Design Manager

Unilever
Full-timeβ€’$103k-154k/year (USD)β€’Trumbull, United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: Unilever

Location: Trumbull, CT

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Innovation & Technology Management / R&D

Date Posted: 2026-03-25

Experience Level: 8+ Years (Mid-Senior Level)

Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Lead the identification, development, and deployment of breakthrough technologies and disruptive innovations across the Wellbeing Collective brands, focusing on Horizon 3 initiatives.

  • Drive strategic planning and execution of technology initiatives, leveraging both external and internal innovation opportunities for future pipeline fitment and transformational impact.

  • Build and manage a robust pipeline of transformational innovation projects from ideation through proof-of-concept and scale-up.

  • Foster and manage strategic partnerships with external research organizations, startups, universities, and technology providers to enhance open innovation efforts.

  • Oversee cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with global business strategy and ambitious technology roadmaps, championing a culture of innovation and agility.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The original job title "Design Manager" appears to be a misnomer given the detailed responsibilities focusing heavily on technology innovation, R&D leadership, and strategic partnerships within the consumer health and wellness space. The role is more accurately described as a Technology Innovation Manager or Horizon 3 Technology Lead. The responsibilities clearly indicate a focus on scientific advancements, emerging technologies, and strategic R&D pipeline development rather than traditional product or graphic design management.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Drive the strategic planning and execution of Horizon 3 technology initiatives across all Wellbeing Collective brands, ensuring alignment with overarching business objectives.

  • Proactively identify, evaluate, and incubate emerging technologies, platforms, and scientific advancements that hold potential for disruptive market impact within the VMS (Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements) sector.

  • Rigorously assess both external and internal innovation opportunities to ensure they align with and strengthen the future innovation pipeline and strategic goals of the Wellbeing Collective.

  • Develop, manage, and nurture a dynamic pipeline of transformational innovation projects, guiding them from initial ideation through rigorous proof-of-concept stages to successful scale-up.

  • Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships with external entities including research organizations, innovative startups, academic institutions, and key technology providers.

  • Lead and empower cross-functional teams, ensuring seamless delivery of ambitious technology roadmaps and maintaining close alignment with the global business strategy for the Wellbeing Collective.

  • Champion and foster a pervasive culture of innovation, continuous experimentation, and operational agility within the R&D department and the broader organization.

  • Implement and maintain robust governance frameworks, effective risk management protocols, and strict compliance measures for all technology development activities.

  • Articulate progress, identify critical challenges, and present strategic recommendations effectively to senior leadership and key stakeholders through clear and concise communication.

  • Support the international expansion and localized adaptation of developed technology solutions to meet the diverse needs and regulatory requirements of global markets.

  • Represent the Wellbeing Collective at relevant industry forums, technology conferences, and strategic innovation networks to stay abreast of trends and foster external collaboration.

  • Conduct domestic and international travel as required for partnership development, cutting-edge technology scouting, and essential project oversight.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a strategic R&D and innovation role, emphasizing technology scouting, partnership development, and pipeline management for future products. The "Design Manager" title is likely a broad organizational classification, and the candidate should focus on demonstrating expertise in innovation strategy, technology assessment, and cross-functional leadership within the consumer health/wellness product development lifecycle.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

  • Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in technology innovation, R&D leadership, or product development.

  • Demonstrated experience within the consumer health, dietary supplements (VMS), or broader wellness industries is highly preferred, indicating a need for domain-specific knowledge and market understanding.

Required Skills:

  • Technology Scouting & Open Innovation: Expertise in identifying, evaluating, and integrating external technological advancements and innovations into the company's pipeline.

  • R&D Leadership & Strategy: Proven ability to lead research and development efforts, develop strategic technology roadmaps, and drive innovation initiatives.

  • Product Development Lifecycle: Comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end product development process, from ideation and proof-of-concept to scale-up and market launch.

  • Cross-functional Team Leadership: Skill in leading and motivating diverse teams, fostering collaboration, and ensuring alignment across departments like R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Commercial.

