R&D UFLP Review
at Unilever
Graduate Scheme
Consumer Products/FMCG, Marketing, Science
Port Sunlight
Review Submitted: October 2025
Overall Rating
4 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of the Role
3.8/5
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Experience & Company Culture
5/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at Unilever?
I have overall had a very positive experience at Unilever. Every team I have joined has been filled with friendly people who are happy to help out a new starter. I was given real responsibility early on
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
I have completed 3 rotations so far
1) Technical Project Leader - Ice Cream EU. Main responsibilites: take ownership of all R&D tasks in product development of innovations and renovations for European market. I enjoyed most, connecting with a cross functional team and seeing a product I have developed on the shelves and being enjoyed by consumers.
2) Workstream lead - Science and Technology. This was a research heavy role focussing on the long term development pipeline of hair conditioners. In this role I enjoyed working with real scientific experts, the opportunity to get away from the desk and into the lab. And my first experience of planning work for a team and helping in their personal development
3) Packaging Developer - lead innovation projects from a packaging pov, work on efficiency and sustainability projects. I enjoyed about this role, seeing designs go from a drawing to real life, gaining an understanding of risks and mitigation. Building relationships with suppliers.
1) Technical Project Leader - Ice Cream EU. Main responsibilites: take ownership of all R&D tasks in product development of innovations and renovations for European market. I enjoyed most, connecting with a cross functional team and seeing a product I have developed on the shelves and being enjoyed by consumers.
2) Workstream lead - Science and Technology. This was a research heavy role focussing on the long term development pipeline of hair conditioners. In this role I enjoyed working with real scientific experts, the opportunity to get away from the desk and into the lab. And my first experience of planning work for a team and helping in their personal development
3) Packaging Developer - lead innovation projects from a packaging pov, work on efficiency and sustainability projects. I enjoyed about this role, seeing designs go from a drawing to real life, gaining an understanding of risks and mitigation. Building relationships with suppliers.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
4/5
The tasks and responsibilities I have been given have always had real business relevance and gave opportunities to feedback to senior stakeholders
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
4/5
Well compensated when compared to the market, very good pension package.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
4/5
Gaining a breadth of experience across the business which is a very unique opportunity. Developing skills whilst building a network
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
4/5
less formal training more on the job training but this is suited to the role.
Good feedback between rotations allows for areas to be developed on.
Transitioning to a new learning platform has reduced some opportunities for self-directed learning
Good feedback between rotations allows for areas to be developed on.
Transitioning to a new learning platform has reduced some opportunities for self-directed learning
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
4/5
HR was excellent for the first year but has started to drop off
My mentors have been very engaged and helpful in personal and professional development as well as using their network to help me build connections
Line managers have varied per role 2/3 have been excellent with support, guidance and asking for feedback. 1/3 was less engaged
My mentors have been very engaged and helpful in personal and professional development as well as using their network to help me build connections
Line managers have varied per role 2/3 have been excellent with support, guidance and asking for feedback. 1/3 was less engaged
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
I am able to balance life and work very well and not take the job home.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
4/5
very positive and welcoming atmosphere
slightly harder to get to know a new team when there is remote working
slightly harder to get to know a new team when there is remote working
How would you rate Unilever initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
3/5
ED&I is talked a lot about in the organisation but there is something left to be desired in the way this is put into practice.
As an organisation we are not the most diverse
I think physically accessibility is taken very seriously but this should also be applied to neurodiversity
As an organisation we are not the most diverse
I think physically accessibility is taken very seriously but this should also be applied to neurodiversity
How would you rate Unilever CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
3/5
most teams volunteer every year which is good
sustainability commitments are published externally but have ben slightly watered down in recent years
individuals within the business are very committed to these causes but impact will come from the top down
sustainability commitments are published externally but have ben slightly watered down in recent years
individuals within the business are very committed to these causes but impact will come from the top down
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Unilever to a friend?
Yes
Why?
the people and culture make the organisation
good opportunities and benefits
good opportunities and benefits
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
pretty much exactly what I expected
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Unilever?
research the business, brands, and products and the details which are relevant to the function you are applying to.
think about how to approach group tasks
think about how to approach group tasks
Human Resource Graduate Scheme (Unilever Future Leaders Programme)
at Unilever
- Graduate Scheme
- Liverpool
-
3.6
