Ice Cream Establishment Innovation Process Lead

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Job Title: Ice Cream Establishment Innovation Process Lead

Business Function: Research and Development
Location: Colworth Science Park, Bedford, United Kingdom
Term: Project role (ending Oct 2025)

ABOUT ICE CREAM

We spark moments of happiness for people and within the communities where we operate. However, it is not as simple as it may seem. As ice cream makers we are serious about happiness. With warm hearts, we create the coolest products. We are the proof that an unbroken chain of happier people works - for a happy planet and winning smiles. As the largest ice cream company in the world, we have over 100 years of experience in delivering smiles, and we plan to continue this for many more years to come, with our people and planet first.

JOB PURPOSE

We are seeking an R&D Innovation Process Lead for Ice Cream. The purpose of this role is to lead the global portfolio management for Ice Cream as well as to transition the innovation process to the new Ice Cream company.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Ice Cream company will transition to a new innovation process as it separates from Unilever and the job holder will play a significant role in this; the choice and implementation of a new project management IT tool, new portfolio metrics, data management and as well as supporting the implementation of new ways of working e.g. innovation team training, new governance process. You will also have responsibility for building and managing the change programme.

As the global portfolio lead you will be responsible for portfolio management:

• Managing data integrity and deliver timely analysis of the Innovation Portfolio for presentation at category reviews.
• Distilling key insights and recommendations on portfolio shape, size of projects, OTIF delivery and other financial metrics to facilitate prioritisation by leadership teams.
• Supporting project teams on the project management process, data integrity and gatekeeping, and regional portfolio business partners.
• Partnering with the Ice Cream Innovation Marketing Lead to provide innovation information requested by central Unilever teams.
• Partnering with the Ice Cream Innovation Finance Lead to provide portfolio input to the Ice Cream innovation result analysis.

ALL ABOUT YOU

Experience & Skills Required

• Innovation portfolio or innovation process experience is highly desirable, otherwise experience of working on projects as a technical project leader or project leader and an understanding of the project management process and governance is essential.
• An understanding of project portfolio metrics is desirable.
• Strong data processing and analytical skills including a good level of proficiency in Excel is essential.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex data in a clear and straightforward manner is essential.
• Experience of change management is desirable.
• An ability to direct teams that do not report directly to you, and to hold others accountable for delivery on time and in full.
• Networking and stakeholder management.

What we offer

Whilst the role is advertised on a full-time basis, we would be happy to discuss possible flexible working options and what this may look like for you. We strive to achieve a family-friendly and inclusive workplace and to, above all, create possibilities for all.

Diversity at Unilever

Diversity at Unilever is about inclusion, embracing differences, creating possibilities and growing together for better business performance. We embrace diversity in our workforce. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.

Company

Be part of the most successful purpose-led business in the world. Have the opportunity to see the true impact that you’re having in the work you do - every small thing counts. The personal contribution you make means you feel good about what you do and proud that you have a career with a higher purpose.

Our policies & flexible working

At Unilever, we have a range of market-leading, family-friendly and flexible working policies, which enable our employees to balance their day-to-day responsibilities.

Our ambition: unlocking talent through disability inclusion

The World Health Organization estimates that there are one billion people in the world currently living with a disability. That’s about 15% of the global population, or 1 in 7 of us. And the statistics suggest that people living with disabilities are among the most marginalised populations in the world in terms of employment and educational opportunity.

Removing the barriers facing people living with disability is a priority for our business.

We are keen to find out about your talent, and offer the support you need.