Location: Trumbull, CT
Terms & Conditions: Full time, International assignment is not available for this role and relocation for local and international candidates is not provided
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. We 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 collaborative and flexible working environment. Our organizational ambition centres around creating workplaces that foster equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging across all aspects of our business. 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.
WHO ARE WE?
We are the Global Wellbeing team focused on one of Unilever’s largest growth opportunities – the €140bn Wellbeing space defined by Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements (VMS).
OUR BUSINESS:
Unilever’s Wellbeing Collective Group (WBC) holds the company’s health and wellness brands and the portfolio of brands that includes Equilibra (Italy) and US acquired brands Olly, Liquid IV, Nutrafol, SmartyPants, Welly and Onnit. Each brand is completely unique and focused on giving consumers superior experiences within their respective spaces and target segments. We are committed to continuing to grow this strategic business for Unilever by leveraging the full strength of Unilever’s capabilities and expanding the reach of our portfolio internationally. We work in an agile, fast-moving environment, collaboratively within the team and with our Unilever colleagues around the world. We work in a project-based, networked way where everyone needs to be able to take a step back and think strategically, as well as roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty, to be entrepreneurial and experiment, as well as bring in the best of Unilever and work the structures of a large company, and to take charge and lead, as well as follow and support others.
WHO ARE WE?
We are the Global Wellbeing team focused on one of Unilever’s largest growth opportunities – the €140bn Wellbeing space defined by Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements (VMS).
OUR BUSINESS:
Unilever’s Wellbeing Collective Group (WBC) holds the company’s health and wellness brands and the portfolio of brands that includes Equilibra (Italy) and US acquired brands Olly, Liquid IV, Nutrafol, SmartyPants, Welly and Onnit. Each brand is completely unique and focused on giving consumers superior experiences within their respective spaces and target segments. We are committed to continuing to grow this strategic business for Unilever by leveraging the full strength of Unilever’s capabilities and expanding the reach of our portfolio internationally. We work in an agile, fast-moving environment, collaboratively within the team and with our Unilever colleagues around the world. We work in a project-based, networked way where everyone needs to be able to take a step back and think strategically, as well as roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty, to be entrepreneurial and experiment, as well as bring in the best of Unilever and work the structures of a large company, and to take charge and lead, as well as follow and support others.
JOB PURPOSE:
The Horizon 3 Technology Manager will lead the identification, development, and deployment of breakthrough technologies and disruptive innovations across all Wellbeing Collective brands. Based out of Trumbull, USA, this strategic role focuses on leveraging both external and internal innovation opportunities, rigorously assessing them for future pipeline fitment and transformational impact. The incumbent will drive cross-functional collaboration, external partnerships, and technology scouting to ensure the Wellbeing Collective remains at the forefront of global innovation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead Horizon 2/3 technology strategy and execution across Wellbeing Collective brands.
- Identify, incubate, and assess emerging technologies and innovations for future pipeline integration.
- Build and manage a pipeline of transformational projects from ideation to scale-up.
- Develop new products and improve formulations through science-led innovation.
- Optimize and validate formulations to ensure quality, scalability, and regulatory compliance.
- Design and execute experiments to evaluate ingredients, formats, and delivery systems; translate insights into decisions.
- Establish technologies and processes for lab- and pilot-scale development to enable commercialization.
- Define and manage specifications across formulation, process, packaging, and quality systems.
- Troubleshoot technical and manufacturing challenges to ensure robust product performance.
- Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory, and legal requirements.
- Apply analytical techniques to characterize product attributes and meet quality benchmarks.
- Support shelf-life and stability programs; drive improvements to enhance product longevity.
- Collaborate cross-functionally (Packaging, CMI, Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory, Brand) to deliver innovation.
- Build strong internal and external networks, including partnerships with research organizations, startups, and academia.
- Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory developments.
- Ensure governance, risk management, safety, and environmental compliance in all activities.
- Maintain accurate R&D documentation, including formulations, data, and SOPs.
- Uphold safety, quality, and environmental standards across lab and manufacturing environments.
- Anticipate and mitigate technical, regulatory, and competitive risks.
- Communicate progress, insights, and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s or PhD in Science, Engineering, Technology Management, or related discipline.
- Minimum 8+ years’ experience in technology innovation, R&D leadership, or product development (preferably in consumer health, dietary supplements, or wellness industries).
- Proven track record of delivering transformational innovation and managing complex, cross-functional projects.
- Strong expertise in technology scouting, open innovation, and strategic partnerships.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience working with external partners, contractors, and global teams.
- Deep understanding of emerging technology trends, regulatory environments, and consumer needs.
- Proficiency in technology management tools and platforms.