UFS Global Technical Culinary Advisor Lead

Job Details

Unilever Food Solutions (UFS) is a global market leader in Food Service, operating in over 76 countries and serving chefs with a B2B business model.

Job purpose

Based in Rotterdam and reporting to the UFS Global CPU Strategy, Sales & Operations Lead, the Global Technical Culinary Advisor Lead serves as the primary global contact for guiding local technical culinary advisors and frontline teams on defined Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This role builds community knowledge and creates a global database of solutions by collaborating within a cross-functional CPU squad that includes Marketing, R&D, Supply Chain, Finance, and CMI members.

As a key member of the Global UFS Customer Development team, the Global Technical Culinary Advisor plays a pivotal role in driving overall UFS performance and supporting markets in partnering with key CPU customers worldwide.

Key stakeholders

• Global UFS CPU Squad Team (Rotterdam)
• CPU Customer Development Leads (CD) in markets (PUs)
• CPU Technical Culinary Advisors (CD) in markets (PUs)
• UFS Central R/D & QA & Supply Chain (processing – plant trial) Teams

Main responsibilities

• Global Technological Expertise: Act as subject matter expert in advanced food technology categories, ensuring global standards and driving product development initiatives.
• Product Formulation Leadership: Specialize in core technology platforms—covering dehydration, IMF wet systems, frozen applications, emulsions, dressings, and mayonnaise—within diverse product segments such as Salads, Sandwiches, Coated Dishes, Seasonings, Sauces, Meal Dishes, Potato Products, Filled Pasta, Spreads, DCA, and processed food ingredients.
• Sensory & Analytical Excellence: Apply advanced sensory science and analytical methodologies to guarantee superior product quality and consistency.
• Innovation & Harmonization Projects: Lead cross-functional projects focused on recipe formulation, from raw material harmonization to breakthrough innovation initiatives that accelerate category growth and strengthen market competitiveness.
• Capability Development & Global Process Management: Implement global Skills Audit Process for CPU Technical Culinary Advisor teams, enabling strategic talent development and capability building across regions.
• Virtual R&D Leadership: Act as culinary lead and trainer for virtual research and development programs, including the Recipe Approval Process (RAP) and Culinary Gold Standard Methodology, ensuring excellence, consistency, and operational efficiency in product development worldwide.
• Culinary Insights & Research: Conduct in-depth culinary insights research to identify emerging trends, consumer preferences, and innovation opportunities, translating findings into actionable strategies for future product pipelines.

What you need to succeed

Experiences & Qualifications

Product Development & Formulation

• Advanced capability in designing and optimizing recipes for large-scale production.
• Expertise in balancing flavor, texture, and nutritional profile while ensuring cost efficiency.
• Skilled in reformulation for clean-label, plant-based, and allergen-free products.

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

• In-depth knowledge of GMP standards for food production environments.
• Ability to implement and audit compliance protocols across multiple production lines.
• Strong understanding of documentation and traceability requirements.

Nutrition Science & Application

• Competence in nutritional analysis and fortification strategies.
• Ability to align product development with dietary guidelines and health trends.
• Experience in creating nutritionally balanced menus for diverse consumer needs.

Food Allergens & Intolerance Management

• Expertise in allergen risk assessment and cross-contamination prevention.
• Development of allergen-safe formulations and labeling compliance.
• Training teams on allergen handling and regulatory requirements.

Emulsion Technology

• Deep understanding of emulsion stability and functionality in sauces, dressings, and processed foods.
• Ability to troubleshoot separation issues and optimize emulsifier systems.

Dehydration Process Knowledge

• Proficiency in dehydration techniques (freeze-drying, spray-drying, air-drying).
• Understanding moisture control, shelf-life extension, and flavor retention.

Aseptic Processing

• Knowledge of aseptic filling and sterilization technologies for liquid and semi-liquid products.
• Ability to ensure microbiological safety and maintain product integrity.

Sensory & Analytical Evaluation

• Skilled in sensory panel design, data interpretation, and consumer testing.
• Competence in analytical methods for texture, flavor, and shelf-life validation.

Project Management

• Strong ability to lead cross-functional projects from concept to commercialization.
• Expertise in timeline management, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication.
• Familiarity with Lean and Six Sigma principles for process optimization.

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Advanced knowledge of HACCP, ISO 22000, and local regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to design and enforce sanitation SOPs for high-volume production.
• Skilled in risk analysis and preventive control implementation.

