Product Technologist Review

I am a product developer for Unilever.
Varies day-to-day, about 60% lab based (making up samples, spending time in the pilot plant), and then 40% in the office (product life-cycle management, emails, meetings, paperwork).
Meetings include one-to-ones with managers, catch-ups with people on projects, learnings from other projects with wider team, team updates etc.

There is plenty of opportunities for ownership - for example, in my projects, I’m usually responsible for the actual product development, where the project lead/manager is communicating with stakeholders and giving precise details for improvement.

- Structuring a 9-5 day, waking up and winding down.
- Technical knowledge about the specific product.
- Email etiquette
- Creating good first impressions
- Clear, concise communications
- Data collation and analysis
- Confidence improved
- Conducting sensory analysis
- Ingredient assessment
- Training has been second to none. I doubt there are many people outside of my team with a greater knowledge of the product. Within my first two weeks, I had an introduction to the managers/experts.

Completely depends person to person. Some colleagues are superb and checking in, and Unilever generally has a very strong teamwork environment. The pressures and high stresses that come with FMCG means that sometimes, people don’t have time for you, and despite asking for help, you don’t always receive it.
I expect this is common in other large companies.

Generally very good. Unilever is a great place to work, there are on site societies, clubs, and plenty of weekend meet-ups/nights out, which caters for sober people as well!

I have really enjoyed my time. I get to work on an instantly recognisable brand that I have loved for so many years, so to ‘own’ my own formulations and know that consumers will buy them is really satisfying. I’ve met so many great people, both professionally and personally, because there is an inclusive environment

Yes