Sustainability Innovation Manager Job Vacancy in Malkerns, Eswatini – Consumer Goods

Job Description

Position:Sustainability Innovation Manager

Company:Unilever Eswatini

Location:Malkerns, Eswatini

Experience:5+ years in sustainability, product development, or related fields

Education:Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Business Administration or related field; Master’s preferred

Employment Type:Full-time

Industry:Consumer Goods

Department:Sustainability & Innovation

Salary:SSP 30,000 – 45,000 per month

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Unilever Eswatini is a leading multinational consumer goods company dedicated to delivering sustainable, high‑quality products that improve everyday life. With a strong heritage of responsible business practices, Unilever operates across multiple categories including food, home care, and personal care, serving millions of consumers across Southern Africa. The company’s commitment to the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan drives innovation that reduces environmental impact while enhancing social value. As part of a global network, Unilever Eswatini benefits from world‑class research, development, and supply‑chain capabilities, offering a dynamic workplace where talent thrives and career growth is encouraged.

Operating from its state‑of‑the‑art facilities in Eswatini, Unilever collaborates closely with local farmers, suppliers, and community partners to promote sustainable sourcing, waste reduction, and circular economy initiatives. The organization’s culture emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and continuous learning, making it an attractive destination for professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact on both business performance and the planet.

Job Overview

The Sustainability Innovation Manager will lead the development and implementation of breakthrough sustainability projects that align with Unilever’s global goals and local market needs. This role is pivotal in identifying new product concepts, improving existing formulations, and integrating eco‑friendly practices across the value chain. Reporting to the Head of Sustainability, the manager will work cross‑functionally with R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Operations to embed sustainability at every stage of product lifecycle.

In this position, you will champion the creation of low‑impact packaging, explore renewable ingredient sourcing, and drive carbon‑reduction initiatives that resonate with environmentally conscious consumers. You will also serve as a key liaison with external stakeholders, including NGOs, government agencies, and industry groups, to ensure Unilever’s sustainability agenda remains at the forefront of industry standards. For more information about Unilever’s commitment to sustainable growth, visit https://eswatinijobsearch.com/.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a 3‑year sustainability innovation roadmap tailored to the Eswatini market.
• Lead cross‑functional project teams to design, test, and launch eco‑friendly product solutions.
• Identify and evaluate sustainable raw material alternatives, focusing on local sourcing and circularity.
• Collaborate with Marketing to craft compelling sustainability narratives that drive consumer engagement.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as carbon footprint, water usage, and waste reduction.
• Engage with external partners, including NGOs, research institutions, and government bodies, to stay abreast of regulatory changes and best practices.
• Prepare business cases and secure budget approval for high‑impact sustainability projects.
• Mentor junior team members and foster a culture of innovation throughout the organization.

Required Skills

• Strong analytical abilities with experience in life‑cycle assessment (LCA) and sustainability metrics.
• Excellent project management skills, including Agile or Prince2 methodologies.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate across diverse functional teams.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, for stakeholder engagement.
• Creative problem‑solving mindset with a passion for green product development.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in SiSwati is an advantage.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, Chemical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline is required. A Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., LEED, GRI) is highly desirable and will be considered an asset.

Experience

Minimum of five years of relevant experience in sustainability strategy, product innovation, or environmental management within the consumer goods sector. Demonstrated success in launching sustainable products or initiatives in emerging markets is preferred.

Salary

The role offers a competitive salary range of SSP 30,000 to 45,000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance‑based bonuses and long‑term incentive plans are also part of the total remuneration package.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Generous paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and community service days.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.
• Discounts on Unilever products and partner services.

Training

• On‑boarding program with sustainability immersion workshops.
• Access to Unilever’s global learning platform for continuous skill development.
• Support for professional certifications and attendance at industry conferences.
• Mentorship from senior sustainability leaders across the Unilever network.

Working Environment

Unilever Eswatini offers a collaborative, inclusive, and forward‑thinking workplace. Employees benefit from modern office facilities, flexible working arrangements, and a culture that encourages innovative thinking and sustainable practices. The company’s commitment to health, safety, and well‑being ensures a supportive environment where every team member can thrive.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their application through the Unilever careers portal, attaching a tailored CV and a cover letter outlining their sustainability achievements. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual interview followed by an on‑site assessment at our Malkerns office.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Unilever Eswatini is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.