Innovation Foresight, Design and Beauty Academy Director

Unilever

Jan 22

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Expert Level
Design
Product
London

Requirements

Strong expertise in identifying market opportunities and developing innovation strategy and crafting disruptive concepts that can transform the market.
Experience leading strategic trends and foresight projects.
Experienced in agile practices and willingness to foster a non-hierarchical structure.
Proven track-record in leading multidisciplinary teams with experience aligning different stakeholders across functions, global and local and acting as a strategic partner to brand teams.
Working knowledge of end-to-end product development.
Experience in working in both global and local roles.
Understanding of the beauty market and/or lifestyle brands is a plus.
Experience in the premium or luxury segment of the beauty market with strong experience working on Prestige brands.
Experience in developing and deploying marketing capability programmes.
Experience in planning, organising and executing successful large events e.g. conferences, trade shows, corporate meetings or large social gatherings.
A Beauty Crafter who is comfortable in both the R&D world, science & technology savvy, and at empathetic to the consumer. Able to think expansively and holistically about the functional and the emotional and translate this into a compelling story.
Ability to readily translate an aesthetic vison, breaking it down into clear beauty codes, who speaks the language of beauty and design and can articulate that forward in mix development.
Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to articulate creative concepts and rationale to internal stakeholders.
Strategic thinker, analytical with a future-oriented mindset who cannot just identify and codify trends but can apply them for the benefit of innovation and our brands.
Go-getting entrepreneur with an obsession for growth and finding new opportunities.
Meticulous attention to detail in execution and design aesthetics.
Collaborative approach able to bring disparate groups of people together to create a unique team to innovate successfully.
Strong people leadership and talent development, able to inspire a team and coach individuals to reach their potential.
Curiosity and a passion for learning and building capability in others.
Resilient with the ability to manage uncertainty and volatility.
Excellent financials and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

Lead the Foresight, Design and Beauty Academy team, building an inclusive, diverse culture and a high-performing team.
In collaboration with the B&W Prospective Innovation and Sustainability Marketing Director, act as the strategic partner to the global hair and skin brand leads across trends, innovation and design. You will be responsible for developing the innovation strategy across our hair and skin brands and then executing that strategy as a series of workshops in partnership with the brand team to tangibly land this in the business.
Develop detailed strategic packaging briefs in partnership with the brand leads and oversee the refinement of packaging prototypes while maintaining design standards throughout the development process.
Foster strategic partnerships internally and externally to create a design ecosystem driving growth and agility at scale. You will be the bridge between global marketing and R&D collaborating with S&T and Packaging.
Lead the creation of Beauty & Wellbeing innovation and design trends (e.g. Macro Spaces, Pitch Beauty Futures and any other new strategic trends workstreams) delivering long and short-term foresight helping brands to translate them into leading edge and tangible consumer-focused strategies, innovation, and experiences.
Utilise macro space trends to identify market development opportunities across the B&W portfolio. Work with the B&W Prospective Innovation and Sustainability Marketing Director to prioritise initiatives based on alignment with business strategy and the value generated for current and future users.
Partner with the B&W Prestige brands to cascade Macro Space trends and lead innovation workshops to translate these trends into tangible ideas in the innovation pipeline.
Drive consumer-centric innovation, understanding the consumer problem to solve, the desired consumer experience, and ideal product/pack to create a superior mix.
Lead the development and global deployment of the Beauty Academy capability programme to transform, at scale, B&W capabilities and expertise in Beauty to become a true industry challenger.
Work with HR team to measure the uptake and impact of all training against priority metrics.
Develop a partner network to find industry experts and best practise agencies to develop leading-edge capability content and participate as experts in co-creation workshops.
Oversee budget compliance and allocation for direct reports with the PISD team.
Act as site leader for Pitch London and/or future B&W collaboration spaces and manage the day-to-day operations of the building.

FAQs

What is the location for the Innovation Foresight, Design & Beauty Academy Director position?

The location for this position is London.

What is the main responsibility of the Innovation Foresight, Design & Beauty Academy Director?

The main responsibility is to define and implement the department's vision and strategy for driving profitable, sustainable, and desirable beauty at scale.

Will this role involve leading a team?

Yes, this role involves managing the Foresight, Design & Beauty Academy Team.

Is experience in the beauty market required for this position?

While it is a plus, it is not strictly required. However, an understanding of the beauty market and/or lifestyle brands will be beneficial.

Are there opportunities for flexible working arrangements?

Yes, the company is open to discussing possible flexible working options for this role.

What is the Beauty Academy associated with this role?

The Beauty Academy is a global capability program aimed at transforming the Beauty & Wellbeing capabilities and expertise to become a true industry challenger.

What type of events will the director be involved in organizing?

The director will play a key role in shaping the annual "InnoProf," an exclusive event showcasing breakthrough ideas and innovations from key strategic partners.

What qualifications or experience is required for the role?

The ideal candidate should have strong expertise in identifying market opportunities, leading strategic trends, and experience in both global and local roles in the beauty or lifestyle sectors.

Are there opportunities for career development within the company?

Yes, Unilever offers a variety of development opportunities, aiming to create a family-friendly and inclusive workplace.

What support does Unilever provide for employees' wellbeing?

Unilever advocates for wellbeing through various support programs, hubs, and development opportunities aimed at creating possibilities for all employees.

Unilever

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Be part of the world’s most successful, purpose-led business. Work with brands that are well-loved around the world, that improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We promote innovation, big and small, to make our business win and grow; and we believe in business as a force for good. Unleash your curiosity, challenge ideas and disrupt processes; use your energy to make this happen. Our brilliant business leaders and colleagues provide mentorship and inspiration, so you can be at your best. Our portfolio ranges from nutritionally balanced foods to indulgent ice creams, affordable soaps, luxurious shampoos and everyday household care products. We produce world-leading brands including Lipton, Knorr, Dove, Axe, Hellmann’s and Omo, alongside trusted local names and innovative-forward thinking brands like Ben & Jerry’s, The Dollar Shave Club and Dermalogica. Every individual here can bring their purpose to life through their work. Join us and you’ll be surrounded by inspiring leaders and supportive peers. Among them, you’ll channel your purpose, bring fresh ideas to the table, and simply be you. As you work to make a real impact on the business and the world, we’ll work to help you become a better you.