Job Description
Our Unilever Industrial Placement (IP) Programme is designed for students who are completing a year in industry as part of their degree studies. In the UK, our IP programme is a 12-month development scheme, for which we recruit top-performing undergraduate talent, with fresh ideas who are eager to gain exposure to real-world challenges. All new joiners are given real responsibility from day one and have an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the business. Alongside this, they receive one-to-one mentoring and support to aid their development and help them achieve their goals. These programmes provide a variety of experiences, enabling individuals to learn, grow, develop personally and professionally, build confidence and gain a comprehensive understanding of the business. As we receive a high volume of applications, please make sure to read the job descriptions on our website carefully and apply for the ONE function you are most interested in. Only your first application will be considered What do we look for? In R&D, we require a strong technical qualification in a Chemical, Biological or Physical sciences. We also accept Data Science, Chemical/Material and Engineering-related disciplines. You will grasp the importance of commercial success and be passionate about making an impact, contributing towards a more sustainable brighter future through exciting and forward-thinking innovations. With a strong performance culture, challenging goals, and continuous feedback, we will help you to achieve your potential. You will thrive by gaining exposure to real business challenges where your energy and fresh thinking will have an impact. First-hand experience- it’s the fastest way to learn. Students must have completed the penultimate year of their undergraduate degree by the time they start their placement and be returning to study after their placement. What could your day-to-day role include (depending on your role)? You’ll be undertaking research to gain insight into what consumers want and need and developing the technology and science to bring new innovations to life. You’ll be helping to make our brands even healthier, more appealing, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly – improving our products in any way possible. Our people have the opportunity to make a big impact every day on a local level, across Europe and the globe. Some of the R&D areas that you could be allocated to working in include: Technical Project Lead in any of our Business Group teams Consumer Technical Insights Science & Technology Skills required include: Technical Communication Agile Delivery Data Analytics Organisational Awareness Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint) Please note, that at Unilever, we have development programmes, the skills above are skills that would be good to have at the beginning however you will develop them over the course of the 12 months. Programme details Location: Hybrid working with a minimum of 3 days required weekly either at the Port Sunlight (Wirral) or Leeds office – depending on where you are based. Applications open: Monday 12 October 2026 Applications close: This is a rolling deadline, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment in case applications close early. Start date: June 2027 Industrial Placement (IP) Application Process Please note: you will only progress to the next stage if you are successful in the previous stage. Stage 1 – Online Application & IP Simulation Complete an online application form before completing our interactive IP simulation, designed to give you insight into our organisation and the programme you’re applying for. This will prepare you for a series of situational judgement questions based on realistic business scenarios. Stage 2 – Online Assessments Complete a numerical reasoning assessment, an online test that measures your ability to interpret and draw conclusions from numerical data and verbal Reasoning assessment an online test that measures your ability to understand and evaluate written information. Stage 3 – Digital Interview Complete a video interview. Stage 4 – Virtual Discovery Centre Attend a virtual discovery centre alongside fellow candidates. This will include immersive business challenges and interviews. Stage 5 – In-Person Discovery Centre Invited to attend an in-person half-day discovery centre alongside fellow candidates. This will give you the opportunity to visit a Unilever office, meet and interview with business leaders, and work on function-related business challenges. What Can Unilever offer YOU? A competitive Salary of £27,898.00 Subsidised Gym Memberships - availability varies by site End of Placement Bonus Discounted Staff Shop Opportunity to work directly with our renowned and exciting brands in a flexible and hybrid working environment. 28 days (pro rata) of holiday inclusive of bank holidays. Once you have completed 12 worked weeks, under the Agency Workers Regulation your holid