FOODS CATEGORY MANAGERS (STRATEGY & PLANNING)

At Unilever, we actively foster innovative ways of working, which is reflected in the talent we seek to attract. Our approach to business is both proactive and dynamic, and as we continue to grow, we are expanding our network of potential candidates for future opportunities in Category Strategy & Planning (CSP).

This network allows us to connect with professionals ahead of any formal vacancy. When a relevant and exciting opportunity arises, we will reach out to suitable candidates within this network.

We are looking to connect with individuals who have:

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in category management or key account management
• Proven experience in leading teams
• Strong analytical skills and familiarity with data sources such as Nielsen, IRI, GfK, SIS, and 7-even

Fluency in both Dutch and English, in spoken and written form, is a mandatory requirement for this position. Applicants who do not possess proficiency in these two languages will not be considered.

Local conditions apply to the position and for this vacancy in principle we will first consider candidates based in the Netherlands. If you are based outside of the Netherlands and you are interested to apply, we can only take your application on if a decision is made to also recruit outside of the Netherlands.

About Unilever

With 3.4 billion people in over 190 countries using our products every day, Unilever is a business that makes a real impact on the world. 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 we will equip you with the tools you need to shape your own future.

We want our business to flourish, and we know that our success depends on others flourishing around us. That's why our purpose is to make sustainable living commonplace, and why sustainable, long-term growth is at the heart of our business model.

Main Job Purpose

• Category Strategy & Planning is identified as a key capability and growth driver for the business and has been a core part of the Foods strategic growth levers.
• The CSP plays a crucial role as the voice of the customer & shopper in the business teams on the one hand, and in leading the delivery of the business plans in sales on the other.
• Externally, the CSP is the category expert for key customers in helping them grow their categories through objective advice on category strategy, promotion, shelf and assortment.
• Internally, the CSP is responsible for profitable growth of his/her Food categories by bringing category expertise in all customer and marketing plans, developing and driving category growth plans, leading the promotional, price and channel strategy, and driving efficient business processes like forecasting, planning, marketing-sales alignment and IBP.
• You will collaborate with our most important retail customers in developing category strategies based on customer, consumer and shopper insights.

Job Summary

As a Foods CS&P Manager, you will be the driving force behind the creation of category strategies and the translation into outstanding in-store execution. You will be the key link between Marketing, Customer Development and our Retail partners, ensuring that our innovations, relaunches, value strategies and activations are flawlessly delivered – on time, in full.

You will lead an impactful team (1 direct report and 1 intern), helping them grow while achieving strong business results. You will also work closely with retail category managers to co-create category plans that deliver profitable growth for both Unilever and the customer – with a sharp focus on value creation, promo effectiveness and strategic alignment.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the P&L of Unilever Food brands and make sure we deliver our business targets.
• Partner with Marketing in the creation of the best assortment and brand strategy.
• Act as a connector across functions – Customer Business Development, Marketing and Supply Chain – and navigate complex situations to deliver integrated, business-focused solutions.
• Ensure the team is the go-to category expert for customers, providing strategic guidance through data-driven insights, quarterly reviews and promo evaluations.
• Lead and execute high-impact projects such as value restoration, relaunches, promotion strategies and innovation roll-outs across the customer landscape.
• Represent the voice of the customer internally and influence brand strategy by embedding customer and category value drivers in key business decisions.
• Drive end-to-end ownership of transformation projects within the Business Unit and broader platform.
• Ensure our Trade Category Plans are created and delivered per key customer OTIF.

Key Requirements

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in category management or key account management.
• Proven experience in leading teams.
• Strong analytical skills and familiarity with data sources such as Nielsen, IRI, GfK, SIS, and 7-even.
• Excellent engagement, presentation, and communication skills, and an ability to manage a large and complex set of stakeholders.
• Ability to own & drive the agenda for the category (pro-active & independent worker).
• Strength in challenging others / holding others accountable, particularly cross-functional peers & senior partners.
• Drive for personal development for yourself and the team.
• Experience of the FMCG industry.
• Fluent in Dutch (native speaking) & English (spoken and written).

What Does Unilever Offer?

• Attractive total remuneration package; excellent company pension, bonus, share scheme, bike-plan.
• Flexible cross-disciplinary career opportunities and a wealth of training opportunities & wellbeing resources whenever and wherever.
• Plenty of company-paid holidays to further ensure your work-life balance is maintained.
• Informal culture and being the first one trying our new products.
• My Fitness Plan (reduction on your Fitness Subscription).
• Wellbeing weeks.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This is a free service for you and your relatives in case you might need help in a wide range of issues, including mental health, childcare, elderly care, legal advice, and more.
• Home work allowance.
• Company laptop and mobile phone.
• Green Mobility Policy.
• Under the Hybrid Working principles, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 40%-60% in the office or at customers, suppliers or partners to connect and collaborate. For the time you work from home, we will ensure you are well equipped. When you are at the office, you can enjoy our tasty canteen with prepped food and own products.