Year in Industry
Working For Unilever and a Diploma of Industrial Studies
2015-2016
Working in the International Fast Moving Consumer Goods Industry
Global brands and recognition
Sustainability was essential while working for Unilever
Working in the International Fast Moving Consumer Goods Industry
My Role at Unilever
During my placement, I worked in Procurement for the international fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) company Unilever. I was a Procurement Assistant for Closures and Assemblies operating in Europe. This meant I was responsible for managing roughly 120 contracts, with an approximate worth of 120 million pounds.
My main responsibilities included:
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Ensuring suppliers remained compliant with Unilever standards, for both Quality and Responsible Sourcing
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Creating contracts and making sure suppliers sign them. This involved negotiations, tender processes and detailed cost/capacity calculations
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Using cost models to analyse our portfolio for saving opportunities
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Collecting supplier information, audit information, closure savings (information/analysis) and engineering drawings
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Training my replacement with the skills and information necessary for the role as procurement assistant
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Working with suppliers to overcome challenges with capacity, machines, quality and costs
Training & Achievements
Diploma of Industrial Studies
I completed a dissertation on the Unilever cost model for modelling the injection molding process. The aim of the project was to train future employees and to evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of the model in negotiations. I also held a presentation on a Mold Management Course I organised. Upon completing my placement year I was awarded a Diploma of Industrial Studies (DIS) highlighting my experience in the engineering industry.
Mold Management Course
I organised and attended a Mold Management Course which significantly developed my understanding of the injection molding process. The course invited over 20 delegates from around the world. I gained experience from industry professionals such as mold makers, hot runner manufacturers and innovation managers. I learned through lectures and practical exercises, ranging from simulated negotiations to using injection molding machines. We covered mold design and manufacturing, the Unilever management processes, the injection molding process and hot runner designs.
This was a great opportunity to develop my organisational and team skills and further develop my knowledge of the injection molding process. To finish the course we had to pass a written test where I achieved a score of 96%.
Innovation Open Day with a Global Supplier
This was a two day meeting during which Unilever's design, research and procurement teams met with a global packaging supplier. We brainstormed new product concepts and evaluated existing packaging designs.
Commercial and Financial Skills
Once I had finished my placement, I had a greater understanding of financial terminology, procurement systems, invoicing and negotiation.
Mentoring and Managing
I was responsible for training my successor with the skills needed for the role. I enjoyed mentoring and I would like to continue building this skill.
Final Result:
Dissertation: 1st
Presentation: 1st
Personal Development Report: 1st
Diploma of Industrial Studies: Achieved
Overall: 1st
Feedback Extract from my placement tutor Dr Joanna Szmelter: 'Very good report- well written technical information, showing in depth understanding of the subject matter which is very broad and multidisciplinary. Good writing style.'
After my placement I had my contract extended by two months. My line manager rated my placement with the second highest grade and I was pleased with this result. My time at Unilever helped me develop as a person and gave me increased motivation for my final year at university.