UI Home Care Innovations Assistant Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI Home Care Innovations Assistant Manager Company: Unilever Location: Mumbai, India Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Product Development / Innovation Management Date Posted: February 10, 2026 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end innovation projects for Home Care products within Unilever International, focusing on global markets and driving New Product Development (NPD) and transition initiatives.
• Manage the complete project lifecycle from initial concept and business case approval through to final product launch, ensuring all technical, regulatory, and commercial requirements are met.
• Coordinate and collaborate with a diverse network of cross-functional teams, including R&D, Marketing, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Customer Development, to ensure seamless project execution.
• Ensure strict adherence to market-specific compliance and regulatory requirements across various global regions.
• Develop and maintain strong stakeholder relationships, facilitating clear communication and decision-making to drive project success in a dynamic international business environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an Assistant Manager, suggesting a need for strong execution and coordination skills, but also the potential for growing into a more strategic leadership capacity. The focus on "Unilever International" implies a global scope and a need for cultural adaptability, as well as an understanding of international trade and regulatory landscapes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Innovation Project Leadership: Oversee all Type 3 and Type 4 New Product Development (NPD) initiatives for Home Care products, driving innovation from ideation to launch across global markets.
• Transition Project Management: Manage projects involving factory changes, product modifications, or process updates to align with evolving business needs and market demands.
• Full Lifecycle Project Ownership: Take accountability for the entire project lifecycle, starting from the Business Opportunity Scoping, Concept, and Approval Requirements Document (BOSCARD) and business case approval, through to final product launch and post-launch review.
• Network & Cross-Functional Team Management: Establish and lead regular network meetings with sourcing units, manufacturing plants, and diverse cross-functional teams (R&D Formulation, R&D Packaging, Marketing, Procurement, Supply Chain, Customer Development) to ensure alignment and drive progress.
• Task Execution & Coordination: Ensure the timely completion of critical project tasks, including new product code creation, artwork development and approval, finalization of packaging specifications, and formulation lock-down.
• Regulatory & Compliance Assurance: Proactively ensure all innovation projects comply with specific market regulations, such as E-REACH for Europe and K-REACH for Korea, and other relevant regional compliance standards.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Alignment: Identify, engage, and onboard key internal and external stakeholders across different functions and geographies, fostering collaboration and ensuring continuous alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
• Decision Facilitation: Drive quick and informed decision-making processes by presenting clear data and options to stakeholders, resolving roadblocks, and maintaining project momentum.
• Business & Financial Acumen: Understand the broader business implications of innovation projects, monitor financial performance against targets, and ensure cost-effectiveness throughout the project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on project management, cross-functional coordination, and regulatory compliance, typical for product development roles within large CPG companies. The "Unilever International" aspect suggests a need for proficiency in managing global supply chains and diverse market requirements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A technical degree (e.g., in Engineering, Chemistry, Food Technology, or a related scientific field) is a prerequisite.
• An MBA or equivalent postgraduate business degree is strongly preferred, indicating a need for strong business acumen alongside technical understanding.

Experience:

