Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager Company: Unilever Location: Trumbull, CT Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Operations Strategy & Innovation Date Posted: 2026-05-20 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is centered on leading the strategic identification, development, and deployment of disruptive technologies and innovations within Unilever's Global Wellbeing team.
• It involves managing a robust pipeline of transformational projects, from initial ideation through proof-of-concept and eventual scale-up, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• A key aspect is fostering and managing strategic partnerships with external entities such as research organizations, startups, universities, and technology providers to drive innovation.
• The position requires strong leadership to oversee cross-functional teams, ensuring ambitious technology roadmaps are executed and contribute to the overall global business strategy for the Wellbeing Collective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw job title "Design Manager" is highly misleading. Based on the detailed description, responsibilities, and required qualifications, this role is unequivocally a senior-level Horizon 3 Technology Manager or Innovation Lead within the R&D or Strategic Innovation function, focusing on future-state technologies and disruptive innovations for the Wellbeing Collective brands. The "design" aspect likely refers to the strategic design of technology roadmaps and innovation pipelines, rather than product or visual design. This role is critical for identifying and incubating next-generation product technologies and platforms.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of Horizon 3 technology initiatives across all Wellbeing Collective brands, focusing on future growth opportunities.
• Proactively identify, rigorously evaluate, and strategically incubate emerging technologies, platforms, and scientific advancements with the potential for disruptive impact on the market.
• Leverage both external and internal innovation opportunities, conducting thorough assessments to determine fitment within the future innovation pipeline and long-term strategic goals.
• Develop and meticulously manage a robust pipeline of transformational innovation projects, overseeing each stage from ideation and concept validation through to proof-of-concept development and eventual scale-up.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, productive partnerships with external research organizations, innovative startups, academic institutions, and leading technology providers to foster a collaborative innovation ecosystem.
• Direct and empower cross-functional teams to achieve ambitious technology roadmaps, ensuring seamless alignment with Unilever's global business strategy and the specific objectives of the Wellbeing Collective.
• Champion and embed a culture of innovation, continuous experimentation, and agile methodologies within the R&D department and the broader organization to foster a forward-thinking environment.
• Implement and maintain robust governance frameworks, comprehensive risk management protocols, and ensure strict compliance for all technology development activities, from inception to deployment.
• Effectively communicate project progress, identified challenges, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and key stakeholders, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making.
• Support the international expansion and adaptation of developed technology solutions, tailoring them to meet the diverse needs and regulatory environments of global markets.
• Represent the Wellbeing Collective at key industry forums, scientific conferences, and innovation networks to stay abreast of trends and position Unilever as a leader.
• Undertake domestic and international travel as required to foster partnership development, conduct technology scouting, and provide oversight for critical innovation projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a strategic innovation role focused on long-term technology development (Horizon 3) rather than immediate product design. The emphasis on "disruptive innovations," "emerging technologies," and "external partnerships" points to a role that operates at the forefront of technological advancement within the consumer wellness space.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s or PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Science, Engineering, Food Science, Biotechnology, Chemistry) or Technology Management.

Experience:

• Minimum of 8+ years of progressive experience in technology innovation, R&D leadership, product development, or a similar strategic innovation role.
• Preferably, experience within the consumer health, dietary supplements (VMS), nutraceuticals, or broader wellness industries.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering transformational innovations and managing complex, multi-faceted, cross-functional projects from concept to market.
• Demonstrated expertise in technology scouting, open innovation methodologies, and establishing and managing strategic partnerships.
• Exceptional leadership, communication (written and verbal), and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Experience working effectively with external partners, contract research organizations (CROs), and global teams in a matrixed environment.
• Deep understanding of emerging technology trends, relevant regulatory landscapes, and evolving consumer needs within the health and wellness sector.
• Proficiency in technology management tools, innovation platforms, and project management software.

