About the Company & Graduate Programme
Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, and Nutrition products, with a presence in over 190 countries. Our UK operations are at the heart of our global strategy, serving as a hub for innovation, sustainable packaging research, and digital supply chain evolution. By joining our Future Leaders Programme, you are entering a culture that values purpose-led growth and radical transparency. We believe that our early-career talent is the engine of our future success, and this intake is pivotal in driving our transition to a 'climate-positive' supply chain by 2030.
Our commitment to early careers is unmatched; we don't just offer a job, we offer a platform to reshape how multinational corporations operate. You will work within high-performing teams, tackling complex challenges ranging from procurement ethics to the implementation of AI-driven logistics platforms. We foster an environment of continuous learning where your unique perspective will influence how we manufacture, distribute, and sell our products in an increasingly digital and environmentally conscious marketplace.
What You'll Do & Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end supply chain projects, focusing on digitising warehouse management systems and optimising SKU efficiency.
- Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders in manufacturing, R&D, and Finance to drive sustainable sourcing initiatives across our UK portfolio.
- Utilize data analytics tools (SAP, PowerBI, and Tableau) to interpret complex logistics datasets and present actionable insights to senior leadership.
- Participate in site-based manufacturing rotations to gain hands-on experience in production planning, lean methodologies, and health & safety compliance.
- Engage with external suppliers to negotiate contract terms, ensuring adherence to our rigorous 'Compass' sustainability standards.
- Support the implementation of IoT-enabled 'Smart Factory' technologies to reduce carbon output and waste across distribution nodes.
- Take ownership of a high-impact 'continuous improvement' project, presenting your findings and business case to departmental directors.
Who We Are Looking For & Candidate Eligibility
- A minimum 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Data Science, Business, or any related STEM discipline.
- A passion for sustainable development and an interest in how technology can solve real-world environmental challenges.
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate complex technical data into meaningful business narratives.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams, demonstrating empathy and inclusive leadership potential.
- Resilience and adaptability when navigating change, especially in high-pressure, fast-paced operational environments.
- Right-to-work in the UK without restriction (Unilever provides limited visa sponsorship for exceptional international candidates).
- An entrepreneurial spirit, willing to challenge the status quo and propose innovative solutions to legacy operational processes.
Graduate Training, Rotations & Mentorship
This 24-month programme is structured across three primary rotations, providing you with a panoramic view of the Unilever supply chain ecosystem. You will rotate between logistics planning, manufacturing excellence, and digital transformation strategy. Each placement is designed to build your operational toolkit while allowing you to specialise in your areas of interest. Throughout this journey, you will be supported by a structured training curriculum covering topics from project management methodologies (Prince2, Agile) to advanced supply chain strategy.
Personal development is a pillar of our scheme. You will be assigned a dedicated line manager for day-to-day guidance, a 'buddy' from a previous graduate cohort to help you navigate company culture, and a senior mentor—a leader within the business—to assist with your long-term career planning. We also provide full financial support and study leave for professional qualifications such as APICS (CPIM/CSCP) or relevant Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) certifications.
Salary, Bonus & Benefits Package
- Competitive base salary of £37,000 per annum, reviewable after the first 12 months.
- Annual performance-based bonus scheme, typically ranging from 5-10% of base salary.
- Generous pension scheme: Unilever contributes 10-15% of your salary into a matched pension plan.
- 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, with the option to buy/sell up to 5 additional days.
- Comprehensive private healthcare coverage including mental health support and digital GP access.
- £500 hybrid working allowance to set up your home office for our flexible working policy.
- Excellent employee discounts on all Unilever products and access to various retail/lifestyle perks.
- Relocation assistance package available for those moving more than 50 miles for the role.
Recruitment Stages & How to Apply
- Online Application & CV: Submit your CV and a brief statement of purpose via our careers portal. We look for clarity, impact, and alignment with our sustainable values.
- Gamified Cognitive & Situational Judgement Tests: A series of short, immersive online challenges to assess your problem-solving, cognitive agility, and situational reasoning.
- On-Demand Video Interview: You will record responses to a set of behavioural questions, allowing us to understand your motivations and communication style.
- Virtual Assessment Centre: The final stage consists of a group exercise, a role-play scenario, and a technical case study presentation to senior managers.
Note: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; we encourage you to submit as early as possible as positions are filled upon meeting our high standard of requirements.