  • Stakeholder Management: Excellent ability to communicate effectively with and influence stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership, external partners, and internal teams.

  • Partnership Development: Experience in building and managing strategic alliances with external entities such as startups, universities, and research institutions.

  • Agility & Experimentation: A mindset geared towards rapid iteration, experimentation, and adapting to fast-paced market changes within the innovation space.

  • Risk Management & Governance: Proficiency in assessing and mitigating risks associated with new technology development and establishing robust governance structures for innovation projects.

  • Technology Management Tools: Familiarity with and ability to leverage various tools and platforms for managing technology portfolios, tracking innovation projects, and facilitating collaboration.

Preferred Skills:

  • Consumer Health/VMS Market Expertise: Deep understanding of market trends, consumer needs, regulatory landscapes, and competitive dynamics within the Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements (VMS) sector.

  • Intellectual Property (IP) Management: Knowledge of IP strategy, patent landscapes, and protecting innovative technologies.

  • Business Case Development: Ability to build compelling business cases for new technology investments, including financial projections and ROI analysis.

  • Global Market Acumen: Experience in adapting technologies and product concepts for diverse international markets and understanding global regulatory frameworks.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The requirement for 8+ years of experience and a Master's/PhD suggests this role is for a seasoned professional capable of strategic leadership and complex project management in a specialized industry. The emphasis on Horizon 3 (disruptive/long-term innovation) indicates a need for forward-thinking individuals comfortable with ambiguity and long development cycles.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Innovation Pipeline Management: Showcase a documented process for identifying, evaluating, prioritizing, and managing a portfolio of innovation projects, with a specific emphasis on Horizon 3 (disruptive) technologies.

  • Technology Assessment Frameworks: Present examples of frameworks or methodologies used to assess the technical feasibility, market potential, and strategic fit of emerging technologies and external partnerships.

  • Cross-functional Project Delivery: Demonstrate a structured approach to managing complex, cross-functional innovation projects, including planning, execution, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communication.

  • Proof-of-Concept & Scale-Up Case Studies: Provide case studies detailing successful proofs-of-concept and the subsequent scaling of technologies or innovations, highlighting challenges overcome and key learnings.

  • Partnership Management Documentation: Illustrate experience in managing relationships with external partners (startups, universities), including examples of collaboration agreements or joint development initiatives.

Process Documentation:

  • Technology Scouting & Ideation: Documented processes for systematic technology scouting, trend analysis, and idea generation within the consumer health and wellness space.

  • Innovation Governance & Stage-Gate: Examples of established governance structures and stage-gate processes used to manage the innovation pipeline, ensuring rigorous evaluation at each phase.

  • Cross-functional Integration: Methods and documented workflows for integrating R&D efforts with marketing, supply chain, regulatory affairs, and commercial teams to ensure seamless product development and launch.

  • Performance Measurement & ROI: Clearly defined metrics and reporting mechanisms for tracking the progress and impact of innovation projects, including methodologies for estimating and demonstrating Return on Investment (ROI) for long-term initiatives.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio demonstrating a structured approach to innovation management, technology assessment, and cross-functional collaboration is critical. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their experience in managing long-term, high-impact innovation projects, not just incremental improvements.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

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

This range is estimated based on industry benchmarks for similar roles (Technology Innovation Manager, R&D Director, Senior Innovation Lead) in the Trumbull, CT area, considering the required 8+ years of experience and advanced degree. Unilever's stated range aligns with this estimation. Factors influencing placement within this range include specific experience, advanced technical expertise, leadership track record, and the strategic impact demonstrated.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Includes health insurance (medical), prescription drug coverage, dental, and vision insurance.

  • Retirement Savings: Access to retirement savings benefits, likely including a 401(k) plan with potential company matching.

  • Life & Disability Insurance: Provides financial security through life insurance and disability benefits.

  • Paid Time Off: Generous benefits package including parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation, and holidays.

