Formulation Scientist

Unilever PLC; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG company seeks a technical Hair Aerosol Formulation Scientist to develop innovative aerosol products. This full-time position in Port Sunlight involves formulating and packaging hair products like dry shampoos and hairsprays. Candidates should hold a BSc/MSc in a scientific discipline with experience in personal care formulation. Key responsibilities include leading product development projects and enhancing testing methodologies. The role offers competitive compensation and operates in a modern lab environment with several employee perks.

Benefits

Free onsite parking

Staff shop discounts

State-of-the-art laboratory facilities

Active clubs on site

Qualifications

• Understanding of aerosol products preferably with expertise in colloid science, polymer science, electrochemistry, or materials.
• Previous experience in personal care formulation science is desirable.
• Self-motivated and committed with a growth mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of hair aerosol products including formulation and packaging.
• Plan and execute experiments, generating and analyzing data.
• Create and optimize hair aerosol formulations to meet regulations and quality standards.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Technical skills

Communication skills

Consumer mindset

Education

BSc/MSc in relevant scientific discipline

Job description

Manpower are currently seeking an interim Hair Aerosol Formulation Scientist, to work with our global FMCG client Unilever, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, and become an integral part of their fast‑paced FMCG environment.

The position is based at our client’s scientific Research & Development facility in Port Sunlight Village, Wirral easily accessible by train and car. This is a full‑time temporary role to run until March 2027, requiring 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying between £31,205 and £37,665 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.

Business Context and Main Purpose of the Job

Unilever is a fast‑moving consumer goods company, and the global styling team is looking for an exceptional Hair Aerosol Formulation Scientist to help deliver innovative hair aerosol products that delight consumers. Our team has the unique advantage of being involved in new product development from concept through to launch, working across iconic brands such as Sunsilk, Tresemmé, Dove, Nexxus, Andrelon, and many more globally.

The role spans a diverse product range including dry shampoos, hairsprays, mousses, and emerging aerosol formats. It involves both formulation and packaging development to create final products that combine superior performance, sustainability, and cost‑effectiveness.

Our ambition is to create irresistible products that meet consumer needs while driving innovation and efficiency.

Main Accountabilities

• Lead the development of next‑generation hair aerosol products, covering both formulation and packaging aspects as well as straightening the current product range.
• Lead the hair aerosol innovation projects to a high standard by planning and executing experiments, generating and analysing data, drawing clear conclusions, and recommending next steps. Communicate findings effectively to stakeholders.
• Identify and develop new and existing benefits for hair aerosol formats, including hairsprays, dry shampoos, and mousses, ensuring alignment with consumer needs and market trends.
• Create and optimise hair aerosol formulations, ensuring adherence to all relevant regulations and quality standards.
• Define and drive the formulation and packaging agenda for hair aerosol formats, coordinating and executing qualification testing to support product manufacture and validation.
• Enhance current testing methodologies, generate robust data, and present insights with clear recommendations to inform decision‑making and future development.
• Plan and supervise the work of other team members, providing technical guidance, mentoring, and support to ensure high‑quality delivery and capability development across the team.

Direct Reports Key Interfaces

This position will report into senior manager. BRAND, CTI, other format’s, supply chain,

Essential Experience / Skills

• BSc/MSc in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Understanding of aerosol products preferred and ideally expertise in one or more of the following areas: colloid science, polymer science, electrochemistry, or material.
• Previous experience in personal care formulation science desirable.
• Excellent laboratory skills with the ability to translate experimental insights into innovative product opportunities.
• Ability to work independently and effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong technical skills combined with a passion for learning and exploring new technologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for clear reporting and stakeholder.
• Self‑motivated, hardworking, loyal, and committed, with a growth mindset and bias for action.
• Strong IT skills and a proactive approach to leveraging new digital tools and technologies.
• A consumer/customer‑centric mindset to ensure product relevance and appeal.

Port Sunlight working environment

• Free onsite parking
• Staff shop discounted products
• Working in state‑of‑the‑art laboratory and pilot plant facilities
• Free parking onsite
• 5 mins walk to train station serving Liverpool & Chester
• 20-minute drive from Liverpool city centre/30-minutes drive from Chester
• Disabled parking
• In the heart of picturesque Port Sunlight village
• There are also several site clubs available to join covering a range of topics including Book Club, Running, Choir, Pool, Genealogy and much more.
• The sites have three catering outlets which provide a range of hot and cold food and drinks daily.
• In addition there are a range of vending machines and cold water dispensers around the site accessible throughout the day.