and Development UK

Unilever; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A global consumer goods company is seeking candidates for its Future Leadership Programme in Research and Development. This 36-month rotational program is designed for high-potential undergraduates and focuses on developing future leaders through hands-on work on live projects across various business groups. Candidates should hold strong technical qualifications and possess a collaborative mindset. A competitive salary and benefits are offered, along with opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Annual bonus

Discounted staff shop

Subsidised gym memberships

Share options

Relocation support

25 days of holiday

Qualifications

• Strong technical qualification in relevant fields.
• Motivated, authentic, and ambitious individuals
• Ability to work collaboratively in an international setting.

Responsibilities

• Tackle real business challenges within the function.
• Develop core professional and leadership capabilities.
• Work on live projects across various business groups.

Skills

Technical communication

Agile delivery

Data analytics

Organisational awareness

Microsoft Office skills

Education

Technical qualification in relevant science or engineering disciplines

Job description

Unilever Future Leadership Programme - Research and Development UK

Our Future Leaders Programme is a 36-month rotational development programme designed to build Unilever’s future leaders (UFLs) by providing challenging opportunities that accelerate readiness for management roles. In the UK, the programme recruits high-potential undergraduates who can become managers, with live projects and rotations across functions to develop leadership and technical skills.

From Day 1, participants tackle real business challenges within their function and across the organisation, developing core professional and leadership capabilities, and building a wide support network. The programme aims to prepare you for a first managerial role while offering a collaborative and enjoyable experience.

What we look for

• A strong technical qualification in chemical/biological/physical/engineering/food-related science, maths, coding, computer science, or similar discipline
• Motivated, authentic, and ambitious future leaders who can apply their qualification in a business context
• A forward-thinking and passionate leader who contributes toward a cleaner, more sustainable future through innovations
• Visionaries who are excited to tackle big industry challenges and are hungry to solve problems
• Collaborative and inclusive individuals who can work with an international network to create superior products

The role

Research and Development (R&D) is where ideas for brands, products, packaging, manufacturing, and technology originate. Your work could impact millions worldwide, with opportunities across Europe and beyond.

What will the programme involve?

Over three years and at least four placements, you will be inspired by a world-class development programme with diverse experiences, challenges, and opportunities. You will work on live projects across Unilever’s business groups (Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, and Foods) and develop leadership skills through structured rotations.

Unilever is inclusive and collaborative, with high-support, high-challenge environments designed to help you achieve your potential. You will have the chance to gain industry-leading skills and shape your career path according to your strengths and interests. You could be involved in various R&D areas, including Science & Technology, consumer studies for global launches, formulation design in advanced labs and Pilot Plants, or collaborating with marketing.

What could your day-to-day role include?

Each day, you will understand consumer needs and develop the science and technology to bring new innovations to life. You will help make products more desirable, inclusive, efficacious, and planet-friendly.

R&D areas you could be allocated to include

• Consumer Technical Insights
• Science & Technology
• Out-of-function roles in Marketing (brand manager)

Skills required

• Technical communication
• Agile delivery
• Data analytics
• Organisational awareness
• Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint)

Note: The skills listed are good to have at the start; they can be developed during the programme.

Application process

Step 1: Online application. You may apply to one function in your application, with the option to submit via LinkedIn.

Step 2: Profile assessment, including a personality test and an online assessment, with personalised feedback after each stage.

Step 3: Digital interview consisting of three questions and a business case. You can record and complete the interview anytime.

• Please note: Unilever does not use AI as a screening tool in recruitment; digital interview submissions are reviewed by a real person.

Step 4: Discovery Centre – a face-to-face day featuring activities, project meetings, business challenges, and interviews.

What can Unilever offer you?

• A competitive salary of £35,000
• A Benefits Envelope worth 25% of pensionable earnings
• A pension scheme
• Annual bonus
• Discounted staff shop
• Subsidised gym memberships
• Share options
• Relocation support through a £5,000 tax-free loan
• 25 days of holiday

Diversity and inclusion

Unilever champions inclusion and creates networks and communities to drive change. We give full and fair consideration to all applicants, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, or pregnancy and maternity. We support well-being and a family-friendly, inclusive workplace.

Support for onboarding and development

• A dedicated buddy to help you onboard
• A dedicated Career Sponsor for your development throughout the programme
• An experienced line manager for each rotation
• A bespoke Learning & Development Plan
• Opportunities to gain leadership experience outside of rotations

Adjustments and accessibility

If you need adjustments in the application or assessment process, contact the Talent Acquisition team to discuss accessibility options. We provide accessibility options such as font size changes, screen readers, and other supports.

Contact: [e-mail]

Location, travel and timelines

Location: A 3-year programme with rotations across the UK (3 to 12 months each). Applicants must be geographically mobile across the UK.

Travel: Approximately 10-25% of time, depending on rotation.

Discovery Centre: W/C 12 January 2026 at Port Sunlight office.

Opening date: 29 September 2025. Closing date: rolling deadline – apply as soon as possible.

Important notices

Recruitment fraud awareness: Unilever does not charge candidates and does not contact for payment. If you encounter suspicious activity, report it via Una Live Chat. Unilever is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.

London, England, United Kingdom | 1 week ago