  • Long-Term Incentives (LTI): Eligibility for Long-Term Incentive plans, indicating potential for equity or performance-based awards tied to long-term company success.

  • Bonus Eligibility: Position is eligible for an annual bonus, reflecting performance-based compensation.

Working Hours:

  • Standard full-time work hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. However, the role's strategic and innovation-focused nature may require flexibility and occasional extended hours to meet project deadlines, attend global calls, or support international initiatives.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly provided. The benefits listed are standard for a large multinational corporation like Unilever, with LTI and bonus eligibility indicating a significant compensation package for a strategic role. The mention of "International assignment is not available for this role and relocation for local and international candidates is not provided" suggests that candidates must already be authorized to work in the US and be able to commute to Trumbull, CT.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Consumer Goods (specifically focused on Health & Wellbeing), FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods). Unilever operates in a highly competitive global market, constantly innovating to meet evolving consumer demands for health, wellness, and sustainability.

Company Size: Large multinational corporation (Unilever has over 100,000 employees globally), providing extensive resources, global reach, and structured career paths, while also requiring navigation of corporate processes.

Founded: Unilever was founded in 1929 through the merger of British soap maker Lever Brothers and Dutch margarine producer Margarine Unie. This long history signifies stability, deep market expertise, and a strong global presence.

Team Structure:

  • Global Wellbeing Collective (WBC) Team: This role is part of the WBC, a strategic business unit focused on the significant growth opportunity within the €140bn Wellbeing space (Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements - VMS).

  • Reporting Structure: Likely reports into a Director or VP of R&D/Innovation within the Wellbeing Collective, with direct management of cross-functional project teams and potential oversight of external innovation partners.

  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Operates in a highly collaborative, networked, and project-based manner. Close interaction is expected with brand teams, R&D scientists, product developers, marketing, supply chain, regulatory affairs, and potentially legal and finance departments across various geographies.

Methodology:

  • Data-Driven Innovation: Emphasis on leveraging consumer insights, scientific research, and market data to drive innovation decisions and technology development.

  • Agile & Entrepreneurial Approach: Encourages an agile, fast-moving environment where team members are expected to be entrepreneurial, experiment, and "roll up their sleeves" while also leveraging the capabilities of a large organization.

  • Strategic Pipeline Management: Focus on building and managing a robust pipeline of future-oriented (Horizon 3) innovations, balancing long-term disruptive potential with near-term business needs.

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

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Unilever's commitment to "making sustainable living commonplace" and focus on purpose-driven brands are key cultural elements. The Wellbeing Collective's focus on VMS brands (OLLY, Liquid IV, etc.) indicates a dynamic, growth-oriented segment within the larger company. The description emphasizes a blend of large-company structure and startup agility, which is common in innovation hubs.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a Mid-to-Senior level position within the R&D and Innovation function. It requires significant technical depth, strategic thinking, and leadership experience, positioning the individual as a key contributor to future business growth.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports into a senior R&D or Innovation leader within the Wellbeing Collective Group (WBC). This structure allows for strategic direction while providing autonomy in technology scouting, partnership management, and project execution. Collaboration will be extensive across various functional departments within the WBC and potentially broader Unilever divisions.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on the future revenue and market leadership of Unilever's Wellbeing brands. By identifying and developing breakthrough technologies, the Design Manager (Technology Innovation Lead) will shape the product pipeline, create competitive differentiation, and unlock new market opportunities, contributing directly to the company's growth objectives in the burgeoning wellness sector.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into Director or VP roles within R&D, Innovation, or specific brand leadership within the Wellbeing Collective.

  • Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific technology areas (e.g., biotechnology, material science, advanced delivery systems) relevant to the VMS market.

  • Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunity to move into broader strategic roles, business development, or general management within Unilever, leveraging experience gained in innovation and market strategy.

  • Global Exposure: Potential for international assignments or leading global innovation initiatives, given Unilever's multinational structure and the global nature of the VMS market.

