Head of Retail Europe Ben & Jerrys

Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc.

Job Title: B&J Head of Retail, Europe              

Department: Retail & Customer Development

Reports To: Global Head of Scooping & NA Associate Director         

Location: Datchet (Primary) or Kingston (Secondary)

Level: 2B

Ben & Jerry’s:

Ben & Jerry's is an aspiring social justice company that believes in a greater calling than simply making and selling the world's best ice cream. The company produces a wide variety of super-premium ice cream and Non-Dairy/vegan desserts using high-quality ingredients and lots of big chunks and swirls. As a certified B Corp, Ben & Jerry's incorporates its vision of Linked Prosperity into its business practices via values-led sourcing initiatives when purchasing ingredients. Ben & Jerry's is distributed in over 35 countries in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, franchised Scoop Shops, and via on-demand delivery services.

Ben & Jerry's, a Vermont corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Unilever, operates its business on a three-part Mission Statement emphasizing product quality, a fair financial return, and addressing issues of social, racial, and environmental injustice around the globe. The Ben & Jerry's Foundation, guided by Ben & Jerry's employees, granted $3.7MM in 2021 to support progressive, justice-focused grassroots organizing around the country. For up-to-date information visit benjerry.com.

About the role:

As a Head of Retail, Europe, this leader partners with the Global Head of Scooping to determine the European Strategy while working with local teams to execute with excellence. They will work across a multitude of stakeholders including but not limited to regional retail operations teams, distributors, franchisees, industry partners, and internal B&J cross-functional teams. The European Head of Retail has exceptional knowledge of business operations, financial management, and relationship management. You will continuously assess the needs and opportunities across the European retail business, prioritize overall business objectives, integrate our core values, and ensure internal and external stakeholders (including franchisees or licensees) are working collaboratively together to bring the B&J brand experience to life for fans.

Who you are & what you’ll do:

• Responsible for managing the holistic B&J European Retail P&L, in partnership with finance to ensure sustainable, profitable, growth.

• Lead the implementation of Ben & Jerry’s retail strategies and development programs for Europe working closely with the Global retail team and local TMICC (Magnum Ice Cream Company) country teams.

• Set clear goals and objectives for the European Retail System in-line with company goals and be responsible for deploying regionally.

• They will work collaboratively and globally to ensure best practices in processes while keeping procedures up to date and ensuring standards are deployed locally in Europe.

• Determine the growth and business model strategy for Europe with the Global Head of Scooping while aligning to local TMICC European team objectives in-market.

• Partner with Global Retail Marketing & Strategy Manager to ensure marketing toolkits and needs are met within European Countries.

• Ensure operational and executional compliance within Europe focusing on maintaining and growing Brand Equity.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to be a key leader on the global retail team and ability to work across multiple levels within the organization.

What you’ll need to succeed:

• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in multi-unit franchise retail management position with an internationally recognized brand or similar field.
• Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of the retail industry, including franchise operations, financial management, and marketing strategies.
• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans that align with business objectives and drive growth.
• Financial Acumen: Strong financial management skills, including the ability to analyze financial data, develop budgets, and ensure profitability.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Cultural Competence: Experience working in a global environment and understanding of cultural differences and their impact on business operations.
• Core Values: Commitment to integrating Ben & Jerry’s core values into all aspects of the role, ensuring alignment with the company’s mission and vision

Work environment:

• Hybrid office environment (3 days a week in office).
• Travel required approximately 30% of the time.

As publicly announced, Unilever will separate its Ice Cream business which is expected by the end of 2025. This role will transfer to the new Ice Cream company.

Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. 

For the recruitment of this position, we would like to emphasize that local conditions apply to the position

ARE YOU EXCITED TO CRAFT THE ICE CREAM FUTURE?

To apply, you must do so online. Please do not forget to upload your CV and a motivation letter.  

Your application will be reviewed against our requirements, and we will be in touch shortly after the closing date to provide you with an update on the status of your application.

Disclaimer

Equal Opportunity Employer: Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.