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, digital manufacturing, and sustainable logistics. By joining the Supply Chain & Sustainable Technology stream, you are entering an organisation that views the climate emergency as a central business challenge. We don’t just move products; we move ideas into reality, leveraging AI, IoT, and carbon-neutral logistics to drive efficiency.
This graduate intake is pivotal to our 'Compass' strategy, designed to make sustainable living commonplace. We are looking for the next generation of logistics experts, digital engineers, and operational managers who are prepared to rethink the traditional supply chain. Through this programme, you will contribute directly to our ambition of reaching net zero emissions across our value chain by 2039, ensuring that our growth is consistent, profitable, and fundamentally sustainable.
What You'll Do & Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end supply chain projects, from raw material procurement through to final product distribution to major UK retailers.
- Utilise advanced data analytics tools (SAP, PowerBI, and cloud-based predictive modelling) to optimise warehouse inventory levels and reduce waste.
- Collaborate with cross-functional R&D and Sustainability teams to implement sustainable packaging solutions that reduce plastic footprint.
- Participate in site visits to manufacturing centres to observe digital transformation initiatives and automated robotics in action.
- Engage with senior stakeholders to present operational insights and business cases for new sustainable technology investments.
- Manage supplier relationships, ensuring ethical sourcing standards are met in alignment with Unilever’s Global Principles.
- Identify and mitigate risks within the supply network, particularly in response to fluctuating market demands and global supply chain disruptions.
Who We Are Looking For & Candidate Eligibility
- Minimum 2:1 degree in any discipline, though STEM or Supply Chain Management degrees are highly desirable.
- Demonstrable analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex datasets and translate them into actionable operational strategy.
- Evidence of strong leadership potential through extracurricular activities, sports, or previous internship experience.
- A passion for sustainability and a genuine curiosity about how technology can solve global supply chain challenges.
- Excellent communication skills, capable of influencing senior managers and working within diverse, international teams.
- Resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced, ever-changing retail environment.
- Must possess the legal right to work in the UK for the duration of the programme (Unilever provides visa sponsorship where eligible for specific international candidates).
Graduate Training, Rotations & Mentorship
The 24-month structured programme is designed to provide you with a holistic view of our business through three distinct 8-month rotations. Each rotation places you in a critical business area, such as Global Logistics, Factory Operations, or Digital Supply Chain Planning. You will gain exposure to different facets of the organisation, ensuring you develop a comprehensive skillset that prepares you for a permanent leadership role upon graduation from the scheme.
Support is integral to our culture. You will be paired with a senior mentor who has a deep history within the supply chain division, providing you with guidance on career progression and leadership development. Additionally, you will be assigned a 'graduate buddy'—a former graduate who can offer practical advice on navigating day-to-day life at Unilever. You will also receive financial and study support for relevant professional qualifications, such as CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) or APICS certifications.
Salary, Bonus & Benefits Package
- Competitive base salary of £36,000 to £38,000 per annum.
- Annual performance-related bonus scheme.
- Generous pension scheme with employer matching up to 10%.
- 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Private medical insurance and comprehensive wellbeing programmes.
- Hybrid working allowance to support your flexible home-office setup.
- Annual product allowance to use on our wide range of household and beauty brands.
- Relocation assistance available if a rotation requires a temporary move away from the London hub.
Recruitment Stages & How to Apply
- Online Application: Submit your CV and a brief covering statement highlighting your interest in sustainable supply chain operations.
- Gamified Assessments: Complete our digital cognitive and situational judgement tests designed to assess problem-solving style and cultural alignment.
- On-Demand Video Interview: Record responses to structured questions focused on your motivations, leadership style, and approach to complex scenarios.
- Virtual Assessment Centre: The final stage involves a group exercise, a technical case study, and a one-on-one interview with a senior leader. We operate on a rolling basis; early application is highly recommended to secure your spot.