Assistant Manager – R&D Processing, Home Care Bars

JOB TITLE: Assistant Manager – R&D Processing, Home Care Bars
LOCATION: Mumbai

ABOUT UNILEVER

With 3.4 billion people in over 190 countries using our products every day, Unilever is a business that makes a real impact on the world. Work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We are driven by our purpose: to make sustainable living commonplace, and it is our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance. At the heart of what we do is our people – we believe that when our people work with purpose, we will create a better business and a better world.

At Unilever, your career will be a unique journey, grounded in our inclusive, collaborative, and flexible working environment. We don’t believe in the ‘one size fits all’ approach and instead we will equip you with the tools you need to shape your own future.

ROLE PURPOSE:

To lead the process design strategy for Home Care (HC) Bars, focusing on innovation, technology integration, and digital transformation. The role involves defining process specifications, establishing scale-up protocols, and ensuring seamless implementation across manufacturing platforms.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute Design of Experiments (DoE) to define material handling protocols and processing routes for innovation and cost-saving initiatives.

• Provide timely technical inputs across critical project workstreams.

• Lead manufacturing design lock for key technologies and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.

• Define safety foundations and proactively eliminate risks in accordance with the Safety in Manufacture and Supply Approval System (SIMAS) to secure project approvals.

• Drive capability building initiatives at AMC-Bars.

• Oversee installation and commissioning of plant equipment, author operating manuals, and conduct initial operator training.

• Collaborate with Supply Chain to evaluate and enhance return on investment (ROI) for projects.

• Ensure product quality through close coordination with Supply Chain teams.

• Conduct standard trials and tests for soaps and NSD bars at lab and pilot scales, supported by physical-chemical analysis.

• Plan, execute, and report main plant trials with comprehensive data analysis and technical documentation.

• Ensure adherence to Unilever’s safety and product standards.

• Conduct pilot-scale trials to define process and packaging specifications for new raw materials and blends.

• Validate plant-scale changes for impact on capacity, quality, and efficiency.

• Maintain system updates reflecting formulation changes (e.g., PFD Tool, BOMs).

• Identify recurring production issues and develop troubleshooting protocols.

• Draft and implement operating instructions (manuals and SOPs) and train trainers and operators on modified processes.

• Utilize digital tools such as Power BI, JMP, iProMPT, Pharos, LIMS, PLM, PFD, and CUC Finder to enhance process efficiency.
  

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering (BE/B.Tech/B.Sc).

• 5–7 years of experience in Research and Development, preferably in NSD Bars formulation and processing.

• Proficiency in digital tools for data modeling, process efficiency, and measurement.

• Strong knowledge of process control and mechanical instrumentation.

• Experience with HAZOPs and safety approval systems.

• Skilled in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word), SAP, and SCADA.

• Demonstrated project management and problem-solving capabilities.

• Understanding of consumer action standards and process parameter optimization.
  

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT:

Internal

Collaborate with Marketing, Supply Chain, Development, Production, and Project teams to ensure successful implementation of new products and technologies.

External

Engage with external partners to source advanced process technologies and integrate them into final design scopes.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion 

Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life! 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.