Design & Technology Manager

About the role

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 Trumbull, 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead Horizon 2/3 technology strategy and execution across Wellbeing Collective brands.
• Identify, incubate, and assess emerging technologies and innovations for future pipeline integration.
• Build and manage a pipeline of transformational projects from ideation to scale-up.
• Develop new products and improve formulations through science-led innovation.
• Optimize and validate formulations to ensure quality, scalability, and regulatory compliance.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate ingredients, formats, and delivery systems; translate insights into decisions.
• Establish technologies and processes for lab- and pilot-scale development to enable commercialization.
• Define and manage specifications across formulation, process, packaging, and quality systems.
• Troubleshoot technical and manufacturing challenges to ensure robust product performance.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory, and legal requirements.
• Apply analytical techniques to characterize product attributes and meet quality benchmarks.
• Support shelf-life and stability programs; drive improvements to enhance product longevity.
• Collaborate cross-functionally (Packaging, CMI, Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory, Brand) to deliver innovation.
• Build strong internal and external networks, including partnerships with research organizations, startups, and academia.
• Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory developments.
• Ensure governance, risk management, safety, and environmental compliance in all activities.
• Maintain accurate R&D documentation, including formulations, data, and SOPs.
• Uphold safety, quality, and environmental standards across lab and manufacturing environments.
• Anticipate and mitigate technical, regulatory, and competitive risks.
• Communicate progress, insights, and recommendations to senior stakeholders.

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.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $103,000 to $154,400. Unilever takes into consideration a wide range of factors that are utilized in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, qualifications and education, and other business and organizational needs.

Benefits

Unilever employees are eligible to participate in our benefits plan. Should the employee choose to participate, they can choose from a range of benefits to include, but is not limited to, health insurance (including prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage), retirement savings benefits, life insurance and disability benefits, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, as well as access to numerous voluntary benefits. Any coverages for health insurance and retirement benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.