  • Skill Development: Continuous learning through industry conferences, specialized training, and exposure to cutting-edge research and development methodologies.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The role is critical for Unilever's strategic expansion into the high-growth wellbeing market. Growth opportunities are likely tied to successful innovation outcomes and the ability to scale impactful technologies, offering clear pathways for career progression within a large, global organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based in Trumbull, CT, implying an on-site role within a Unilever office environment. This setting typically offers a blend of individual workspaces and collaborative areas designed to foster teamwork and communication.

Office Location(s): Trumbull, CT, USA. This location serves as a hub for certain Unilever operations, potentially housing R&D, marketing, or administrative functions related to the Wellbeing Collective brands.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: The role demands significant interaction with internal teams and external partners, suggesting a workspace that supports team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and project discussions.

  • Access to Resources: Likely provides access to necessary R&D facilities (if applicable to the specific site), technology infrastructure, and internal collaboration platforms essential for managing global innovation projects.

  • Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities to engage with colleagues from diverse functional backgrounds, fostering a dynamic and knowledge-sharing environment crucial for innovation.

Work Schedule:

  • While typically a 40-hour work week, the demands of managing global innovation projects, international partnerships, and potential travel may necessitate flexibility. This includes accommodating different time zones for global calls and potentially working beyond standard hours during critical project phases or when significant travel is involved.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Trumbull, CT, emphasizes the need for physical presence for collaboration and engagement within the specified Unilever office environment. Flexibility in working hours is implied due to the global nature of the role and the fast-paced innovation landscape.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

  • Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Director/VP of R&D/Innovation) focusing on strategic thinking, technical expertise, leadership experience, and alignment with the role's core responsibilities. Prepare specific examples of innovation projects led, technologies scouted, and partnerships managed.

  • Cross-functional Team Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from related departments (e.g., Marketing, Product Development, Supply Chain) to evaluate collaboration skills, communication effectiveness, and ability to integrate innovation into broader business strategies.

  • Technical/Case Study Assessment: A potential case study or technical challenge related to identifying and evaluating emerging technologies for the VMS market. This may involve presenting a technology assessment, a partnership proposal, or a strategy for a Horizon 3 innovation.

  • Senior Leadership Interview: Final discussions with senior leadership to assess strategic vision, cultural alignment, and long-term potential within Unilever.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Highlight Innovation Impact: Focus on showcasing projects where your contributions led to tangible outcomes – whether through successful technology adoption, new product launches, significant cost savings, or market differentiation. Quantify impact wherever possible (e.g., % increase in pipeline value, ROI of partnerships, successful scale-up metrics).

  • Structure Case Studies: For each significant project, structure your presentation using a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar methodology. Clearly articulate the challenge, your specific role and actions, the technologies or processes involved, and the measurable results achieved.

  • Demonstrate Process Expertise: Clearly articulate the frameworks and methodologies you used for technology scouting, risk assessment, partner evaluation, and stage-gate processes. Show a systematic approach to innovation management.

  • Showcase Partnership Acumen: Include examples of successful collaborations with external entities, detailing how you identified, approached, negotiated with, and managed these partnerships.

  • Tailor to Unilever & VMS: Research Unilever's current innovation strategies, brand portfolio (especially OLLY, Liquid IV, etc.), and the VMS market. Frame your experience and portfolio examples to demonstrate how you can contribute specifically to Unilever's goals in this sector.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Technology Trend Analysis: Be prepared to discuss emerging technologies relevant to nutrition, supplements, and wellness (e.g., personalized nutrition, novel ingredients, advanced delivery systems, biotech advancements).

  • Strategic Fit Assessment: Practice articulating how a new technology or innovation aligns with a company's strategic objectives, market position, and existing capabilities.

  • Partnership Evaluation: Prepare to discuss criteria for evaluating potential external partners and strategies for integrating their innovations.