Required Skills:

• Strategic Technology Planning: Ability to define and execute long-term technology roadmaps aligned with business strategy.
• Innovation Pipeline Management: Experience in building, managing, and optimizing innovation pipelines from ideation to commercialization.
• Open Innovation & Partnerships: Skill in identifying, evaluating, and collaborating with external entities (startups, universities, research institutions).
• Cross-functional Leadership: Proven ability to lead and influence diverse teams across R&D, Marketing, Product Development, and other functions.
• Technology Scouting & Assessment: Expertise in identifying, assessing, and prioritizing emerging technologies for business impact.
• Stakeholder Management: Strong capabilities in engaging, influencing, and reporting to senior leadership and internal/external stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Consumer Health/VMS Expertise: In-depth knowledge of the Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements (VMS) market, product formulations, and consumer trends.
• Intellectual Property Management: Understanding of IP landscape and protection strategies for new technologies.
• Stage-Gate Process: Familiarity with structured innovation processes like Stage-Gate or similar stage-based development frameworks.
• Global Market Acumen: Experience adapting technologies and products for diverse international markets.
• Agile Methodologies: Experience applying agile principles to R&D and innovation projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The minimum experience level is stated as 8+ years, but the AI-derived experience level is "10+". Given the seniority of leading "Horizon 3" innovations and managing "transformational projects," it's plausible that candidates with 10+ years of relevant experience will be strongly preferred or are implicitly targeted for this strategic role. The specific mention of "consumer health, dietary supplements, or wellness industries" is crucial for candidates to highlight.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Innovation Case Studies: Showcase examples of identifying, developing, and launching novel technologies or products, detailing the innovation process from ideation to market entry.
• Technology Assessment Frameworks: Demonstrate experience in developing and applying frameworks for evaluating emerging technologies, including market potential, technical feasibility, and strategic fit.
• Partnership Development Examples: Provide evidence of successful collaborations with external entities (e.g., startups, universities, research labs), outlining the structure, objectives, and outcomes of these partnerships.
• Project Management Documentation: Include examples of project plans, roadmaps, and progress reports for complex R&D or innovation initiatives, highlighting metrics for success and risk mitigation strategies.
• Impact & ROI Demonstration: Prepare to articulate the tangible business impact and potential return on investment (ROI) for past innovation projects, using quantitative data and metrics.

Process Documentation:

• Innovation Process Design: Detail experience in designing or refining innovation processes, including ideation workshops, feasibility studies, proof-of-concept protocols, and scale-up strategies.
• Technology Scouting & Vetting: Document methodologies used for systematic technology scouting, including criteria for initial screening, in-depth technical due diligence, and final selection.
• Cross-functional Collaboration Workflows: Illustrate how you have established and managed workflows for effective collaboration between R&D and other departments (e.g., Marketing, Product Development, Supply Chain) to ensure integrated innovation.
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation Plans: Provide examples of risk assessment frameworks applied to new technology development and the creation of mitigation strategies to address technical, market, or regulatory challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on "Horizon 3" and "disruptive innovations," a portfolio demonstrating a proactive and structured approach to identifying future opportunities, validating nascent technologies, and building strategic alliances will be paramount. The ability to translate technical concepts into business value and ROI will be a key differentiator.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $103,000 - $154,400 per year

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement Savings: Access to retirement savings benefits, likely including a 401(k) plan with potential company match.
• Life & Disability Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance and disability benefits for financial security.
• Paid Time Off: Generous leave policies including parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation, and public holidays.
• Incentive Programs: Eligibility for annual bonus and Long-Term Incentive (LTI) plans, reflecting performance and commitment.
• Voluntary Benefits: Access to a range of additional voluntary benefits tailored to employee needs.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, the dynamic nature of innovation and global collaboration may require flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is for the specific role in Trumbull, CT. The methodology for setting this range is based on Unilever's internal compensation structure, considering factors such as skill set, experience, qualifications, and business needs. This range is competitive for a senior R&D/Innovation Manager role in the Trumbull, CT area, reflecting the specialized expertise required. The "International assignment is not available for this role and relocation for local and international candidates is not provided" note is important for candidates to understand upfront.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Consumer Goods (specifically focusing on Health & Wellness, Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements - VMS). Unilever is a global leader in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), with a significant and growing presence in the health and wellness sector. Company Size: Large Multinational Corporation (Unilever is a global enterprise with tens of thousands of employees worldwide). This size offers stability, broad resources, and extensive career pathways, but also implies a need to navigate larger organizational structures. Founded: Unilever was founded in 1929 through the merger of Lever Brothers and Margarine Unie. This long history signifies a stable, established company with deep market understanding and a robust operational framework.

