Assistant Manager - Technical Project Leader Review
at Unilever
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Research
Wirral, UK
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
5 /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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I work as an Assistant Technical Project Lead within Research & Development, supporting the delivery of innovation and renovation projects for home care products. My role involves coordinating technical activities across multiple functions to ensure projects are delivered on time, to the required quality, and in line with business objectives.
On a day-to-day basis, I manage project plans, track progress against key milestones, and support risk and issue management. I work closely with a wide range of stakeholders including formulation scientists, regulatory, claims, packaging, supply chain, procurement, and brand teams. A key part of my role is facilitating cross-functional meetings, capturing actions and decisions, and ensuring clear communication between global teams.
I am also responsible for coordinating technical data, supporting formulation development and testing activities, and ensuring documentation is accurate and up to date. This includes helping to manage change control, aligning technical deliverables with timelines, and supporting problem-solving when challenges arise during development.
Alongside my role, I am completing a Level 4 apprenticeship, which has helped me apply structured project management tools such as planning, risk management, stakeholder management, and continuous improvement directly into my day-to-day work. This combination of practical experience and formal learning has strengthened my confidence, organisation skills, and ability to manage complex projects in a professional environment.
On a day-to-day basis, I manage project plans, track progress against key milestones, and support risk and issue management. I work closely with a wide range of stakeholders including formulation scientists, regulatory, claims, packaging, supply chain, procurement, and brand teams. A key part of my role is facilitating cross-functional meetings, capturing actions and decisions, and ensuring clear communication between global teams.
I am also responsible for coordinating technical data, supporting formulation development and testing activities, and ensuring documentation is accurate and up to date. This includes helping to manage change control, aligning technical deliverables with timelines, and supporting problem-solving when challenges arise during development.
Alongside my role, I am completing a Level 4 apprenticeship, which has helped me apply structured project management tools such as planning, risk management, stakeholder management, and continuous improvement directly into my day-to-day work. This combination of practical experience and formal learning has strengthened my confidence, organisation skills, and ability to manage complex projects in a professional environment.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoyed my apprenticeship programme. It provided a strong balance between practical, on-the-job experience and structured learning, which helped me grow in confidence and capability within my role.
I valued being able to apply what I learned directly to real projects, as this made the programme feel relevant and impactful rather than purely academic. The programme helped me develop key skills such as organisation, communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving, all of which I used regularly in my day-to-day work.
While balancing work commitments alongside apprenticeship learning could be challenging at times, this was also one of the most rewarding aspects. It encouraged me to manage my time effectively, take ownership of my development, and build resilience. Overall, I found the programme motivating and fulfilling, and it played a significant role in my professional development.
I valued being able to apply what I learned directly to real projects, as this made the programme feel relevant and impactful rather than purely academic. The programme helped me develop key skills such as organisation, communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving, all of which I used regularly in my day-to-day work.
While balancing work commitments alongside apprenticeship learning could be challenging at times, this was also one of the most rewarding aspects. It encouraged me to manage my time effectively, take ownership of my development, and build resilience. Overall, I found the programme motivating and fulfilling, and it played a significant role in my professional development.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, I developed both new skills and strengthened existing ones throughout my apprenticeship programme, particularly in project management, stakeholder engagement, and communication.
One key area of development was project planning and organisation. I learned how to use structured project management tools such as project plans, risk and issue logs, and milestone tracking. For example, while supporting R&D innovation projects, I helped coordinate multiple technical activities across different functions. Applying these tools improved my ability to manage timelines, identify risks early, and ensure actions were followed through. This had a positive impact on project delivery, as work progressed more smoothly and with greater clarity for stakeholders.
I also significantly developed my stakeholder management and communication skills. I worked with cross‑functional teams including formulation, regulatory, claims, packaging, supply chain, and brand teams. Through regular project meetings and updates, I learned how to communicate clearly, tailor messages to different audiences, and handle differing priorities professionally. This helped improve collaboration and reduced misunderstandings, leading to more efficient decision‑making.
Another important skill I developed was problem‑solving and confidence in decision‑making. When technical or timeline challenges arose, I supported discussions to evaluate options, assess risks, and agree on practical solutions. Over time, I became more confident contributing ideas and taking ownership of actions rather than relying solely on guidance from others.
