Let’s meet Camilla!
Camilla De Totero is working for CLS Services, in her role as Assistant Manager Regulatory Affairs for Unilever International. When she started in 2021 it was a temporary position, because it was a new role that she could shape together with her line manager. The main focus is regulatory compliance as products will be introduced in new markets. Now the team has expanded and currently looks after global compliance of cosmetics, home care and food products. My current scope is cosmetics compliance in the EU and UK.
How did you meet CLS?
Purely coincidence. I was applying for jobs when I noticed a vacancy. I checked with a former Master colleague that worked there, if the position had already been filled. It was and she told me she received an offer for another vacancy - which she was not interested in - through a recruitment agency called CLS. I checked their website and applied. As from the very start they made me feel comfortable and were honestly interested in my background and career ambitions. CLS presented my profile to Unilever and after some meetings I got hired for the job.
Extra efforts
Since the start at Unilever, I have worked 100% remotely from Italy. I started in 2021 during COVID and after that, my line manager agreed on my request to stay working remotely. CLS has been putting extra efforts into making it work for me. They had to make financial investments to make sure I stayed an Italian resident and could live with my family. It also means they have to align with Dutch and Italian policies and regulatory. At the time I was pregnant f.e., they had to align with the Italian maternity leave of 5 months. I never heard them talking about costs, they were just very happy for me to become a mother.
What is secondment and what does it mean in practice for you?
Any work-related matters I discuss with my line managers at Unilever. I am at CLS’s payroll list; I arrange all the administrative matters like holidays or sick leave with them. I could contact them anytime, also about things at work that I am worrying about. They are good listeners and coach me whenever necessary. What I truly like is that they also call me just to catch up. They are interested in my wellbeing.
How does CLS help you in your career development?
I have a fixed term contract, which means I am looking for a new job soon. My wish is to stay in Italy, so for CLS it means I can only apply for remote-only jobs in The Netherlands. I have also been exploring courses in medical devices or pharmaceutical regulatory affairs to expand my knowledge. I can openly discuss my career ambitions with CLS, and they are willing to guide and support me in exploring new options for my professional growth.
Anything more to add?
The relationship with the CLS team is a really happy coincidence of my life. They are approachable, genuinely human, and always willing to listen to my needs. I truly value their flexibility and the importance they place on work–life balance, which makes them a great agency to collaborate with. Taking good care of their people is not just a quote, they actually do so. For that I am really thankful.