  • Communication & Influence: Rehearse how you would present complex technical information and strategic recommendations to diverse audiences, including non-technical stakeholders and senior executives.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Given the role's strategic R&D focus, the interview process will likely be rigorous, testing both technical acumen and strategic leadership. A well-curated portfolio demonstrating a structured approach to innovation management and quantifiable results will be crucial for success.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Innovation Management Platforms: Experience with tools like Planview, Aha!, or similar platforms for managing innovation pipelines, roadmapping, and project tracking.

  • Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools such as Asana, Trello, Jira, or Microsoft Project for managing cross-functional project timelines, tasks, and resource allocation.

  • Collaboration Suites: Expertise in Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive) or Google Workspace for seamless team collaboration, document sharing, and communication.

  • CRM/Partner Management Tools: Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) or specialized partner relationship management (PRM) tools may be beneficial for managing external innovation partnerships.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables), Tableau, Power BI, or similar for analyzing research data, market trends, and project performance metrics.

  • Research Databases: Access to and ability to interpret data from scientific literature databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus), market research platforms (e.g., Mintel, Euromonitor), and patent databases.

  • Financial Modeling Tools: Ability to use Excel or specialized software for building business cases, forecasting ROI, and assessing financial viability of innovation projects.

CRM & Automation:

  • Not directly specified for this role: While not a primary focus, understanding how R&D innovations integrate with downstream CRM and marketing automation processes (e.g., Salesforce Marketing Cloud, HubSpot) could be advantageous for ensuring a holistic product launch strategy.

  • Integration Tools: Awareness of how new technologies might interface with existing manufacturing or supply chain systems.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't list specific tools, a strong candidate will be proficient in standard innovation management, project management, and data analysis software. Experience with scientific databases and market intelligence tools is also highly relevant for technology scouting and assessment.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Purposeful Innovation: A strong drive to innovate with a clear purpose, focusing on improving consumer wellbeing and making sustainable living commonplace, aligning with Unilever's broader mission.

  • Agility & Entrepreneurship: A culture that encourages quick decision-making, experimentation, and a proactive, "hands-on" approach, akin to a startup within a large corporation.

  • Collaboration & Inclusion: Emphasis on working together across diverse teams and geographies, valuing different perspectives to drive collective success and leveraging the strength of a global workforce.

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Reliance on robust data analysis, consumer insights, and scientific evidence to guide innovation strategy and project prioritization.

  • Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for driving innovation initiatives, managing risks, and delivering impactful results for the Wellbeing Collective.

Collaboration Style:

  • Networked & Project-Based: The team operates in a fluid, project-oriented manner, requiring individuals to actively engage with colleagues across various functions and brands.

  • Open Communication: Encourages transparent communication, sharing of ideas, and constructive feedback to foster continuous improvement and problem-solving.

  • Cross-functional Integration: A strong emphasis on breaking down silos and working collaboratively with Marketing, R&D, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to ensure innovation success from concept to market.

  • Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes the sharing of learnings, best practices, and insights across projects and teams to accelerate collective growth and expertise.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Unilever's strong emphasis on purpose, sustainability, and inclusion is a cornerstone of its culture. Within the Wellbeing Collective, the blend of large-company resources with a startup mentality suggests a dynamic environment where initiative and collaboration are highly valued.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Horizon 3 Ambiguity: Navigating the inherent uncertainty and long development timelines associated with Horizon 3 (disruptive) innovations, requiring resilience and strategic foresight.

  • Balancing Agility and Scale: Effectively integrating agile, experimental approaches within the structured processes and governance of a large multinational corporation like Unilever.

  • Cross-Cultural/Geographic Collaboration: Managing innovation projects and partnerships across different time zones, cultures, and regulatory environments globally.

  • Technology Integration Complexity: Ensuring that novel technologies can be effectively scaled, manufactured, and integrated into existing supply chains and product lines.

  • Market Disruption: Staying ahead of rapidly evolving consumer trends and competitive landscapes in the dynamic health and wellness sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Technology Deep Dives: Access to cutting-edge research, specialized training, and industry conferences focused on emerging technologies in nutrition, biotechnology, and consumer health.