• Proven experience working within a manufacturing plant environment is essential, providing practical insight into production processes and challenges.
• Demonstrated experience in managing end-to-end product innovation or New Product Development (NPD) projects, ideally within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) or Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) sector.
• Experience with global project management and cross-functional team leadership is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Project Management Excellence: Proven ability to manage complex projects from inception to completion, utilizing structured methodologies, managing timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Stakeholder Management & Collaboration: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to build rapport, influence, and align diverse stakeholders across multiple functions and geographies.
• Business Acumen: Strong understanding of business principles, financial impact analysis, cost structures, and market dynamics relevant to consumer goods innovation.
• Organizational Capabilities: Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail, capable of managing multiple priorities, tasks, and documentation streams simultaneously.
• Decision-Making Agility: Ability to make swift, informed, and decisive actions in a fast-paced, dynamic, and often ambiguous environment.
• Technical Understanding: Solid grasp of Home Care formulations, packaging technologies, manufacturing processes, and relevant regulatory requirements.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific project management software (e.g., MS Project, Asana, Jira) for tracking and reporting.
• Familiarity with Stage-Gate or similar NPD methodologies.
• Understanding of international regulatory frameworks relevant to consumer products.
• Experience in managing global supply chains and international logistics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of a technical degree and a preferred MBA points to a role that bridges technical feasibility with commercial viability. The emphasis on manufacturing plant experience is crucial for understanding the practicalities of bringing innovations to market at scale.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• NPD Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies of innovation projects you have managed from concept to launch, highlighting your specific role and contributions.
• Process Optimization Examples: Provide tangible examples of how you have improved project efficiency, streamlined workflows, or reduced time-to-market in previous roles.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Demonstrations: Illustrate instances where you successfully aligned diverse teams (e.g., R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain) to achieve project objectives, detailing communication strategies and conflict resolution.
• Regulatory Compliance Management: Include examples of how you have navigated and ensured compliance with specific international regulations (e.g., REACH, GHS) for product launches.
• Financial Impact Documentation: Quantify the business impact of your projects, such as cost savings achieved, revenue generated, or market share improvements, with clear metrics and ROI calculations.

Process Documentation:

• Project Charter Development: Demonstrate experience in creating comprehensive project charters that clearly define scope, objectives, stakeholders, and success criteria.
• Workflow Design & Mapping: Present examples of workflow diagrams or process maps you have developed to visualize and optimize project execution steps.
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation Plans: Showcase your ability to identify potential project risks (technical, regulatory, commercial) and develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Performance Tracking & Reporting: Provide examples of dashboards or reports you have used to track project progress, key performance indicators (KPIs), and communicate status to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on end-to-end project management and cross-functional coordination, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of these skills through detailed case studies and process documentation will be highly valued. Quantifiable results are essential.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for an Assistant Manager role with 5-10 years of experience in a major CPG company like Unilever in Mumbai, India, the estimated annual salary range is ₹12,00,000 to ₹22,00,000. This range accounts for the required technical and business qualifications, global project management responsibilities, and the cost of living in Mumbai.

Benefits: Unilever typically offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Health & Wellness: Medical insurance for employees and dependents, dental and vision coverage, employee assistance programs.
• Financial Security: Provident fund contributions, life insurance, and potentially performance-based bonuses or profit-sharing schemes.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, public holidays), potential for flexible working arrangements where applicable, and parental leave policies.
• Professional Development: Access to Unilever's extensive learning and development platforms, training programs, and opportunities for career advancement within the organization.
• Employee Perks: Discounts on Unilever products, transportation allowances, and other site-specific benefits.

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this on-site role are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, given the global nature of the projects and the need to coordinate with teams across different time zones, some flexibility may be required, potentially involving occasional early morning or late evening calls.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on publicly available data for similar roles in Mumbai and industry-standard compensation structures for multinational corporations like Unilever. Benefits are typical for large organizations but may vary based on specific company policies and local regulations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) / Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG). Unilever is a global leader in this sector, known for its vast portfolio of well-known brands across beauty, personal care, home care, nutrition, and ice cream. Company Size: Unilever is a very large multinational corporation, employing over 127,000 people globally and operating in more than 190 countries. This scale offers significant opportunities for learning, development, and cross-functional exposure. Founded: Unilever was formed in 1929 through the merger of the Dutch Margarine Unie and the British Lever Brothers. This long history signifies stability, extensive market experience, and a deeply ingrained corporate culture.

Team Structure:

