R&D Associate Manager US HUB Unilever Fragrance House

Job Title: R&D Associate Manager Unilever Fragrance House

Work Level: 1C

Location: Trumbull, CT

Want to change the world?

Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Beauty, Personal and Home Care products with sales in over 190 countries and reaching 2 billion consumers a day. Unilever has more than 400 brands found in homes around the world, including Dove, Sunsilk, Treseme, Persil, Comfort, Surf and Lynx. We want to move towards a connected world where everyone can live well and within the natural limits of the planet.

As one of the world’s largest users of Fragrances, we recognise that creating exceptional fragrances is at the heart of delivering extraordinary consumer experiences and driving desire at scale. Superior fragrances play a critical role in the delivery of unmissable superiority for Unilever. To support this, we have embarked on a fragrance transformation journey with expert inhouse fragrance teams, designing and formulating affordable winning fragrances for our Personal Care, Beauty & Wellbeing and Home Care Business Groups.

Job Scope:
We are seeking a passionate, independent, team-player and detail-oriented Associate Manager to join our Fragrance Development team in Trumbull. This role is critical in supporting the creation, evaluation, and optimization of fragrance applications across a wide range of product formats. The position holder will work closely with the fragrance compounder, perfumers, fragrance evaluators, formulators and the technical project lead to ensure on time and in full application of the UFH creations for development evaluations, consumer and technical studies and other relevant sample production for the Unilever Fragrance House program.

Main Responsibilities:
• Fragrance Application & Sample Preparation:
o Apply fragrance and prepare samples across multiple product formats from the different Unilever Business Groups:
 Personal Care: Body wash, bar soap, deodorant sticks, Deodorant Roll-ons, Deodorants Aerosol, Whole body deodorants, body mists and other innovative formats.
 Beauty and Wellbeing: Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Gel, Hair Spray, Mousse, Body Lotion, Hand Lotion, Melt-in barrier cream, hand butter, Dry Shampoo, hair mists and any other innovative formats.
 Home Care: Fabric softeners, laundry detergents (liquid), surface cleaners, dishwashing liquids and any other formats that the site can handle from safety and hygiene capabilities.
 Other Formats: Candles, any other innovative formats to support UFH Engagement Program.
o Ensure fragrance-base compatibility and stability.
• Technical Scope:
o Prepare all samples required for sensory evaluations and olfactive panels on time.
o Conduct basic stability and measurement science tests (e.g., pH, viscosity, color, appearance), as requested for each study.
o Conduct basic olfactive evaluations of samples.
o Plan and execute stability studies using the recommended Unilever protocol.
o Maintain accurate records of sample preparation, test results, and observations.
o Design and execute DoE studies for full formulation or RM and provide recommendations and conclusions to the rest of the UFH team.
• Lab Operations & Maintenance:
o Ensure lab equipment is calibrated and maintained.
o Manages the inventory of unfragranced bases, and consumables.
o Plan and execute the availability of base for projects in conjunction with the Technical project leader.
o Follow safety and quality protocols in all lab activities.
• Collaboration & Communication:
o Work cross-functionally with formulation teams, fragrance compounder, perfumer, fragrance evaluators and the Technical Project lead.
o Participate in project meetings and contribute to technical discussions.
o Communicates clearly and delivers with excellence.
o Prepares and presents studies reports including hypothesis and recommended next steps.
Key Accountabilities:
• Timely and accurate preparation of samples across all relevant formats, ensuring proper identification of the sample.
• Maintenance of high standards in lab safety, cleanliness, and documentation.
• Manages fragrance stability testing and reporting.
• Support for innovation and technical development initiatives.
Key Requirements:
• Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or related field preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years relevant experience in a lab technician or product development role, ideally in personal care, home care, or fragrance industry as an application specialist.
• Skills:
o Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Delivering with Excellence across the scope under their care.
o Seeks help as needed to prioritize and focus on what counts.
o Familiarity with lab equipment and basic analytical techniques.
o Ability to work independently and in a team environment. Holding themselves and the team with whom they interact accountable for high standard delivery (Cares deeply about the work and their colleagues)
o Good communication and documentation skills. Able to Stay 3 steps ahead anticipating obstacles and delays on the projects with a proactive attitude.
• Technical Knowledge:
o Understanding of fragrance behavior in different product bases.
o Ideally has worked in the fragrance industry and is able to evaluate fragrances and or compound.
o Basic knowledge of formulation principles and stability testing.
• Other:
o Passion for fragrance and sensory science.
o Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced innovation environment.

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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.
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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.