Team Structure:

• Global Wellbeing Team: This role is part of the Global Wellbeing team, which is focused on a strategic growth opportunity in the €140bn Wellbeing space.
• Wellbeing Collective Group (WBC): The team operates within the WBC, which houses Unilever's health and wellness brands, including acquired US brands (e.g., Olly, Liquid IV, Nutrafol, SmartyPants, Welly, Onnit) and international brands (e.g., Equilibra).
• Brand-Specific Focus: While part of a larger group, each brand within the WBC is unique, requiring an understanding of distinct consumer segments and market positioning.
• Agile & Networked Environment: The team operates in an agile, fast-moving, and project-based, networked way, demanding adaptability, strategic thinking, and hands-on execution.

Methodology:

• Strategic Innovation: Focus on identifying and developing "Horizon 3" technologies and disruptive innovations for long-term growth.
• Data-Driven Assessment: Rigorous evaluation of external and internal opportunities for pipeline fitment and transformational impact.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close work with global colleagues and internal teams to leverage Unilever's capabilities and expand portfolio reach.
• Entrepreneurial Experimentation: Encouragement to experiment and be entrepreneurial while integrating with large company structures.

Company Website: https://www.unilever.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of the Wellbeing Collective Group (WBC) is crucial. It's a strategic growth pillar for Unilever, integrating multiple acquired brands with distinct identities. This means the innovation manager needs to understand how to leverage synergies while respecting brand autonomy and market-specific needs. The "agile, fast-moving, project-based, networked way" suggests a dynamic work environment that requires proactive individuals comfortable with ambiguity and rapid iteration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior management level, focusing on strategic, long-term innovation (Horizon 3). It requires deep technical expertise combined with strong leadership and strategic foresight, operating at the intersection of R&D, business strategy, and market trends. The scope involves identifying and incubating future technologies that will shape the company's product portfolio and market position in the coming years.

