Assistant Innovation Manager Review

I had a range of projects across different brands and it was my responsibility to ensure they all launched on time and without issues. These projects consist of different innovations or renovations on different brands. I lead meetings and interact with a wider (internal and external) cross-functional team. I need to rely on the team for their expertise and ensure they complete project tasks on time. I had to solve issues quickly and influence decisions that were made.

Although not applying for this placement i would not change it as I've been able to develop my soft skills so much. It has massively improved my project management skills, confidence in presenting and leading meetings as well as a sense of professionalism. As I have worked with so many people I have learnt to trust others expertise and also be able to delegate when necessary. I have been able to understand different processes in how new products come to life and end up on shelf but also the structure of a large FMCG like Unilever.

Definitely! I was responsible for managing high business priority projects, presenting those projects to senior leaders and ensuring they are all launched on time and to a Unilever standard. This was a very tangible role and was able to see the products, that I started and managed, in store. As the project manager i was responsible for solving issues that came up along the projects progression and needed to make sure that we as a team could solve them without falling behind on deadlines. It was also my responsibility to manage the wider team and make sure that they were actioning all their tasks within deadlines.

My wider innovation team and line manager were incredibly supportive throughout my placement especially because everything was virtual due to COVID. My line manager was always very quick to respond if I was having any issues and the whole team had different weekly catch ups to check in with each other. I felt that there was not loads of support from the future leaders team in terms of making sure our placements were going smoothly or connecting us to other IPs - this meant we needed to be more proactive in reaching out.

Due to COVID I wasn't able to fully experience the culture and all the amazing extra activities that would happen outside the office, but I found that everyone was always very friendly and up for talk to me about what they do (because networking is really hard from behind a screen). So because of this there weren't too many company wide events but we had a few team socials and every week would have virtual team drinks.

At the beginning of this placement, I was very sceptical of this year as I had initially applied for Supply chain but was put into a Marketing role. but over the year I have gained so much experience in project managing and developed my soft skills which will be transferable to all other roles that I could do in the future. So although not being in a factory as I would have liked I have earned so much more understanding and my team was amazing.

Yes

There are such a wider range of jobs at Unilever and applying to be an IP or graduate in any function you could end up in there one of many different roles. So keep this in mind so that you aren't disappointed and remember its all good experience. The application process is very different to others and wants to know about your purpose in life and how you will fit with Unilever's purpose and sustainable living plan. I was inspired to join because its a massive manufacturing company and has huge sustainability goals.