Core Skills & Strategic Capabilities

Culinary Concept Development & Brand Activation

• Expertise in translating brand identity into innovative culinary concepts that resonate with target audiences.
• Ability to design scalable recipes and menu solutions aligned with brand positioning and operational feasibility.
• Skilled in activating concepts through compelling storytelling and experiential marketing.

Product Innovation & Renovation

• Proven track record in creating breakthrough products and revitalizing existing portfolios to meet evolving consumer needs.
• Strong capability in balancing creativity with technical feasibility and cost optimization.
• Familiarity with sustainability-driven innovation and clean-label reformulation.

Consumer & Market Insight Analysis & Trends

• Ability to interpret market data, consumer behavior, and emerging culinary trends to guide strategic decisions.
• Skilled in leveraging insights for proactive product development and competitive differentiation.
• Competence in forecasting trend adoption and translating insights into actionable innovation pipelines.

Culinary Demonstrations & Training

• Expertise in delivering impactful culinary presentations for internal teams, clients, and industry events.
• Ability to design and conduct hands-on training programs for chefs, production teams, and sales staff.
• Skilled in using demonstrations as a tool for customer engagement and brand advocacy.

Digital Content & Visual Briefing

• Proficiency in creating visually compelling briefs for photography, videography, and digital campaigns.
• Ability to collaborate with creative teams to ensure culinary authenticity in digital assets.
• Skilled in leveraging social media and digital platforms for culinary storytelling and brand amplification.

Quality Approval & Sensory Evaluation

• Strong capability in leading sensory panels and ensuring product consistency across production units.
• Expertise in defining quality benchmarks and approving products for market launch.
• Competence in troubleshooting sensory deviations and maintaining brand standards.

Strategic Customer Engagement

• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key accounts and strategic partners.
• Skilled in co-creating solutions with customers to drive loyalty and long-term partnerships.
• Experience in presenting culinary innovations as value propositions for business growth.

International Networking & Culinary Culture Promotion

• Active engagement in global culinary communities to exchange knowledge and foster innovation.
• Ability to integrate diverse culinary traditions into product development for multicultural markets.
• Skilled in promoting culinary heritage and authenticity as a brand differentiator.

Financial Project P&L Management

• Competence in managing project budgets, cost structures, and profitability analysis.
• Ability to align culinary innovation with financial objectives and operational constraints.
• Skilled in delivering projects within budget while maximizing value creation.

Strategic Contributions

Brand Activation

• Designed and developed innovative recipes aligned with brand identity and consumer expectations.
• Provided culinary direction for photo and video shoots, ensuring visual authenticity and product appeal.
• Collaborated on advertising scripts and creative briefs to integrate culinary storytelling into marketing campaigns.

Innovation & Renovation

• Led the ideation and development of new culinary concepts, balancing creativity with operational feasibility.
• Briefed creative agencies and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with brand strategy and technical requirements.
• Adapted global concepts to local taste profiles, cultural preferences, and regulatory standards.

Customer Engagement

• Acted as a trusted brand ambassador, representing culinary expertise in client meetings and industry events.
• Delivered high-impact cooking demonstrations and experiential sessions to showcase product benefits and applications.
• Partnered with key accounts to co-create tailored solutions that drive customer loyalty and business growth.

Digital & Visual Content

• Approved and guided photo/video shoots to maintain culinary integrity and brand consistency.
• Provided expert input for digital platforms, ensuring engaging and accurate culinary representation.
• Collaborated with marketing teams to create compelling content for social media and e-commerce channels.

Training & Capability Building

• Designed and delivered training programs for sales teams, enhancing product knowledge and culinary confidence.
• Promoted culinary culture internally through workshops, knowledge-sharing sessions, and best-practice guidelines.
• Supported operational teams with technical training on product handling and preparation.

Competitor & Consumer Insights

• Conducted in-depth evaluations of competitor products to identify gaps and opportunities for differentiation.
• Participated in consumer research panels and sensory studies to validate product concepts and optimize formulations.
• Translated insights into actionable strategies for innovation and market positioning.

What is in it for you?

• Attractive total remuneration package: excellent company pension, bonus, share scheme.
• 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.
• Under the Hybrid Working principles, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 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.
• Informal culture and being the first one trying our new products.
• My Fitness Plan (reduction on your Fitness Subscription).
• Homework allowance.
• Company laptop and mobile phone.
• Green Mobility Policy.