Overall, the skills gained through the programme had a clear positive impact on my performance. I became more organised, confident, and proactive in my role, and better equipped to manage complex tasks while balancing multiple responsibilities.
One key area of development was project planning and organisation. I learned how to use structured project management tools such as project plans, risk and issue logs, and milestone tracking. For example, while supporting R&D innovation projects, I helped coordinate multiple technical activities across different functions. Applying these tools improved my ability to manage timelines, identify risks early, and ensure actions were followed through. This had a positive impact on project delivery, as work progressed more smoothly and with greater clarity for stakeholders.
I also significantly developed my stakeholder management and communication skills. I worked with cross‑functional teams including formulation, regulatory, claims, packaging, supply chain, and brand teams. Through regular project meetings and updates, I learned how to communicate clearly, tailor messages to different audiences, and handle differing priorities professionally. This helped improve collaboration and reduced misunderstandings, leading to more efficient decision‑making.
Another important skill I developed was problem‑solving and confidence in decision‑making. When technical or timeline challenges arose, I supported discussions to evaluate options, assess risks, and agree on practical solutions. Over time, I became more confident contributing ideas and taking ownership of actions rather than relying solely on guidance from others.
Overall, the skills gained through the programme had a clear positive impact on my performance. I became more organised, confident, and proactive in my role, and better equipped to manage complex tasks while balancing multiple responsibilities.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme was well structured and organised, with learning delivered in manageable sections that supported steady progress. The content was stretching but achievable alongside normal work responsibilities.
Breaking the learning into smaller lessons helped improve understanding, particularly with more complex topics, and made it easier to apply learning in the workplace. Expectations were clearly set, which helped with planning and time management.
Overall, the structure of the programme supported effective learning while allowing flexibility, making it practical and sustainable alongside day‑to‑day work.
Breaking the learning into smaller lessons helped improve understanding, particularly with more complex topics, and made it easier to apply learning in the workplace. Expectations were clearly set, which helped with planning and time management.
Overall, the structure of the programme supported effective learning while allowing flexibility, making it practical and sustainable alongside day‑to‑day work.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I received an excellent level of support from my employer throughout the apprenticeship programme. From the start, there was a strong culture of encouragement, learning, and development, which helped me feel supported both professionally and personally.
My manager and wider team were very supportive, allowing time for apprenticeship learning alongside work commitments and encouraging me to apply new skills directly to real projects. Regular check‑ins, guidance, and constructive feedback helped me build confidence and continuously improve in my role.
There was also strong support in terms of access to resources, mentoring, and exposure to cross‑functional teams, which enhanced my learning experience. I felt trusted to take ownership of my work, while knowing that support was always available when needed.
Overall, the level of support I received played a key role in my development and success on the programme, and made my apprenticeship experience very positive and rewarding.
My manager and wider team were very supportive, allowing time for apprenticeship learning alongside work commitments and encouraging me to apply new skills directly to real projects. Regular check‑ins, guidance, and constructive feedback helped me build confidence and continuously improve in my role.
There was also strong support in terms of access to resources, mentoring, and exposure to cross‑functional teams, which enhanced my learning experience. I felt trusted to take ownership of my work, while knowing that support was always available when needed.
Overall, the level of support I received played a key role in my development and success on the programme, and made my apprenticeship experience very positive and rewarding.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I received a very high level of support from my training provider throughout the programme. The guidance was consistent, clear, and well structured, which helped me feel confident and supported while working towards my qualification.
Tutors and assessors were approachable and responsive, providing regular feedback and practical advice that helped me understand requirements and stay on track. Support sessions, reviews, and clear learning materials made complex topics easier to understand and apply to my role at work.
The training provider also helped me stay motivated and organised by setting clear expectations and offering reassurance during more challenging periods. Overall, the support I received played a key role in my successful progress on the programme and made the learning experience both positive and rewarding.
Tutors and assessors were approachable and responsive, providing regular feedback and practical advice that helped me understand requirements and stay on track. Support sessions, reviews, and clear learning materials made complex topics easier to understand and apply to my role at work.
The training provider also helped me stay motivated and organised by setting clear expectations and offering reassurance during more challenging periods. Overall, the support I received played a key role in my successful progress on the programme and made the learning experience both positive and rewarding.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
My qualification helped me significantly to perform better in my role. The learning was highly relevant and closely aligned to my day‑to‑day responsibilities, which meant I was able to apply new knowledge and skills immediately in the workplace.