Reporting Structure: The specific reporting structure is not detailed, but given the seniority and strategic nature of the role, it likely reports to a Director or VP level within the Global Wellbeing team or R&D function. The role will involve significant interaction and collaboration with senior leadership across various departments (Marketing, Commercial, Supply Chain) and brand teams.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial, directly influencing the future revenue streams and market leadership of Unilever's Wellbeing Collective. By identifying and developing breakthrough technologies, this manager will enable the creation of next-generation products and platforms that can disrupt existing markets and create new ones, ensuring sustained competitive advantage and growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization in Future Technologies: Deepen expertise in specific emerging technologies relevant to the health and wellness sector, becoming a subject matter expert.
• Leadership Advancement: Progress to higher leadership roles within R&D or Innovation, potentially managing larger teams or broader innovation portfolios (e.g., Head of Horizon 3 Innovation, VP of R&D).
• Strategic Business Unit Leadership: Potential to move into broader leadership roles within the Wellbeing Collective or other strategic business units, leveraging innovation and strategic planning skills.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into related strategic roles in areas like Product Development, Corporate Strategy, or Business Development, utilizing a strong understanding of market trends and technology.
• Industry Influence: Develop a reputation and network within the innovation and wellness industries through conferences and partnerships, leading to external recognition and opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Career Level" is defined by its strategic and forward-looking nature, focusing on innovation pipeline development. This is distinct from traditional operational roles focused on process efficiency or immediate product launch execution. The growth opportunities are geared towards expanding strategic influence and leadership within innovation and R&D.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Trumbull, CT, implying an on-site work environment within a Unilever office location. While the description mentions a "collaborative and flexible working environment" at Unilever generally, this specific role is designated as on-site. Office Location(s): Trumbull, CT, USA. This location will likely offer modern office facilities designed for collaboration and productivity.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Trumbull office likely serves as a hub for various functions within Unilever, fostering opportunities for cross-functional interaction and idea exchange.
• Innovation-Focused Resources: Expect access to resources and technologies that support research, development, and strategic planning, though specific R&D lab facilities would depend on the Trumbull site's capabilities.
• Global Connectivity: While on-site, the role requires extensive virtual collaboration with global teams, necessitating robust communication tools and a culture that supports remote interaction.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, with standard working hours typically around 40 hours per week. However, the nature of strategic innovation and global project management may necessitate flexibility to accommodate international time zones or critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" designation for Trumbull, CT, is a key detail. While Unilever promotes flexibility broadly, this specific role requires physical presence in the office, likely for team collaboration, access to certain facilities, or direct engagement with colleagues in the US-based Wellbeing Collective leadership.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application to assess alignment with core qualifications and experience.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on strategic thinking, innovation philosophy, past successes in technology development, and leadership approach. Expect behavioral and situational questions.
• Cross-functional Panel Interview: Interaction with key stakeholders from Marketing, Product Development, and other relevant departments to assess collaboration skills, understanding of business integration, and strategic alignment.
• Technical/Innovation Deep Dive: A session potentially involving a presentation of past work, a case study, or a discussion on specific technology trends relevant to the wellbeing space. This is where portfolio elements would be crucial.
• Senior Leadership Interview: Final discussion with senior executives to assess strategic vision, cultural fit, and overall leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Impact: Select 3-5 of your most impactful innovation projects that demonstrate your ability to identify future opportunities, develop novel solutions, and drive business results.
• Structure Your Narratives: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your strategic approach, the technologies/methodologies employed, the cross-functional collaboration involved, the results achieved (quantified with metrics), and key learnings.
• Highlight "Horizon 3" Thinking: Emphasize projects that focused on long-term, potentially disruptive innovations rather than incremental improvements. Showcase your ability to look beyond current market needs.
• Demonstrate Partnership Skills: Include examples where you successfully initiated, managed, and leveraged external partnerships to accelerate innovation.
• Quantify Success: Wherever possible, use data to demonstrate the impact of your work – e.g., market share growth, revenue generation, cost savings, technology readiness level (TRL) advancement.
• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to discuss your decision-making process, challenges faced, and how you navigated them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technology Trend Analysis: Be prepared to discuss current and emerging technology trends in the VMS, consumer health, and broader wellness sectors, and their potential implications for Unilever.
• Innovation Strategy Case Study: You may be asked to outline a hypothetical innovation strategy for a specific brand or category within the Wellbeing Collective, or to critique an existing approach.
• Partnership Proposal: Prepare to discuss how you would approach identifying and securing a strategic partnership with a specific type of external entity (e.g., a biotech startup, a university research group).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Design Manager" title might lead to an expectation of visual design skills, which is incorrect. Applicants should focus their portfolio and interview responses on strategic innovation, technology development, and business impact, rather than aesthetic design. The emphasis will be on a candidate's ability to envision and build future product technologies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Innovation Management Platforms: Experience with tools like Planview, Aha!, or similar platforms for managing innovation pipelines, R&D projects, and idea generation.
• Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools such as Asana, Jira, Microsoft Project, or Monday.com for planning, tracking, and reporting on complex R&D initiatives.
• Collaboration Suites: Expertise in Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Google Workspace for seamless communication and collaboration with global and cross-functional teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with tools like Excel (advanced functions), Tableau, Power BI, or statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS) for analyzing R&D data, market trends, and performance metrics.
• Business Intelligence Platforms: Experience with BI tools for creating dashboards and reports to track innovation KPIs and communicate progress to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Indirect): While not a direct sales role, understanding how R&D innovations feed into CRM and product management systems (e.g., Salesforce, SAP) is beneficial for pipeline integration.
• Automation Tools (for R&D): Awareness of automation principles and tools that can be applied to R&D processes, such as LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) or script-based data analysis.
