Design Manager

Location: Trumbull, CT

Terms & Conditions: Full time, International assignment is not available for this role and relocation for local and international candidates is not provided

ABOUT UNILEVER:  

With 3.4 billion people in over 190 countries using our products every day, Unilever is a business that makes a real impact on the world. We work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We are driven by our purpose: to make sustainable living commonplace, and it is our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance. At the heart of what we do is our people – we believe that when our people work with purpose, we will create a better business and a better world.   

At Unilever, your career will be a unique journey, grounded in our collaborative and flexible working environment. Our organizational ambition centres around creating workplaces that foster equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging across all aspects of our business. We don’t believe in the ‘one size fits all’ approach and instead we will equip you with the tools you need to shape your own future.  

WHO ARE WE?  

We are the Global Wellbeing team focused on one of Unilever’s largest growth opportunities – the €140bn Wellbeing space defined by Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements (VMS).  

OUR BUSINESS: 

Unilever’s Wellbeing Collective Group (WBC) holds the company’s health and wellness brands and the portfolio of brands that includes Equilibra (Italy) and US acquired brands Olly, Liquid IV, Nutrafol, SmartyPants, Welly and Onnit. Each brand is completely unique and focused on giving consumers superior experiences within their respective spaces and target segments.  We are committed to continuing to grow this strategic business for Unilever by leveraging the full strength of Unilever’s capabilities and expanding the reach of our portfolio internationally. We work in an agile, fast-moving environment, collaboratively within the team and with our Unilever colleagues around the world. We work in a project-based, networked way where everyone needs to be able to take a step back and think strategically, as well as roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty, to be entrepreneurial and experiment, as well as bring in the best of Unilever and work the structures of a large company, and to take charge and lead, as well as follow and support others.  

JOB PURPOSE:

The Horizon 3 Technology Manager will lead the identification, development, and deployment of breakthrough technologies and disruptive innovations across all Wellbeing Collective brands. Based out of Englewood Cliffs, USA, this strategic role focuses on leveraging both external and internal innovation opportunities, rigorously assessing them for future pipeline fitment and transformational impact. The incumbent will drive cross-functional collaboration, external partnerships, and technology scouting to ensure the Wellbeing Collective remains at the forefront of global innovation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead strategic planning and execution of Horizon 3 technology initiatives across all Wellbeing Collective brands.
• Identify, evaluate, and incubate emerging technologies, platforms, and scientific advancements with potential for disruptive impact.
• Utilize external and internal innovation opportunities, rigorously assessing them for fitment into the future innovation pipeline.
• Build and manage a pipeline of transformational innovation projects, from ideation through proof-of-concept and scale-up.
• Develop and nurture partnerships with external research organizations, startups, universities, and technology providers.
• Oversee cross-functional teams to deliver on ambitious technology roadmaps and ensure alignment with global business strategy.
• Champion a culture of innovation, experimentation, and agility within the R&D and broader organization.
• Ensure robust governance, risk management, and compliance for all technology development activities.
• Communicate progress, challenges, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Support international expansion and adaptation of technology solutions for diverse markets.
• Represent the Wellbeing Collective at industry forums, conferences, and innovation networks.
• Domestic and international travel required for partnership development, technology scouting, and project oversight.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s or PhD in Science, Engineering, Technology Management, or related discipline.
• Minimum 8+ years’ experience in technology innovation, R&D leadership, or product development (preferably in consumer health, dietary supplements, or wellness industries).
• Proven track record of delivering transformational innovation and managing complex, cross-functional projects.
• Strong expertise in technology scouting, open innovation, and strategic partnerships.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working with external partners, contractors, and global teams.
• Deep understanding of emerging technology trends, regulatory environments, and consumer needs.
• Proficiency in technology management tools and platforms.