• Home Care Innovations: This team likely operates within a larger R&D or Product Development division, focusing specifically on generating and launching new products and improvements for the Home Care category.
• Reporting Structure: As an Assistant Manager, you would likely report to a Manager or Senior Manager within the Home Care Innovations team, who in turn reports to a Director or VP.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role is inherently cross-functional, requiring constant interaction with Marketing, R&D (formulation and packaging), Supply Chain, Procurement, Regulatory Affairs, Sales (Customer Development), and potentially external manufacturing partners.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Innovation: Unilever emphasizes a data-driven approach to innovation, using consumer insights, market trends, and performance analytics to guide product development.
• Agile Project Management: While formal NPD processes exist (like BOSCARD), there's likely an adoption of agile principles for faster execution and adaptation within project teams.
• Sustainability Focus: Unilever has a strong commitment to sustainability, which is increasingly integrated into innovation processes, from ingredient sourcing to packaging design and end-of-life solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Unilever's size and global reach mean that processes are often well-defined but can also be complex. Understanding the company's strategic priorities, such as sustainability and digital transformation, will be key to success in this role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Assistant Manager" role sits within the intermediate to senior professional level, bridging individual contribution with team coordination and project leadership. It requires a blend of technical understanding, project execution skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders. It's a stepping stone towards more senior project management, innovation management, or functional leadership roles. Reporting Structure: You will report to a Manager or Senior Manager, likely within the Home Care Innovations department. You will also manage and influence a network of individuals from various cross-functional departments, who may not directly report to you. Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on the successful and timely launch of new Home Care products into global markets. This directly influences Unilever's revenue growth, market share, brand perception, and competitive positioning within the FMCG sector. Effective innovation management ensures the company stays relevant and meets evolving consumer needs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Innovation/Project Management: Progression to a Manager or Senior Manager role, leading larger, more complex, or strategic innovation programs.
• Functional Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like formulation, packaging innovation, or regulatory affairs, potentially moving into specialized technical roles.
• Cross-Functional Moves: Opportunities to move into roles within Marketing, Supply Chain, or Procurement, leveraging the broad understanding gained from innovation projects.
• Global Mobility: Unilever's global presence offers potential opportunities for international assignments or roles in different regions, broadening experience and cultural understanding.
• Leadership Development: Unilever invests heavily in leadership training, providing pathways for individuals to develop strategic thinking, team leadership, and broader business management skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is designed for individuals who want to drive tangible product outcomes and gain broad exposure to the FMCG business. The opportunities for growth are diverse, catering to both specialized and generalist career paths within a large multinational.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role based in Mumbai, India. The work environment is likely a corporate office setting within Unilever's facilities, designed for collaboration and efficient operations. Office Location(s): The role is based in Mumbai, a major commercial hub in India, offering access to a large talent pool and robust infrastructure. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office will likely feature open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and potentially specialized labs or testing facilities, fostering a collaborative atmosphere essential for innovation.
• Technology Integration: Expect access to standard office technologies, high-speed internet, video conferencing tools, and internal Unilever systems for project management, data analysis, and communication.
• Team Interaction: Regular face-to-face interaction with your direct team, functional leads, and project stakeholders, facilitating quick problem-solving and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is typical. However, the demands of global project management may necessitate flexibility, with occasional early morning or late evening engagement to align with teams in different time zones. This requires strong time management and self-discipline.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Mumbai emphasizes the importance of local presence for team coordination and access to Unilever's infrastructure. The global nature of the role means that while the primary work is on-site, virtual collaboration across time zones is a key component of the daily work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: The interview process for a role like this at Unilever typically involves multiple stages:

1. Application Screening: Initial review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the core requirements.
2. Recruiter Screen: A phone call with an HR recruiter to discuss your background, motivations, and basic fit for the role and company.
3. Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager focusing on your experience, project management skills, technical knowledge, and understanding of the responsibilities. This is where portfolio elements might be discussed conceptually.
4. Cross-Functional/Panel Interview: Interviews with key stakeholders from R&D, Marketing, or Supply Chain to assess your collaboration skills and ability to work across departments.
5. Case Study / Presentation: You may be asked to complete a take-home case study or prepare a presentation based on a hypothetical innovation challenge or a review of a past project from your portfolio.
6. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to assess strategic thinking and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 of your most impactful innovation projects that best demonstrate the core skills required: end-to-end management, cross-functional leadership, problem-solving, and quantifiable results.
• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly articulate:
  • The Challenge/Opportunity
  • Your Specific Role & Responsibilities
  • The Process/Methodology Used
  • Key Decisions & Trade-offs
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration Efforts
  • Outcomes (Quantified: e.g., time saved, cost reduced, revenue