Job Title

We are currently seeking 3 X Senior Product Developers to work with our global FMCG client, Unilever, renowned for brands such as Ben & Jerrys, Knorr, Walls & Marmite, and become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment. Have you got what it takes to succeed The following information should be read carefully by all candidates.The positions are based at our client's Research & Development facility, at Colworth Science Park, in Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire (MK44), accessible by car. It also houses our client's global centre of excellence in safety and sustainability sciences.These are full-time temporary roles, 1 is a Maternity Cover until 31/03/2026 and 2 to run for 12 months requiring 37.50 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to 46,000 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements. JOB PURPOSEUnilever Ice cream business in Europe is large and highly successful. The EU Ice Cream Research Development and Innovation (RD&I) team is the driving force behind the creation and delivery of benefit-led, innovative ice cream products across our world-renowned global (e.g. Magnum, Carte dOr, Cornetto, Walls), premium (e.g. B&J, GROM) and regional (e.g. Cremissimo, Ingman, Evga, Cucciolone) brands. The team embrace agile innovation and are fully connected to countries and markets to land global, regional, and local projects in the markets.The business reaches across all Ice Cream experiences from familiar in-home tubs, pints and mono portions and out of home scooping to global and local classics and kids favourites.In this role you will be the R&D first point of contact in an area of the portfolio. You will lead projects in close partnership across functions (Marketing; Supply Chain; Procurement) as well as key (external) partners and suppliers (e.g. 3PM, Flavour and Ingredients suppliers). You will manage a portfolio of projects across innovation, quality, complexity and cost reduction. And will use your understanding of consumer and customer needs to shape and deliver brilliant, sustainable, product experiences.RESPONSIBILITIESPlan, organise and execute a variety of project types as assigned under guidance from line manager, working closely with R&D experts from a variety of fields.Work closely with marketing teams in global, European and local country teams to define projects scope at start of projects.Use your creative talents to develop great products.Lead technical delivery of projects. This includes diverse topics such as product concept development; formulation design; lab and pilot plant prototypes; cost calculation; specifications; quality assessments; legislation compliance checks and claims assessments.Manage supplier relationships working closely with other functions such as Procurement.Lead and manage pilot plant and factory trials for prototype/product development.Write and manage specifications and systems data for the products you work on.Provide key updates for our Innovation Process Management and other relevant systemsDevelop selling stories and supporting Customer Development teams with sell-in meetings.Provide support and training for more junior members of the team.KEY RELATIONSHIPSEuropean & local country Marketing TeamGlobal & European Supply Chain (factories, planning, quality, etc.) and Procurement TeamsSupplier/partner organisationsTechnical R&D specialists (CTI, Processing, Packaging, Formulation, Nutritionist, Digital & Data)Other functional representatives including Finance, Legal, CMI and QualityALL ABOUT YOUDegree level qualification (or equivalent) and / or relevant experience in a technical discipline preferably in food technology or development.Experience of working cross-functionally and with third partiesExperience of leading projects from brief to delivering in-marketPassion for creative food product design and developmentExcellent communication and project management skillsAttention to detail especially with experimentation, data recording and analysisTime management and priority settingHealth & SafetyEuropean language skills are highly desirableLEADERSHIP BEHAVIOURSPurposeful impactPersonal masteryConsumer loveAgilityPassion for high performanceTRAVEL REQUIREMENTSOccasional short business-trips within Europe may be required.Colworth Science Park working environment:9 miles from Bedford18 miles from M1Modern working environment in a beautiful, listed building Large green outdoor spaces Shuttle bus is provided from Bedfordshire area to Site.