Through the qualification, I gained a stronger understanding of structured project management, organisation, communication, and stakeholder management. This helped me approach my work in a more confident, organised, and proactive way. I was better equipped to manage tasks, support decision‑making, and contribute effectively to project planning and delivery.
The qualification also encouraged reflection and continuous improvement, helping me to identify areas for development and build on my strengths. Overall, it added clear value to my role by improving both my technical understanding and professional skills, and it had a very positive impact on my performance and confidence at work.
Through the qualification, I gained a stronger understanding of structured project management, organisation, communication, and stakeholder management. This helped me approach my work in a more confident, organised, and proactive way. I was better equipped to manage tasks, support decision‑making, and contribute effectively to project planning and delivery.
The qualification also encouraged reflection and continuous improvement, helping me to identify areas for development and build on my strengths. Overall, it added clear value to my role by improving both my technical understanding and professional skills, and it had a very positive impact on my performance and confidence at work.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes, there were plenty of extra‑curricular activities and opportunities to get involved alongside day‑to‑day work. These included social activities, professional networking opportunities, and events that encouraged collaboration beyond immediate project teams.
There was a strong focus on building connections across the organisation, which helped create a sense of community and belonging. Opportunities to engage socially and professionally allowed me to meet colleagues from different functions, broaden my network, and learn more about the wider business.
In addition to social activities, there were also opportunities to get involved in initiatives that supported learning, development, and collaboration, which complemented the apprenticeship experience well. Overall, these activities helped create a positive and inclusive working environment and enhanced my overall experience at work.
There was a strong focus on building connections across the organisation, which helped create a sense of community and belonging. Opportunities to engage socially and professionally allowed me to meet colleagues from different functions, broaden my network, and learn more about the wider business.
In addition to social activities, there were also opportunities to get involved in initiatives that supported learning, development, and collaboration, which complemented the apprenticeship experience well. Overall, these activities helped create a positive and inclusive working environment and enhanced my overall experience at work.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Unilever to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would strongly recommend Unilever to a friend because it provided a very supportive, inclusive, and development‑focused working environment. The organisation placed a strong emphasis on learning and personal growth, which made it an excellent place to build confidence and long‑term career skills.
During my time at Unilever, I felt encouraged to take ownership of my work while being supported by knowledgeable and approachable colleagues. There were many opportunities to work on meaningful projects, collaborate with diverse teams, and gain exposure to different areas of the business, which made the experience both rewarding and motivating.
Unilever also demonstrated a genuine commitment to developing early careers talent through structured training, flexible support, and a positive workplace culture. Overall, it offered a great balance of challenge, support, and development, making it a place I would happily recommend to others starting or progressing in their careers.
During my time at Unilever, I felt encouraged to take ownership of my work while being supported by knowledgeable and approachable colleagues. There were many opportunities to work on meaningful projects, collaborate with diverse teams, and gain exposure to different areas of the business, which made the experience both rewarding and motivating.
Unilever also demonstrated a genuine commitment to developing early careers talent through structured training, flexible support, and a positive workplace culture. Overall, it offered a great balance of challenge, support, and development, making it a place I would happily recommend to others starting or progressing in their careers.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Unilever?
I would recommend approaching the application process with an open and curious mindset, and being genuine about your interests, strengths, and willingness to learn. Unilever values people who are keen to develop, take initiative, and work collaboratively, so it helped to show enthusiasm for learning rather than feeling the need to know everything already.
I would also advise applicants to research the company values and purpose and think about how these align with their own motivations. Demonstrating an interest in the wider impact of the work, as well as the role itself, helped show commitment and engagement.
Finally, I would suggest making the most of opportunities if successful — asking questions, seeking feedback, and getting involved in different projects or activities. Being proactive and open to new experiences made the most of the learning opportunities and helped build confidence and professional skills over time.
I would also advise applicants to research the company values and purpose and think about how these align with their own motivations. Demonstrating an interest in the wider impact of the work, as well as the role itself, helped show commitment and engagement.
Finally, I would suggest making the most of opportunities if successful — asking questions, seeking feedback, and getting involved in different projects or activities. Being proactive and open to new experiences made the most of the learning opportunities and helped build confidence and professional skills over time.
