JOB PURPOSE
Face care represents a significant segment in Unilever Beauty & Wellbeing business with new growth opportunities. Pond’s is leading face care brand and one of Unilever top 30 power brands. It has undergone a major transformation globally over the last 2 years - to be a premium, science-led, timeless face care brand.
This position plays an important role in both Face Care R&D and Pond’s brand global design. It is responsible for driving innovation OTIF, developing the technology pipeline, and enhancing formula design capabilities. The role works closely with cross-functional skincare and Pond’s teams to ensure a smooth SASSY transition and support sustainable business growth.
The ideal candidate demonstrates product design expertise, influential leadership, cross‑functional and cross‑regional team collaboration. Meawhile, she/he embodys Unilever Behaviors – Focus on what counts, Stay three steps ahead, Care deeply and Execute with Excellence.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Innovation & Activity Delivery:
Lead Ponds global innovation OTIF for key platforms with differentiated formulations and sensorial experiences, compelling packaging and claims.
Drive social-first communication and activation, promoting science-driven content and demonstration.
Drive Ponds Expertise and Authority program, co-developing with brand team to build Pond’s Skin Institute as a trusted source of credibility and authority
2. Face Care Design Leadership
Develop technology and capability roadmap be compliance with face care category strategy and leading brand growth ambitions.
Partner with cross-functional R&D teams to elevate face care formulation desirability.
3. Collaboration & Influence
Partner with Marketing, Supply Chain and BU teams for seamless delivery.
Drive face care beauty ECO system development with strategic external partners globally.
4. People & Capability Development:
Build and mentor high-performing face care design teams.
Foster a culture of creativity, agility and scientific excellence.
Drive the digital transformation in face care formula design stream, including data management, modeling, and predictive capability development.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Advanced degree in Chemistry, Biology, Cosmetic Science, or related field.
6+ years in R&D leadership roles within Beauty & Wellbeing or similar industries.
Expertise in skin formulation science, claims development and regulatory compliance.
Experience managing internal stakeholders and external partnerships.
Demonstrated people management and team development capability
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience working with global brands.
Strong understanding of consumer experience design and product sensorially.
Familiarity with digital formulation platforms, data analytics tools, or modeling.
