Background & Purpose of the Job
The Deodorants category is a cornerstone of the Unilever Personal Care Business Group and currently stands as the fastest-growing category within Unilever. North America is the world’s biggest, most competitive, and dynamic market for the Deodorants Category. It includes some of the company’s most iconic brands: Rexona/Degree, Dove, Dove Men and Axe.
As the global market leader in Deodorants, Unilever is committed to shaping the future of the category. Axe innovation deployment is critical to our innovation strategy, serving as a critical lever for competitive advantage and value creation.
This role is seeking a senior scientist to land Axe and Local Jewel innovations in North America. It is responsible for embedding functional excellence in formulation development, while driving key programs focused on compliance, cost optimization, and portfolio simplification. This role will involve working with and leading interactions with internal R&D teams – including Consumer Insights & Claims, Process Engineering, Packaging, Specification Management, and Fragrance. Outside of R&D the role involves interaction with cross functional partners such as Marketing, Procurement, Supply Chain, Artwork Excellence, and Quality.
The role will also closely partner with the Global Deodorants Technology Centre in Leeds to leverage Unilever’s strengths in science and technology and apply them to win in the North American market.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
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Technical Expertise – Deep understanding of deodorant formulations, troubleshooting, stability, compliance, and product performance across formats
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Formulation Development & Laboratory Execution – Conduct hands-on formulation work, design and execute experiments, analyze results, and generate data-driven recommendations
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Project Leadership – Independently leads innovation programs and manages multiple priorities from development through launch (including innovation, renovation, and compliance projects)
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Cross-Functional Influence – Builds strong cross-functional partnerships across R&D and business functions to drive alignment, decision-making, and execution
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Business & Risk Management – Understands deodorant category priorities, proactively identifies risks, and balances speed, cost, quality, and compliance
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Communication & Leadership – Clearly communicates to both technical and non-technical audiences, takes ownership, mentors others, and drives high standards
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Scientific Methodology & Problem Solving – Plan, implement, and evaluate formulation prototypes using rigorous scientific approaches and technical troubleshooting
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Documentation & Technical Reporting – Maintain accurate experimental records, technical documentation, and reports to support project decisions and business needs
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Digital & Data Fluency – Leverage digital tools, data systems, and analytics to improve project execution, data quality, process efficiency, and decision making
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Technical Storytelling – Translate superior technology and product performance into compelling claims, demonstrations, and consumer-relevant stories that support successful innovation landing with customers and drive consumer preference
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
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4-5 years in Personal Care Project Management required
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Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or another closely related field
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Experience in Fast-Moving Consumer Goods/Consumer Packaged Goods
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Prior Deodorant/Antiperspirant Formulation Experience Preferred
LEADERSHIP SKILLS
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Lead Through Influence – Effectively aligns cross-functional stakeholders, communicates technical recommendations with confidence, and drives decisions without formal authority
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Develop Capability & Raise Standards – Shares expertise, mentors junior scientists, promotes best practices, and helps strengthen technical excellence across the NA Deos organization
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Focus on What Counts – Prioritizes high-impact work, makes data-driven decisions, and maintains focus on delivering business and consumer outcomes
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Care Deeply – Builds strong relationships, fosters an inclusive team environment, and actively collaborates to achieve shared goals
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Stay Three Steps Ahead – Anticipates risks and opportunities, embraces continuous learning, and proactively drives innovation and process improvement
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Deliver with Excellence – Takes ownership, executes with discipline, and consistently delivers high-quality results with strong attention to data
Pay: The pay range for this position is $88,600 to $133,000. Unilever takes into consideration a wide range of factors that are utilized in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, qualifications and education, and other business and organizational needs.
Bonus: This position is bonus eligible.
Benefits: Unilever employees are eligible to participate in our benefits plan. Should the employee choose to participate, they can choose from a range of benefits to include, but is not limited to, health insurance (including prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage), retirement savings benefits, life insurance and disability benefits, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, as well as access to numerous voluntary benefits. Any coverages for health insurance and retirement benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
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At Unilever, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive/succeed. All applicants will receive fair and respectful consideration, and we actively support the growth and development of every employee.
Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities.
For more information on your federal rights, please see Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
Employment is subject to verification of pre-screening tests, which may include drug screening, background check, credit check and DMV check.
If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance at any time during our recruitment process, please contact us at [email protected]. Please note: This email is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry about positions or application statuses. The Protected Veterans or Individuals with Disabilities AAP narratives are available for inspection by any employee or applicant for employment Monday through Friday during normal business hours at establishment.
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