• Integration Tools (Conceptual): Understanding how new technologies and platforms integrate with existing Unilever systems and supply chains.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is not necessarily deep technical proficiency in specific software, but rather the ability to leverage technology and digital tools to manage complex innovation projects, analyze data, and facilitate global collaboration. The focus is on strategic application rather than hands-on operational use of all tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Purpose-Driven Innovation: A strong alignment with Unilever's purpose to "make sustainable living commonplace," applying this lens to innovation in the wellbeing space.
• Agility & Entrepreneurship: A mindset that embraces experimentation, rapid iteration, and taking initiative in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaboration & Inclusion: A commitment to working effectively with diverse teams globally, valuing different perspectives and fostering an inclusive environment.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing rigorous analysis and insights to inform strategic choices in technology development and partnership selection.
• Bias for Action: A proactive approach to identifying opportunities and driving projects forward, translating strategy into tangible outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Networked & Cross-Functional: Emphasis on building bridges across different departments (R&D, Marketing, Commercial, Legal) and geographical locations to drive innovation holistically.
• Open & Transparent: A culture that encourages open communication, sharing of ideas, and constructive feedback to refine strategies and processes.
• Partnership-Oriented: Actively seeking and cultivating collaborative relationships with external entities to expand innovation capabilities and market reach.
• Empowerment & Support: A leadership style that empowers team members to take ownership while providing the necessary support and resources for success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of large-company structure and entrepreneurial spirit. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to operate effectively within a large corporate framework while embodying the agility and innovation drive of a startup.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Large Organization Complexity: Balancing the need for agile, disruptive innovation with the established processes and stakeholder management demands of a multinational corporation like Unilever.
• Identifying True "Horizon 3" Opportunities: Distinguishing genuinely transformative technologies from incremental improvements or fads, requiring strong foresight and critical assessment skills.
• Securing and Managing External Partnerships: Effectively identifying, vetting, negotiating with, and integrating innovative startups or research institutions, which can have different operating models and cultures.
• Translating Novel Technologies to Scalable Products: Bridging the gap between early-stage technological proof-of-concept and commercially viable, mass-market products that meet consumer needs and regulatory requirements.
• Global Market Adaptation: Ensuring that developed technologies can be effectively adapted and scaled across diverse international markets with varying consumer preferences and regulatory landscapes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technology Immersion: Opportunities to engage with cutting-edge research and technologies through industry events, partnerships, and internal R&D initiatives.
• Strategic Innovation Frameworks: Deepen expertise in advanced innovation methodologies, technology forecasting, and strategic portfolio management.
• Leadership Development Programs: Access to Unilever's extensive leadership training and development programs, focusing on strategic thinking, change management, and global leadership.
• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders in R&D and innovation, gaining insights into long-term strategic vision and career progression.
• Industry Networking: Building a strong professional network through representing Unilever at conferences and engaging with the broader innovation ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dual nature of the role: pushing boundaries with innovation while grounding it within the realities of a large, established business. The growth opportunities are geared towards developing expertise in future-focused innovation and leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to identifying and evaluating 'Horizon 3' technologies that have the potential to disrupt the consumer health market." (Preparation: Focus on your systematic scouting methodologies, criteria for assessing disruptive potential, and how you balance risk with reward.)
• "Walk us through a time you successfully built and managed a strategic partnership with an external entity (e.g., startup, university) to drive innovation. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Preparation: Prepare a STAR method response highlighting your negotiation, collaboration, and partnership management skills.)
• "How would you prioritize a pipeline of multiple disruptive innovation projects, each with significant potential but also high uncertainty?" (Preparation: Discuss frameworks for prioritization (e.g., impact vs. feasibility, strategic alignment, resource allocation) and how you manage portfolio risk.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you see as the biggest innovation opportunities and challenges for Unilever's Wellbeing Collective in the next 5-10 years?" (Preparation: Research Unilever's current strategy, key brands (Olly, Liquid IV, etc.), and general trends in the VMS/wellness market.)
• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and experimentation within a team, especially within a large organization?" (Preparation: Discuss your leadership style, how you encourage calculated risks, learn from failures, and promote cross-functional collaboration.)
• "How do you ensure that new technologies developed through R&D are successfully integrated into market-ready products and commercialized effectively?" (Preparation: Highlight your understanding of the end-to-end innovation process and your experience working with commercial and marketing teams.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise & Impactful: Aim for a 10-15 minute presentation of 2-3 key projects.
• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative: the problem/opportunity, your strategic intervention, the innovative solution, the results, and the key takeaways.
• Quantify Everything: Use data and metrics to demonstrate impact (e.g., % increase in TRL, $$ potential revenue, market disruption forecast).
• Focus on "Why": Explain the strategic rationale behind your decisions and the long-term vision.
• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical approaches, market analysis, and decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Applicants must be prepared to discuss innovation strategy and technology development at a high level, demonstrating foresight and a strategic mindset rather than purely technical execution. The "Design Manager" title should be addressed by clarifying your role in designing innovation strategies and technology roadmaps.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this strategic innovation position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Unilever careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in technology innovation, strategic planning, R&D leadership, and partnership development, specifically referencing consumer health, VMS, or wellness industries if applicable.
• Prepare Your Innovation Case Studies: Select and refine 2-3 key projects to showcase in your portfolio, focusing on their strategic impact, innovative methodologies, and quantifiable results. Be ready to present these concisely.
• Research Unilever's Wellbeing Brands: Familiarize yourself with the portfolio of brands within the Wellbeing Collective (e.g., Olly, Liquid IV, Nutrafol, SmartyPants) to understand their market positioning and potential innovation needs.
• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare to answer strategic, behavioral, and situational questions related to innovation, technology scouting, partnership management, and leadership within a large corporate environment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.