Process Engineer

Please Note: The deadline for applying is 23.59 the day before the job posting end date.

Job Title: Process Engineer

Location: Port Sunlight Research Lab, Europe 

Reports to: B&W EU Processing Manager 

Function: R&D – Process Development Engineering 

JOB PURPOSE

This position is responsible for supporting the development and scale-up of innovative product and process solutions by operating and enhancing pilot plant facilities within the AMC. The role requires a hands-on approach to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality batch manufacturing, while actively promoting continuous improvement and technical excellence. Key responsibilities include overseeing plant custodianship, maintaining cleanliness, preparedness, and compliance, and consistently producing robust and repeatable batches in the AMC pilot plant. Commitment to the long-term success of the AMC and its contribution to Unilever innovation is essential. Additionally, the role involves leading the pilot plant’s continuous improvement program with focus and discipline. 

Unilever Behaviors in Action 

1. Deliver with Excellence 

What you deliver: 

• Manufacture of robust, repeatable batches in the AMC pilot plant. 

• Accurate and complete SOPs for equipment and processes. 

• Timely and thorough documentation of trials and technical learnings. 

• Clear communication of faults, resolutions, and technical recommendations. 

•  Support for scale-up through well-executed trials and data capture. 

How you deliver it: 

• Operate equipment with rigour and precision, validating settings and outcomes. 

• Take ownership of plant custodianship, ensuring cleanliness, readiness, and compliance. 

• Collaborate with engineering, safety, and supply chain teams for smooth handovers. 

• Apply root cause analysis and continuous improvement tools to resolve issues. 

• Maintain high standards under pressure and learn from each trial. 

2. Think Three Steps Ahead 

What you deliver: 

• • Process setups that allow flexibility for different formulations or raw materials. 

• • Risk assessments that anticipate operational, safety, or scale-up challenges. 

• • Contingency plans for equipment downtime or material changes. 

• • Input into design spaces that support future adaptability. 

How you deliver it: 

• Proactively identify potential faults or bottlenecks in plant operations. 

• Engage early with stakeholders to flag constraints or improvement opportunities. 

• Log assumptions and risks in trial plans and reports. 

• Suggest upgrades or modifications to improve plant capability or reliability. 

• Use digital tool for data analysis (DMP,ELN, LIMs,iPROMPT, Copilot ) 

3. Care Deeply 

What you deliver: 

• Safe and sustainable operation of pilot plant equipment. 

• Inclusive SOPs and processes that consider operator experience and safety. 

• Support for trials that reflect consumer and environmental values. 

• Active participation in team knowledge sharing and problem-solving. 

How you deliver it: 

• Champion safety and speak up when something doesn’t feel right. 

• Support colleagues by sharing knowledge and helping unblock issues. 

• Take pride in the craft of process engineering and plant operation. 

• Care about the long-term success of the AMC and its role in Unilever innovation. 

• Manage AMC safety Audits for Eu RnD 

4. Focus on What Counts 

What you deliver: 

• Technical input that enables product launches and key R&D milestones. 

• Simplified, efficient processes that reduce waste and cost. 

• Data-led insights from trials that inform decisions. 

• A pilot plant that is operationally ready and fit for purpose. 

How you deliver it: 

• Priorities tasks that have the biggest impact on project delivery. 

• Communicate clearly and concisely with cross-functional teams. 

• Escalate and resolve faults quickly to minimize downtime. 

• Drive the pilot plant continuous improvement program with focus and discipline. 

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Degree qualified or equivalent, preferably in Chemical engineering, Process Engineering or similar
• At least 1 year relevant experience in processing development or operations
• Skilled and comfortable working in a digital environment
• A creative, logical and analytical mind to generate innovative design solutions to technical design problems.
• Ability to respond quickly to change in priorities
• You will need to be enthusiastic and self-motivated with good verbal and written communication skills. Able to communicate complex engineering and design principles to people at all levels of the business, across different functions.
• Willing to work Pilot plant operations where there will be an element of manual handling withing the role.

NOTES

About Unilever

Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Food, Home and Personal 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, Tresemme, Lynx, Lifebuoy, Shea Moisture, Persil, Domestos, Ben & Jerry’s, Magnum, Marmite, The Vegetarian Butcher, Graze and Pot Noodle.

Faced with the challenge of climate change and the need for human development, we want to move towards a world where everyone can live well and within the natural limits of the planet. That’s why our purpose is ‘to make sustainable living commonplace’ 

What We Offer

Not only do we offer a competitive salary and pension scheme, we also offer an annual bonus, subsidised gym membership, a discounted staff shop and shares. You’ll have the opportunity to work directly with our renowned and exciting brands in a flexible and hybrid working environment.

Whilst the role is advertised on a full-time basis, we would be happy to discuss possible flexible working options and what this may look like for you. We are a key advocate of wellbeing and offer a variety of support for our people including hubs, programmes and development opportunities. We strive to achieve a family-friendly and inclusive workplace and to, above all, create possibilities for all.

Diversity at Unilever is about inclusion, embracing differences, creating possibilities and growing together for better business performance. We embrace diversity in our workforce. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. We are also more than happy to provide reasonable adjustments during our application and interview process to enable you to be present your best self. To find out more, including about our Employee Resource Groups, please click here Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at Unilever | Unilever.

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