Research and Development (R&D) Graduate Programme - UK & Ireland

About Unilever

Unilever stands among the world's foremost providers of Food, Beauty and Wellbeing, Home, and Personal Care goods, operating in over 190 countries and reaching 3.4 billion consumers daily. Since its establishment in Port Sunlight, Wirral in 1929 by Lord Lever, Unilever has cultivated an extensive brand portfolio including Dove, TRESemmé, Lynx, Hellman’s, Persil, and more. Their objective is to achieve top-tier market performance with outstanding brands, while embodying a commitment to sustainability under the purpose of 'Brightening Everyday Life For All'.

Programme Overview

This three-year graduate scheme offers at least four varied placements aimed at fostering leadership development through engaging projects across Unilever's R&D functions. Participants will rotate across business sectors including Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, and Home Care, gaining practical expertise to prepare for future leadership roles.

Role and Responsibilities

In the R&D function, graduates will contribute to innovations in brands, products, packaging, manufacturing, and technology, influencing consumers worldwide. Daily tasks may involve technical project leadership, future formulation design, packaging innovation, gaining consumer technical insights, and collaborating with marketing or supply chain teams.

Candidate Profile

• Applicants with strong qualifications in Chemical, Biological, Physical, Data Science, Materials, or Engineering-related disciplines.
• Individuals who are highly motivated, authentic, ambitious, and eager to apply their technical knowledge in business contexts.
• Forward-thinking leaders passionate about sustainability and problem-solving in a collaborative and inclusive international environment.

Skills Developed

• Technical communication and critical thinking.
• Agile project delivery and data analytics.
• Organizational awareness and proficiency in digital tools like Microsoft Office Suite.

Support and Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of £35,000.
• Benefits package worth 25% of pensionable pay, pension scheme, annual bonus, employee share options, and discounted staff shop.
• Access to subsidized gym memberships depending on location.
• Relocation assistance via a £5,000 tax-free loan and 25 days holiday allowance.
• Dedicated mentors including a career sponsor, line manager for each rotation, and senior R&D leaders for career guidance.
• Personalized learning and development plans, opportunities to gain leadership experience beyond rotations, and inclusive workplace initiatives supporting diversity and well-being.

Working Arrangements

This role requires hybrid working with a minimum of three days per week onsite at Port Sunlight (Wirral) or Leeds offices, with approximately 10-25% travel depending on assignments.

Recruitment Process

1. Online application focused on one function.
2. Profile assessments covering personality and cognitive skills with feedback at each stage.
3. Digital interview with scenario-based questions reviewed by real assessors (no AI screening).
4. Discovery Centre involving project meetings, business challenges, team interactions and interviews.

Diversity and Inclusion

Unilever champions an inclusive culture embracing differences, with internal networks and communities supporting causes such as LGBTQ+ inclusion, empowerment, parental support, and disability access.

Candidate Support

• Adjustments available during recruitment for accessibility needs including extended times and assistive technologies.

Recruitment Fraud Awareness

Unilever warns candidates about fraudulent job adverts and scams posing as Unilever recruiters. Candidates should report suspicious activity and be cautious of fees or fake communications.

Application Timeline

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with an anticipated start date of September 2027. Early application is advised as openings may close ahead of schedule.