Development Manager - Savoury Retail & UFS

R&D function of Unilever Sri Lanka is responsible to deploy mixes by providing science and technology know-how to the business in line with annual plans. This involves deploying innovations and renovations, leading savings programs, managing sustainability, supporting supply chain, regulatory and legal teams and delivering product / pack superiority.

JOB PURPOSE

Unilever is the place where you can bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world. If you are an enthusiastic young individual with innovative mindset then this role is just for you!

WHAT WILL YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES BE

• Carry out product design activities (Innovation, Renovation) for Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Regional Design Center (RDC) and work with the Global Food Design Center to deliver compliance projects.
• Work with marketing teams to develop consumer-compelling concepts and product claims, and gate keeping at claims forums.
• Lead laboratory, pilot, and commercial-scale trials to lock manufacturing design sign off initial commercial batches.
• Ensure compliance of formulations and artworks with country regulations, standards, and Unilever guidelines
• Utilize category-specific digital tools to manage specifications, reports, prototyping and artworks.
• Lead product evaluations and support Market Research (CTI/CMI) activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize financial business cases.
• Support savings ideation and lead the execution of identified category product logic savings projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support export business opportunities and ensure product compliance in the lift and shift business model.
• Work with Quality Assurance teams to carry out Quality Audits of Suppliers/Co-Packing Operations and Unilever Manufacturing plants.
• Support the drill down of Root Cause Analysis of consumer complaints and quality incidents.
• Lead technical training sessions for factory, sales, and activation/promotion teams.
• Co-lead supplier development along with procurement teams and ensure raw materials sourced as per regulatory/Unilever guidelines at optimum cost.
• Cascade category-specific technology to the supply chain, support the implementation of GMP guidelines in manufacturing operations, and assist in process improvement activities.
• Represent Unilever in key external forums and attend regional/Unilever forums on need basis.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

Experiences & Qualifications

Candidate should:

• Have a bachelor’s Degree in Science (Chemistry, Food Science, Food Technology) or equivalent.
• Possess 7+ years experience in FMCG industry is preferred.
• Be a strong assertive leader with the ability to collaborate with multiple internal & external stakeholders.