About the Company & Graduate Programme
Unilever is a global powerhouse of consumer goods, home to over 400 brands that reach 3.4 billion people daily. From Dove to Hellmann’s, our products are a staple in households worldwide. In the UK, we operate at the cutting edge of logistics and technology, ensuring that sustainability is baked into every stage of our supply chain. Our operations are becoming increasingly digitized, leveraging AI and data analytics to minimize waste and optimize carbon efficiency, making us a leader in the global transition to a circular economy.
Our Graduate Programme is designed to shape the next generation of business leaders who are as passionate about the planet as they are about operational excellence. As a graduate in our Supply Chain & Sustainable Tech stream, you will work at the intersection of logistics, procurement, and digital innovation. This programme is pivotal to our Compass strategy, providing you with the autonomy to lead real-world projects that impact our carbon footprint and logistics efficiency, supported by a global organization committed to your professional development and leadership trajectory.
What You'll Do & Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end supply chain projects, from demand planning to final distribution, focusing on reducing logistics-related carbon emissions.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate IoT and predictive analytics tools into our warehouse and manufacturing workflows.
- Engage with senior stakeholders to present business cases for sustainable procurement and supply chain optimization strategies.
- Manage relationships with third-party logistics (3PL) providers, ensuring compliance with both service levels and our rigorous sustainability standards.
- Conduct deep-dive data analysis to identify process bottlenecks and implement lean manufacturing methodologies.
- Support the digitalization of our procurement platforms using SAP S/4HANA and cloud-based supply chain management software.
- Participate in site-based rotations at our manufacturing facilities, getting hands-on experience with automated packaging and distribution technologies.
Who We Are Looking For & Candidate Eligibility
- Degree Disciplines: We welcome applications from STEM (Engineering, Data Science, Physics), Business, Economics, or Supply Chain Management graduates.
- Academic Achievement: A minimum 2:1 degree classification (or equivalent) in your chosen discipline.
- Analytical Mindset: A data-driven approach to solving complex, ambiguous operational problems.
- Leadership Potential: Demonstrable evidence of leading teams, clubs, or projects during your academic or extracurricular career.
- Sustainability Advocacy: A genuine passion for driving environmental impact and corporate social responsibility.
- Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders at various organizational levels.
- Right to Work: You must have the legal right to work in the UK for the duration of the programme (we provide support for graduate visa holders).
Graduate Training, Rotations & Mentorship
The 24-month structured programme consists of three 8-month rotations, ensuring you gain a comprehensive understanding of the supply chain ecosystem. These placements are designed to stretch your capabilities, moving you between strategic procurement, operational logistics, and digital product management. You will be encouraged to pursue formal professional qualifications, with full sponsorship and study leave provided for certifications such as CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply), APICS, or specialized AWS cloud certification.
Learning is at the heart of your experience. Upon joining, you will be assigned a 'buddy'—a graduate from a previous cohort to help you settle in—and a senior mentor from the Supply Chain Leadership team who will guide your long-term career aspirations. Furthermore, you will have access to our internal Learning Hub, providing on-demand training in leadership, data visualization tools, and agile project management methodologies, ensuring you are well-equipped to navigate the future of work.
Salary, Bonus & Benefits Package
- Competitive base salary of £37,000 per annum.
- Annual performance-related bonus scheme (typically 5-10% of base salary).
- Generous pension scheme with employer match up to 10%.
- 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and an additional 'wellbeing' day.
- Private medical insurance and mental health support services.
- Monthly hybrid working allowance to cover costs for flexible home-office equipment.
- Comprehensive relocation assistance package for candidates moving within the UK for site-based rotations.
Recruitment Stages & How to Apply
- Online Application & CV: Submit your application through our portal. Ensure your CV highlights your academic achievements and leadership experiences.
- Gamified Cognitive & Situational Judgement Tests: Our online assessments test your problem-solving abilities and alignment with our Unilever values.
- On-Demand Video Interview: You will record responses to behavioral and motivational questions at a time that suits you.
- Virtual Assessment Centre: The final stage consists of a group exercise, a data analysis task, and a technical presentation to senior leadership.
Applications are processed on a rolling basis, so early submission is strongly encouraged to secure your place in the programme.