Sustainability Industrial Placement - UK & Ireland

About Unilever

Unilever stands as a global leader in Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, and Food products, with operations spanning over 190 countries and reaching 3.4 billion consumers daily. Established in 1929 in Port Sunlight by Lord Lever, it boasts over 400 brand names including Dove, TRESemmé, Lynx, Hellman’s, Persil, and more. The company’s mission is to deliver outstanding market performance with influential brands while promoting a world where everyone can live well sustainably through its purpose: ‘Brightening Everyday Life For All’.

Role Overview

The Sustainability Industrial Placement (IP) offers an opportunity to be central in shaping Unilever’s reputation as a pioneer in sustainable business practices. The placement involves contributing to sustainability strategy, managing milestone events advocating systemic change, and honing skills in advocacy, stakeholder management, innovation, research, and strategic communication within a dynamic, externally-oriented setting. Collaboration spans Communications, Corporate Affairs, Supply Chain, and various sustainability teams across business units.

Functional Pillars

The function encompasses Communications, Corporate Affairs, and Sustainability pillars. The Sustainability Pillar specifically focuses on:

• Developing and driving the overarching Sustainability Strategy
• Leading Global Advocacy, Partnerships, Platforms, and Stakeholder Engagements
• Managing sustainability initiatives that intersect multiple business areas

Typical Responsibilities

• Collect and summarize insights from external policies, events, and reports relevant to sustainability agendas to guide decision-making
• Support senior leadership with advocacy materials and event coordination that promote systemic change aligned with business growth and operational licenses
• Create reports, author articles for the company website, and clarify complex sustainability topics through compelling communication
• Assist in organizing key milestones like the World Economic Forum, United Nations General Assembly, and COP events
• Provide support for team management and organization

Possible Placement Areas

• Plastics team
• Strategy and Governance team
• Social and Human Rights team
• Nature team
• Climate team

Desired Attributes

• A proactive learner with initiative and creativity, detail-oriented and energetic, and effective team collaboration skills
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced environment with flexibility and readiness to support team needs
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Excellent multitasking ability with keen attention to detail
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint)
• Open-mindedness with flexibility and inventive thinking

Programme Details

• Work location: Hybrid with at least 3 days weekly onsite at the Kingston office
• Application window: Starts Monday 14 September 2026, with rolling deadlines encouraging early applications
• Start date: June 2027

Application Process

The selection journey involves multiple stages, each contingent on the success of the previous:

• Online application and interactive IP simulation incorporating situational judgment tests
• Numerical and verbal reasoning assessments
• Video interview
• Virtual half-day discovery centre with business challenges and interviews
• In-person half-day discovery centre at a Unilever office featuring leadership interactions and function-oriented challenges

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary of £27,898
• End of placement bonus
• Discounted gym memberships, subject to site availability
• Access to discounted staff shops
• Flexible working arrangements combining in-office and remote work
• 28 days holiday pro rata including bank holidays, increasing to 33 days after 12 weeks under specific regulations
• Opportunities to join career development teams (Outreach, Digi, Community & Wellbeing, etc.) for skill growth and meaningful contribution
• Support from a dedicated buddy and experienced line manager throughout placement

Diversity and Inclusion

Unilever embraces a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, offering equal consideration to all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics. The company promotes well-being with various support programmes and inclusive workplace initiatives designed to empower all employees.

Support and Accessibility

• Provision of dedicated buddy for onboarding and business familiarization
• An experienced manager for guidance and development
• Connections with graduate employees sharing insights and success tips
• Accessibility accommodations available upon request, including extended time for assessments and other assistive tools

Recruitment Security

Unilever warns candidates to be alert to recruitment fraud involving fake job adverts or communications asking for payments. The company actively monitors and removes fraudulent sites and advises candidates to report suspicious activities. Unilever disclaims any liability for financial loss due to fraud and encourages vigilance.