  • Strategic Innovation Methodologies: Opportunities to develop expertise in advanced innovation frameworks, foresight analysis, and strategic portfolio management.

  • Leadership Development Programs: Unilever offers extensive leadership training and development programs, providing pathways for growth into senior management roles.

  • Cross-functional Exposure: Gain broad business acumen by working closely with diverse teams across marketing, commercial, supply chain, and regulatory functions.

  • Mentorship & Networking: Access to mentorship from senior leaders within Unilever and opportunities to build a professional network within the global innovation and consumer goods industries.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional development by tackling complex, long-term innovation challenges in a high-growth market, supported by the resources of a global leader. The key is to leverage these challenges as learning experiences.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe your process for identifying and evaluating disruptive technologies for a specific market, using the VMS sector as an example." (Focus on methodology, data sources, risk assessment.)

  • "How do you build and manage a portfolio of Horizon 3 innovation projects, balancing long-term vision with resource constraints?" (Highlight pipeline management, prioritization frameworks, stage-gate processes.)

  • "Imagine we want to enter a new sub-segment within the wellness market. What steps would you take to identify potential technology partners and assess their viability?" (Demonstrate partnership evaluation criteria, due diligence, negotiation approach.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What excites you about Unilever's mission and the Wellbeing Collective's focus?" (Connect personal values/career goals to Unilever's purpose and the VMS market.)

  • "How would you leverage Unilever's global capabilities to accelerate innovation for our brands?" (Show understanding of corporate resources and how to utilize them for R&D.)

  • "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a team with very different priorities or working styles. How did you achieve alignment?" (Assess collaboration and conflict resolution skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure Your Narrative: Organize your portfolio around key themes such as "Technology Scouting & Identification," "Innovation Pipeline Management," "Cross-functional Project Leadership," and "Strategic Partnership Development."

  • Quantify Your Impact: For each case study, clearly state the business problem, your role, the actions taken, and the measurable results (e.g., market share impact, revenue growth, cost savings, successful technology transfer). Use metrics relevant to innovation and R&D.

  • Showcase Process & Tools: Explain the specific methodologies, frameworks, and tools you employed in your projects. This demonstrates a structured and systematic approach to innovation management.

  • Highlight Strategic Thinking: Articulate not just what you did, but why you did it. Explain the strategic rationale behind your decisions and how they contributed to broader business objectives.

  • Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about challenges faced, alternative approaches considered, and how your past experiences translate to the specific needs of Unilever's Wellbeing Collective.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, a robust understanding of the innovation lifecycle, and the ability to lead complex, cross-functional projects in a global context. Quantifiable results and specific examples of technology scouting and partnership management will be key.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Design Manager (Technology Innovation Lead) position:

  • Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your application through the Unilever careers portal. Ensure your resume and any requested documents are uploaded.

  • Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in technology innovation, R&D leadership, product development (especially in consumer health/wellness), strategic planning, open innovation, and cross-functional project management. Use keywords from the job description and industry best practices.

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a concise portfolio showcasing 2-3 key innovation projects. Focus on projects demonstrating your ability to identify, develop, and scale technologies, manage partnerships, and drive measurable business impact. Structure these as case studies using the STAR method and quantify results.

  • Prepare for Interviews: Research Unilever's Wellbeing Collective brands (OLLY, Liquid IV, etc.) and current market trends in VMS. Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method and prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewers.

  • Understand the Role: Be ready to discuss your strategic vision for innovation in the wellness space and how your skills align with the challenges and opportunities presented by Horizon 3 technologies.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates must possess a Master’s or PhD in a relevant technical or management discipline along with a minimum of 8 years of experience in technology innovation, R&D leadership, or product development, preferably within consumer health or wellness sectors. Essential qualifications include proven success in transformational innovation, expertise in technology scouting, and excellent leadership and communication skills.