Our Unilever Industrial Placement (IP) Programme is designed for students who are completing a year in industry as part of their degree studies. In the UK, our IP programme is a 12-month development scheme, for which we recruit top-performing undergraduate talent, with fresh ideas who are eager to gain exposure to real-world challenges. All new joiners are given real responsibility from day one and have an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the business. Alongside this, they receive one-to-one mentoring and support to aid their development and help them achieve their goals. These programmes provide a variety of experiences, enabling individuals to learn, grow, develop personally and professionally, build confidence and gain a comprehensive understanding of the business.
Unilever is one of the world's leading FMCG companies, home to iconic brands including Dove, Vaseline, TRESemmé, Lynx, Persil, Domestos, Surf, Radox, Sure and Liquid I.V. Through products used by millions of people every day, we help improve health, wellbeing, confidence and care around the world. Established over 100 years ago, Unilever has a proud heritage of innovation and a long-standing belief that great brands, great people and responsible business go hand in hand. Today, we are transforming into a faster, more focused growth company centred on Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care and Home Care. Through world-class brands, cutting-edge science and technology, digital innovation and AI-enabled capabilities, we are building unmissably superior products and experiences for consumers around the world. A career at Unilever offers the opportunity to work at global scale while helping shape the future of some of the world's most recognised brands. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, bringing curiosity, creativity and passion to solve real business challenges and make a meaningful impact every day.
A placement in Sustainability puts you at the heart of helping shape the long-term success of Unilever's business and the positive impact we create for people and the planet. Global Sustainability is Unilever's sustainability strategy and delivery engine. It connects long-term ambition, external influence, enterprise governance, performance management and data-driven insight, helping mobilise the entire business to deliver against our goals. As a Sustainability IP, you'll gain first-hand experience of how sustainability is embedded into business strategy, decision-making and growth. You'll work on some of the most important challenges and opportunities facing business today, helping to shape sustainability strategy, influence external stakeholders, drive business delivery and measure impact. You will work closely with colleagues across Sustainability, Communications and Corporate Affairs, as well as teams across Business Groups, Supply Chain, Procurement, R&D, Legal, Finance and other functions. This unique cross-functional exposure will help you understand how sustainability is integrated across a global business.
One of the unique aspects of this placement is the breadth of opportunities available across Sustainability. You could support teams setting sustainability strategy and governance, helping shape the long-term direction of the business and ensuring sustainability priorities are embedded across markets, BusinessGroups and functions. You may work with colleagues building the external conditions for success through advocacy, partnerships and stakeholder engagement, supporting Unilever's contribution to major societal and environmental challenges. Alternatively, you could focus on performance, reporting and insight, helping the business track progress, generate data‑driven recommendations and communicate impact to internal and external stakeholders. Depending on your placement, you may contribute to a range of sustainability priorities, including Climate, Nature, Plastics, Social Sustainability and Human Rights, Sustainability Strategy and Governance, Advocacy and Partnerships, Sustainability Performance and Reporting, or Data, Insights and Measurement. This means no two placements are the same. Whether you're helping shape strategy, analysing data, engaging stakeholders, contributing to reporting, supporting global advocacy programmes or delivering major milestones such as Climate Week, COP, the World Economic Forum or the United Nations General Assembly, you'll gain first‑hand experience of how sustainability drives long‑term business performance, resilience and growth.
We're looking for curious, proactive and collaborative individuals who are passionate about the role business can play in addressing social and environmental challenges. You'll enjoy solving complex problems, working with data and insights, analysing emerging trends and translating information into clear recommendations and communications. You'll be comfortable working across multiple topics and stakeholders, bringing fresh thinking and a willingness to learn. With a strong performance culture, challenging goals and continuous feedback, we'll help you achieve your potential in an inclusive environment. You'll gain exposure to real business challenges where your energy, ideas and perspective can make a genuine impact. No specific degree subject is required, although studies in Sustainability, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Politics, International Relations, Economics, Business, Social Sciences, Data Analytics or Communications may be beneficial.
Location: Hybrid working a minimum of 3 days required weekly at our Kingston office.
Applications open: Monday 12 October 2026
Applications close: This is a rolling deadline, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment in case applications close early.
Start date: June 2027
Complete an online application form before completing our interactive IP simulation, designed to give you insight into our organisation and the programme you’re applying for. This will prepare you for a series of situational judgement questions based on realistic business scenarios.
Complete a numerical reasoning assessment, an online test that measures your ability to interpret and draw conclusions from numerical data and verbal Reasoning assessment an online test that measures your ability to understand and evaluate written information.
Complete a video interview.
Attend a virtual pre‑screening interview with a member of our recruitment team.
Attend an in‑person discovery centre alongside fellow candidates. This will give you the opportunity to visit a Unilever office, meet and interview with business leaders, and work on function‑related business challenges.
At Unilever, diversity is about embracing differences, championing inclusion, creating possibilities, and growing together for better business performance. Join our vibrant and inclusive workplace that champions diversity and inclusion. We give full and fair consideration to all applicants, regardless of age, disability, gender reasignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. We are a key advocate of well‑being and offer a variety of support for our people including hubs, programmes, and development opportunities. We strive to achieve a family‑friendly and inclusive workplace and to, above all, create possibilities for all.
Do you require any adjustments in the application or assessment process? If you have any questions about your application, require reasonable adjustments to complete any part of the application process or wish to discuss any mitigating circumstances, please contact the Talent Acquisition team using the following details. If adjustments are required, the team will reach out to discuss available accessibility options. E.g., If required extending time spent in any ‘timebound’ assessments/interviews.
*We also provide accessibility options such as magnifying glass, decrease/increase font size, change font & colour, screen ruler, screen mask for everyone who would require support.
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