Assistant Procurement Manager-homecare Innovations Job in Unilever

Job Title: Assistant Procurement Manager - Homecare Innovations

Department: Procurement

Profession: Supply Chain

Work Location: Mumbai, India

Reporting Manager: Procurement Lead Homecare, South Asia

About Unilever

Unilever is a global company that serves 3.4 billion people across over 190 countries with a diverse range of products. We strive to create brands that improve lives, both for our consumers and the communities we operate in. Our purpose is to brighten everyday life for all, and we work with a deep sense of purpose, collaborating in an environment that supports diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

About Procurement

Procurement at Unilever is integral to the supply chain, overseeing material and service spend of over 30 billion euros globally, with over 60,000 suppliers. Our role is to bring innovation to meet evolving consumer needs, ensuring responsible procurement practices while delivering financial value. With a focus on "Procurement with Purpose," we aim to purchase responsibly, buy better, and grow with our partners.

Main Job Purpose

The Assistant Procurement Manager for Homecare Innovations will manage the procurement side of innovations, focusing on product launches and relaunches within the Homecare (Laundry and Household Care) category. You will partner with internal stakeholders, including brand teams, R&D, Supply Chain, and Quality, as well as external suppliers to ensure timely, cost-effective innovation delivery. The role also involves driving savings and supporting the South Asia cost savings target.

Key Responsibilities

• Innovation Management: Lead procurement efforts for Homecare Innovations in India, attending and representing procurement in innovation network meetings. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to gather inputs for costing, trials, and launches.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work with suppliers, R&D, global buyers, and other stakeholders to drive the innovation agenda. Ensure connectivity for material trials and product launches.
• Supplier Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring strategic alignment for innovation, savings, and sustainability goals.
• Forecasting & Business Case Support: Provide material price forecasting to support business case preparation and assist in launching new products.
• Cross-functional Coordination: Collaborate with various departments such as Brand, R&D, Finance, and Procurement for innovation (re)launches and product renovations.
• Strategic Updates: Present regular updates to internal stakeholders and flag any issues or concerns regarding innovation processes or suppliers.
• Supplier Development: Interact with suppliers to develop innovative solutions aligned with Unilever s clean future agenda and ongoing savings initiatives.
• Project Management: Effectively manage and track innovation projects, holding stakeholders accountable for their roles and ensuring timelines and budgets are adhered to.

Challenges

• Building Effective Relationships: Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with a wide range of internal stakeholders (Brand, Procurement, R&D, Finance, etc.) and external suppliers.
• Cross-functional Coordination: Navigating different organizational and cultural boundaries to manage diverse project needs without direct hierarchical control.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Educational Background: Minimum a science graduate with 5+ years of experience in product/process development, innovation network management, or procurement within the FMCG sector.
• Relevant Expertise: Experience in Product/Process Innovation, Supply Chain, or Technology Deployment.
• Project Management: Strong project management skills with the ability to drive initiatives forward and meet deadlines.
• Stakeholder Management: Ability to manage a diverse set of internal and external stakeholders, especially suppliers.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Strong ability to analyze situations and create actionable solutions to meet business needs.
• Excel & PowerPoint Proficiency: Advanced skills in Excel and PowerPoint for reporting and presentations.
• Influencing Skills: Excellent communication and influencing skills to drive decision-making and change.

Experience Requirements

• 5+ years of relevant work experience in Product/Process or Technology development, Supply Chain/Network management, or a similar role within FMCG.
• Exposure to Homecare formulations/raw materials is preferred.
• Travel: Limited travel (~25%).

Internal & External Contacts

• Internal: Procurement teams (Global & Local), Brand teams, R&D, SUIT, Finance, Quality, SEAC
• External: Suppliers (New & Existing), Procurement/Market Intelligence agencies

Reporting Structure

Procurement Director South Asia Sr. Procurement Manager - Chemicals HC Assistant Procurement Manager - HC Innovations

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to apply, and we commit to creating a workplace that is inclusive, supportive, and fair. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other basis protected by applicable law.