Global R&D Formulation Manager

Port Sunlight, Merseyside
Manpower UK Ltd

We are currently seeking an interim Global R&D Formulation Manager (Machine Dishwash) to work with our global FMCG client Unilever, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, and become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.

The position is based at our client’s scientific Research & Development facility in Port Sunlight Village, Wirral easily accessible by train and car. This is a full-time temporary role to run until mid-December 2025, requiring 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to 48,800 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.

This position offers a unique opportunity within the Global Dishwash R&D Design team where you’ll work with cutting-edge technology in a truly purpose-driven culture.

We are looking for an experienced and passionate formulation manager to lead the Machine Dishwash formulation team to help shape and deliver our clean future technology strategy. You will lead all the technical elements for Machine Dishwash Capsules Programme (i.e. formulation, processing, packaging, consumer technical insight, specifications, patents, safety, etc.) for technically complex global projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop new digital and automated capability to support formulation development
• Deliver all technical aspects of product development with effective risk management, considering superiority, sustainability and cost savings initiatives by design.
• Manage project timelines, accelerating projects when necessary, through smart risk-taking and effective resource management.
• Ensure delivery of specifications, technical action standards, deliver safety by design and product experience standards.
• Lead and coach the technical project team, supporting their development.
• Prepare comprehensive technical transfer documentation for handover from Global to Cluster/Local teams.
• Manage project budgets effectively.
• Utilise digital and tools effectively
• Creation of product demo material to support outstanding product launches
• Collaborate with Marketing to shape and define technical aspects of project briefs, translating consumer needs into product performance standards/targets, informed by understanding the competitive context, trends and brand purpose.
• Collaborate across functions to build and scale multi-year innovations.
• Define holistic product propositions with forward-looking roadmaps.
• Manage stakeholder relationships to align on technical scope, issues, and status.
• Early evaluation of technical feasibility of ideas and their link with business case, category strategy and technical capability.
• Pull technologies from the Science and Technology ideas or brief (internal or external) to deliver delightful consumer experience via holistic design.
• Coach team members and manage their Personal development goals to deliver to the programme

Key Requirements

• Experience in leading teams and global projects
• Previous work experience in R&D function.
• Proven track record of on-time and in-full delivery of innovation projects and/or project management.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and engage in effective business partnering.
• Embrace agility and curiosity.
• Possess an owners’ mindset with a passion for high performance.
• Comfortable working with ambiguity and fostering a collaborative environment.
• Excellent communicator (written and verbal), translating complex digital tools and data insights into key messages for stakeholders (R&D teams, Brand teams, key opinion formers such as trade and consumers).
• Strong in building and maintaining an internal and external network
• Education to degree level or higher in a Science or Engineering discipline.

Additional Information
Port Sunlight working environment:

• Free onsite parking
• Staff shop discounted products
• Working in state-of-the-art laboratory and pilot plant facilities
• Free parking onsite
• 5 mins walk to train station serving Liverpool & Chester
• 20-minute drive from Liverpool city centre/30-minutes drive from Chester
• Disabled parking
• In the heart of picturesque Port Sunlight village
• There are also several site clubs available to join covering a range of topics including Book Club, Running, Choir, Pool, Genealogy and much more.
• The sites have three catering outlets which provide a range of hot and cold food and drinks daily.
• In addition there are a range of vending machines and cold water dispensers around the site accessible throughout the day.