Global Packaging Sustainability Manager

Global Packaging Sustainability Manager – 12 month contract

Join us to apply for the Global Packaging Sustainability Manager – 12 month contract role at Unilever.

Reports to: Procurement Director – Plastics Feedstock & Sustainability
Function: Procurement – Feedstock & Sustainability
Employment type: Project‑Based (Full‑Time)

About Unilever
Unilever is a business that makes a real impact on the world. We work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We are driven by our purpose: to make sustainable living commonplace, and it is our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance. At the heart of what we do is our people – we believe that when our people work with purpose, we will create a better business and a better world.
At Unilever, your career will be a unique journey, grounded in our inclusive, collaborative, and flexible working environment. We don’t believe in the ‘one size fits all’ approach and instead will equip you with the tools you need to shape your own future.

Unilever is the place where you can bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world. If you are passionate about sustainability, are looking to make a difference in Plastics and help Unilever achieve its commitments, then this role is just for you!

Unilever has made significant external commitments on plastics within its strategy to transition to a circular economy. These commitments are to:

• Reduce our virgin plastic footprint by 30% by 2026 and 40% by 2028
• Ensure our plastic portfolio is recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2030 for rigid packaging and by 2035 for flexible packaging

• Act as the primary interface between Procurement and internal plastics sustainability teams; own the external strategy for supplier engagement and market shaping.
• Scan policy, industry and technology (e.g., PPWR, advanced recycling, collection systems) to inform sourcing strategy and risk/opportunity framing.
• Contribute to the strategic sourcing direction and execution of the Plastic Feedstock and Sustainability Team, ensuring alignment with global targets and business priorities.
• Translate sustainability ambitions into actionable roadmaps with clear milestones, KPIs and monitoring dashboards; set mechanisms to review progress with key stakeholders.
• Support the Net zero agenda for plastics.
• Lead PPWR‑related procurement readiness: supplier data collection, verification, gap closure and audit‑ready documentation in partnership with R&D, Regulatory and Digital teams.
• Build and scale strategic partnerships across the plastics value chain (resins, converters, recyclers, collectors) to expand supply of PCR, enhance true recyclability and improve infrastructure.
• Where relevant, support value chain intervention initiatives and equity/partnership models that unlock long‑term structural value.
• Represent Unilever externally where needed, building influential partnerships and advocating for industry‑wide change in plastic sustainability standards and practices.

• University degree in Packaging, Sustainability, Circular Economy or related field.
• Minimum 10+ years’ experience in Procurement, Supply Chain or R&D, ideally with plastic sustainability and recycling technologies partnership development experience.
• Strong project and programme management skills, with a proven track record of leading complex, multi‑disciplinary initiatives.
• Financial acumen for building business cases; familiarity with digital tools for reporting and analytics.
• Passion for sustainability.

• Deep expertise in plastic packaging and plastic waste management.
• Procurement literacy: sourcing processes, supplier management, contract levers, risk & performance management.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and interpersonal skills, with experience convening a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to drive action towards collective objectives.
• Project & programme management: proven ability to lead multi‑stakeholder programmes, set governance, and deliver outcomes at pace.
• Effective communication skills, internally…